Historical erasure of bisexuality refers to the deliberate omission of bisexual experiences, perspectives, identities, histories, cultures, and communities from mainstream narratives about sexuality, gender, and culture. This process of exclusion and denial is deeply rooted in Western societies' cultural beliefs, legal systems, and social norms that reinforce heterosexual privilege and monogamy. As such, it has had far-reaching consequences for how individuals understand themselves and their desires, who they feel comfortable disclosing their sexuality to, what sexual practices they engage in, and how they are treated within broader society.
One way historical erasure of bisexuality has shaped contemporary discourse on sexual ethics is through its role in shaping sexual scripts.
Many people assume that sexual encounters between same-sex partners are "safe" because they do not involve sex with the opposite sex, which they perceive as being more risky or dangerous.
This assumption does not take into account the fact that men can transmit HIV to other men, and that women may be exposed to other sexually transmitted diseases through lesbian relationships. Moreover, it ignores the reality that some men prefer to have sex with both genders and thus should practice safe sex regardless of their partner's gender identity. Similarly, the idea that monogamous committed relationships are the only acceptable form of intimacy stems largely from the belief that nonmonogamy is synonymous with promiscuity and infidelity, but it ignores the fact that there are many different forms of consensual nonmonogamy, including polyamory, swinging, and open relationships.
Historical erasure of bisexuality also shapes current understandings of identity by limiting the range of identities that are socially recognizable and legitimate.
Individuals who identify as bisexual often face negative stereotypes that portray them as unstable, indecisive, and promiscuous, leading them to feel ashamed or unwelcome in LGBTQ+ communities. This stigma contributes to the high rates of mental health problems experienced by bi individuals, such as anxiety, depression, and suicide attempts. Conversely, it reinforces heteronormative assumptions about sexual exclusivity, making it harder for people who identify as gay or straight to acknowledge their attraction to multiple genders.
Historical erasure of bisexuality has contributed to the widespread lack of recognition of this orientation within society at large. While some progress has been made in recent years, many institutions still do not recognize bisexual individuals as a distinct group, nor do they provide adequate support services or resources for them. This can lead to discrimination, harassment, and violence against bisexuals, particularly when they are perceived as "confused" or "unable to choose" between two genders.
Acknowledging and validating bisexual identities is essential if we want to create more equitable and inclusive spaces for all sexual orientations.
The historical erasure of bisexuality has had far-reaching consequences for contemporary discourse on sexual ethics, identity, and recognition. By challenging dominant narratives around monogamy, safety, and identity, we can create a world where everyone's sexual desires and experiences are recognized and respected.
In what ways has historical erasure of bisexuality shaped contemporary discourse on sexual ethics, identity, and recognition?
Bisexual individuals have historically been marginalized and erased by both heterosexuals and homosexuals alike due to their perceived ambiguousness and promiscuity. This historical erasure has led to misconceptions about bisexuality that still persist today, such as the belief that bisexual people are unable to commit to monogamous relationships, or that they are simply "confused" about their sexual orientation.