UPDATE: The term “heteroflexible” is rapidly gaining traction, with a staggering 193 percent increase in its identification within the UK over the past year, according to the 2025 Raw Report from dating app Feeld. This surge marks it as the fastest-growing sexual identity, redefining how millions approach relationships and attraction.
Heteroflexible typically describes individuals who primarily identify as straight but are open to sexual or romantic experiences with the same sex. This evolving identity is particularly popular among Millennials, who make up approximately two-thirds of heteroflexible users. The trend highlights a generational shift toward flexibility in sexual orientation, driven by a broader acceptance of diverse identities.
Officials at Feeld emphasize that this identity allows people to explore connections without the constraints of traditional labels. “We’re seeing a surge in people exploring connection and playfulness in authentic, fluid ways,” said Dina Mohammad-Laity, vice president of data at Feeld. This growing openness is reshaping dating cultures in urban centers, with Berlin emerging as the world’s most heteroflexible city.
In the United States, around 15 percent of the population now identifies as heteroflexible, translating to tens of millions of people who do not feel fully represented by traditional categories. The data suggests that cities like New York are also experiencing rapid growth in bisexual identities, reflecting a broader trend of sexual fluidity across demographics.
However, the rise of heteroflexibility has sparked debate within the LGBTQ+ community. Critics argue that it risks diluting existing identities, particularly within bisexual and pansexual circles that have long fought for visibility. Yet, experts like Dr. Luke Brunning from the University of Leeds argue that these evolving identities indicate a growing comfort with complexity in human attraction.
“The fact that individuals are identifying in ways that reflect their experiences is a sign of progress,” Dr. Brunning stated. “It would be surprising if people were never curious about their same-sex attraction or if attraction conformed to rigid definitions.”
This shift toward a more fluid understanding of sexuality resonates strongly with younger generations, who have been raised amid strict categorizations but are now empowered by limitless choices. The term “heteroflexible” provides a space for curiosity, context, and change, allowing individuals to define their experiences on their own terms.
As the conversation around sexual identity continues to evolve, the implications of this trend are profound. The ongoing dialogue about what it means to be heteroflexible may pave the way for further acceptance and understanding of diverse sexual identities.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as society adapts to new understandings of love and attraction.