Bisexuality is defined as an attraction to people of more than one gender, usually male and female. It can be either physical, emotional, or romantic. Bisexual individuals may identify as gay, lesbian, queer, pansexual, fluid, nonbinary, transgender, agender, cisgender, or straight. They are attracted to both men and women but do not identify as exclusively heterosexual or homosexual. Despite this, bisexual individuals often face discrimination, stigma, and prejudice from both LGBTQ+ communities and mainstream society. This leads to feelings of confusion, isolation, anxiety, shame, fear, self-doubt, and low self-esteem.
Bisexual individuals who accept their identity and embrace contradictions and uncertainty experience existential growth. Here's how:
Acceptance of Contradictions
To grow, bisexual individuals must first acknowledge that they will always experience contradictory desires, attractions, identities, relationships, and lifestyles.
They may desire intimacy with both men and women simultaneously or switch between them throughout life. They may have opposite preferences for partners in terms of appearance, personality traits, values, interests, behaviors, and cultural backgrounds. Accepting these contradictions allows bisexuals to integrate all aspects of their identity without suppressing any part.
Embracing Uncertainty
Bisexual individuals must embrace the uncertainty of their sexuality. Their attraction is not a choice nor a result of a lack of self-control. It can be influenced by biological factors such as brain chemistry, hormones, genetics, and childhood environment. Therefore, bisexuals should trust their instincts and act accordingly without expecting others to validate or understand them fully. By doing so, they will develop confidence and resilience against external pressures and internal doubts.
Challenging Stereotypes
Bisexual people should challenge stereotypes about their sexuality. They are often seen as promiscuous, confused, greedy, undecided, indecisive, and unstable. Such labels limit their personal development and potential. Bisexuals must confront these misconceptions, educate themselves, advocate for change, and empower other members of the community. By doing so, they create opportunities for growth and inspire positive changes in society's attitude towards LGBTQ+ individuals.
How do bisexual individuals experience existential growth through the acceptance of contradiction and uncertainty?
Bisexual individuals may find that accepting the contradictions and uncertainties associated with their identity can lead to personal growth by allowing them to embrace multiple identities and perspectives. Existentialism emphasizes the idea that humans are responsible for creating meaning in their lives and making choices based on their individual values and beliefs.