Bisexuals are a unique group within the LGBTQ+ community who experience both erasure and hypervisibility. Erasure is when people's identities are ignored or invalidated due to cultural norms that exclude them. This can lead to feelings of isolation and distrust towards others who don't understand their experience. On the other hand, hypervisibility is when people become objects of desire for heterosexual people because they occupy a space between male and female identities. This can create pressure to conform to expectations about how bisexuals should act, dress, or look. These experiences shape moral reflections on recognition and justice in ways that differ from those of non-bisexual individuals.
One example of this is the concept of intersectionality. Intersectional feminists argue that identities intersect to form a unique perspective on issues such as gender inequality. Bisexuals face additional layers of marginalization based on their sexuality that affects their access to resources like employment, housing, education, healthcare, and public services. Because of this, bisexuals must navigate multiple forms of oppression simultaneously. They may have difficulty accessing safe spaces where they can discuss their experiences without fear of repercussions. This creates a moral imperative to recognize and address biphobia and monosexism (the belief that only two genders exist).
Another example is how bisexual experiences shape views on sexual agency. Biphobic attitudes hold that bisexuals are promiscuous, unfaithful, and untrustworthy.
Some bisexuals reject these stereotypes by embracing polyamory and open relationships. Others choose to remain single out of fear of being judged by partners or society. Either way, bisexuals are not always given autonomy over their romantic lives due to cultural norms that privilege monogamy. In addition, there is a lack of representation for bisexuals in media, leaving them with few role models for navigating complex intimate situations. This creates a moral imperative to fight against biphobic narratives and normalize diverse expressions of love and desire.
Bisexual experiences of erasure and hypervisibility challenge traditional ideas about justice. Some people believe that justice requires punishing those who harm others, while others see it as restorative or transformational. In the case of bisexuals, both types of justice are needed. Punitive measures must be taken against individuals who commit violence against bisexuals, including harassment, assault, and discrimination. Restorative actions include supporting marginalized voices, increasing access to resources, and creating safe spaces for healing from trauma. Transformative justice means changing systems of oppression through collective action and advocacy, like passing legislation to protect bisexual rights.
Bisexuals' unique experiences of erasure and hypervisibility shape their views on recognition and justice differently than non-bisexuals. To address these issues, we must recognize and dismantle biphobia and create space for bi+ voices to speak freely. We also need to embrace diversity within the LGBTQ+ community, including non-binary identities, genderfluidity, and pansexuality.
We must work towards reparations and transformation by creating policies, programs, and structures that center bisexual needs and perspectives.
How do bisexual experiences of erasure and hypervisibility shape moral reflections on recognition and justice?
Bisexual individuals face unique challenges related to their sexual orientation that can lead to feelings of erasure and hypervisibility. Erasure refers to the tendency for bisexuals to be ignored or dismissed by society, while hypervisibility is characterized by increased visibility due to stereotypes and stigmas associated with bisexuality. These experiences can have significant implications for bisexual individuals' moral reflections on recognition and justice.