As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I have always been aware of the challenges that bisexual individuals face. While heterosexuals are often assumed to be "normal" and accepted, those who identify as bisexual can experience both discrimination and stigma within mainstream society and even among their own peers. This phenomenon is known as "double rejection." In this essay, I will discuss how bisexual people internalize these feelings of rejection from both heteronormative and queer spaces.
One common way that bisexual individuals deal with double rejection is by suppressing their true identities. They may feel pressure to conform to societal norms by hiding their bisexuality and presenting themselves as exclusively straight or gay/lesbian.
They may choose to date someone of the opposite sex while dating a partner of the same gender behind closed doors. This approach can lead to feelings of guilt and shame, as well as confusion about their true identity.
Another strategy for coping with double rejection is self-isolation. Bisexual individuals may avoid social situations where they might be judged or excluded based on their sexual orientation. They may also distance themselves from the LGBTQIA+ community, fearing that they won't fit in because they don't fully align with either group. This can result in loneliness and a sense of disconnection from others who share similar experiences.
Bisexual individuals may reject other members of the LGBTQIA+ community out of frustration. They may view them as hypocritical for claiming solidarity while simultaneously perpetuating biphobia. This can create tension between bisexuals and lesbians/gays/transgender/queer/intersexed/asexual people and further isolate bisexuals from supportive communities.
Some bisexual individuals may attempt to assimilate into mainstream society by downplaying their sexual orientation altogether. They may choose to identify as "straight" or ignore their attraction to both men and women. While this may provide short-term relief, it ultimately erases an important part of their identity and denies them access to community and support.
The experience of double rejection can have significant psychological effects on bisexual individuals. It can contribute to low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and even thoughts of suicide.
Many bisexual people are resilient and find ways to cope with these challenges through therapy, activism, or support groups dedicated to promoting acceptance and understanding. By recognizing and addressing the unique struggles faced by bisexual individuals, we can work towards creating more inclusive and welcoming spaces for all.
How do bisexual people internalize the double rejection from both heteronormative and queer spaces?
Researchers have found that many bisexuals experience "double rejection" due to their sexual identity as they feel neither fully accepted nor understood by heterosexual or LGBTQ+ communities. Bisexual individuals may face challenges such as microaggressions, discrimination, and erasure within both mainstream and queer culture, leading them to question their place in society and struggle with self-esteem and identity formation.