The term "bisexual" refers to people who are attracted to both men and women. This is one of many types of human sexual orientations, including homosexual (attracted to the same gender), heterosexual (attracted to opposite genders) and pansexual (attracted to all kinds of people regardless of their gender). There has been much research on how these orientations influence relational satisfaction, identity integration, and emotional resilience among LGBTQ+ individuals.
Bisexual erasure - the denial or misrepresentation of bi-sexual identities - remains a significant issue that hinders the wellbeing of this population. This paper seeks to explain how bisexual erasure impacts these three aspects of life.
Bisexual Erasure
Bisexual erasure occurs when bisexual identities are denied, ignored, or distorted. It can happen through various ways, such as mislabelling bisexuals as gay, lesbian, straight, or confused; portraying them as promiscuous or unfaithful in media; downplaying bisexuality as a real orientation; and even physical or verbal abuse towards bisexual persons. Bisexual erasure can lead to feelings of isolation, shame, and self-doubt, which can negatively affect relational satisfaction, identity integration, and emotional resilience.
Relational Satisfaction
Relational satisfaction refers to how satisfied someone is with their current romantic relationship. Research shows that bisexual individuals experience less relational satisfaction than their counterparts who identify as gay, lesbian, or straight. One reason for this may be due to societal pressure to conform to binary sexual norms.
Some partners might assume that bisexuality is just a phase or question a person's commitment because it seems like they "cheat" by being attracted to others. The result is an unhealthy power dynamic where one partner controls the other's behaviour and sexuality.
Bisexual people may have difficulty finding compatible partners within their own communities due to discrimination and lack of understanding. This can make finding love challenging and contribute to dissatisfaction in relationships.
Identity Integration
Identity integration involves feeling comfortable and confident about your sexual orientation. Bisexual people often face challenges integrating their identities into society since many cultures see bi-sexuality as deviant or taboo. They may feel pressured to choose between monosexual labels (gay, lesbian) or remain closeted, leading to internalized homophobia and low self-esteem. When bisexuals are invisible or not recognized in media, it reinforces negative stereotypes and diminishes opportunities for representation. In turn, this reduces role models for young bisexuals and limits access to community support and resources. Without positive visibility and acceptance, it becomes difficult for bisexual persons to integrate their identity successfully.
Emotional Resilience
Emotional resilience refers to how well someone manages stressors and maintains emotional stability under pressure. Research indicates that bisexual individuals experience higher levels of anxiety and depression than their counterparts who identify as gay, lesbian, or straight. One reason is that they frequently face microaggressions - small but frequent instances of discrimination - which accumulate over time and impact mental health. Microaggressions include assuming that a person is "greedy" because they're attracted to both men and women or suggesting that they are promiscuous due to their non-monogamous preferences. These experiences erode trust in others and lead to isolation, further damaging relational satisfaction and identity integration.
Bisexual erasure hinders the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals by reducing their relational satisfaction, impeding identity integration, and weakening their emotional resilience. To address these issues, we must acknowledge and validate bi-sexuality as a legitimate orientation while working towards eliminating stigma and prejudice against this population. This involves creating more inclusive spaces where bisexual voices can be heard and celebrating diversity within the LGBTQ+ community. By recognizing our differences and fighting for equality, we can create an environment where all sexual orientations can thrive.
How does bisexual erasure influence relational satisfaction, identity integration, and emotional resilience among LGBTQ+ individuals?
Bisexual erasure is defined as the omission of all mentions of bisexuality from discussions about sexual orientation. It can lead to negative consequences for LGBTQ+ individuals such as reduced access to resources, increased stigma, and higher rates of discrimination. Bisexual erasure can also have an impact on relational satisfaction by making it difficult for bisexuals to find partners who understand their needs and identity.