Bisexual erasure is the act of dismissing or denying someone's identity because they are attracted to more than one gender. This can be done intentionally or unintentionally. It can happen when people assume that a bisexual person must be gay, straight, or "confused." It can also happen when people ignore their identity entirely. Bisexual erasure can impact an individual's self-concept, identity integration, relational satisfaction, and emotional resilience.
Self-concept refers to how a person sees themselves. When someone is bisexual, they may feel like they don't fit into society's binary categories of male/female or heterosexual/homosexual. They may struggle to find representation in media, culture, and other social spaces. They may question whether they are valid, or if others will accept them. This can lead to feelings of isolation, shame, and low self-esteem. Bisexual erasure can make it harder for someone to feel comfortable being open about their sexuality. They may hide their true selves to avoid judgment or rejection. This can create tension within their relationships, as well as stress from hiding who they are. This can affect their mental health and overall sense of self.
Identity integration is the process of integrating multiple aspects of oneself. This includes cultural background, ethnicity, religion, gender, and sexuality. For a bisexual person, this can be difficult. They may face pressure to choose one label over another, or to conform to expectations based on what gender(s) they are attracted to. They may not feel accepted by either community. They may feel alone or misunderstood. Bisexual erasure can exacerbate these issues, making it more challenging for someone to understand and embrace all parts of their identity. It can also make it harder for them to find support groups or communities that validate their experiences. This can impact their ability to form strong connections with others and build resilience.
Relational satisfaction refers to how satisfied an individual feels in their current relationship(s). When someone is bisexual, they may face discrimination and rejection from potential partners. They may feel like they must hide their identity to maintain a relationship. They may fear coming out because of potential consequences. All of these factors can negatively impact their relational satisfaction. Bisexual erasure can also lead to negative stereps about bisexuals, such as promiscuity or confusion. These assumptions can harm both romantic and platonic relationships, leaving bisexuals feeling unsupported and unwanted. This can contribute to low relational satisfaction and emotional distress.
Emotional resilience is the ability to cope with stressors and bounce back after adversity. When someone is bisexual, they may experience higher levels of stress due to prejudice, stigma, and lack of representation. They may struggle to find resources or role models who understand their experiences. This can leave them feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Bisexual erasure can add to this burden, leaving individuals struggling to find support systems or coping mechanisms. They may have difficulty managing their emotions and processing trauma. This can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
How does bisexual erasure influence self-concept, identity integration, relational satisfaction, and emotional resilience?
Bisexual erasure can have various negative effects on an individual's self-concept, identity integration, relational satisfaction, and emotional resilience. It may lead to feelings of confusion, shame, and invalidation regarding one's sexual orientation, resulting in lowered self-esteem and self-worth.