Bisexual

u·ni·sex adjective of, designed, or suitable for both sexes; not distinguishing between male and female; undifferentiated as to sex: unisex clothes.

I have long been puzzled by this word, “unisex.” The prefix uni- means “one”: unilateral, unicameral, etc. So you would think that “unisex” means it’s for one sex. Not two. And yet, the word is supposed to mean “for both genders.”

I have often referred to names like Jamie or Taylor that can be used for both genders as being bisexual. The prefix bi- means “two.” The names are for two genders. Therefore, it seems completely appropriate, right? And yet people keep correcting me. “You mean unisex,” they say, and I say, “no, I mean it’s for both genders, so it’s bisexual.”

But, to be fair, many people don’t identify their gender as male or female, so perhaps it’s a bit exclusionary to say bisexual. Perhaps we should say omnisexual or pansexual. Or even multisexual.

Regardless, I think it’s time we stop using the confusing word “unisex.” It’s just plain misleading.

Think about it. Next time you’re using your multisexual bathroom at home.

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