Living as a Bisexual Person in a Binary Culture
Binary means consisting of just two things.
Men and women are binary genders because there are just two possible options for gender. Bisexuality means being attracted to people of both genders, neither exclusively male nor female. This is problematic when living in a culture that has a strict gender binary. There are many implications of this, including difficulty finding partners who share similar attraction, rejection from friends and family, and confusion about identity.
The first implication of bisexuality in a binary culture is the lack of available partners. It is difficult to find someone who shares your attraction to both men and women, especially if they have different tastes than you do. Many bisexuals feel pressure to choose one side of the binary so they can date someone without having to explain their preferences.
This goes against their nature and can lead to dating someone they don't really want or settling for one gender exclusively. The result is often loneliness and dissatisfaction.
Another implication is rejection by friends and family. Some people refuse to accept bisexuality, believing it to be unnatural or immoral. They may assume that bisexuals are promiscuous or that they are "just confused" about their sexual orientation. This can lead to isolation and depression, making it harder to form healthy relationships with others. Even worse, some families reject their own children simply for being bisexual. This can cause lifelong trauma and damage to their mental health.
Bisexuals experience identity confusion due to cultural expectations. Because society only recognizes two genders, bisexuals must constantly make choices about how to present themselves.
If they date someone of the same gender but do not identify as gay, they might get accused of lying or hiding their true feelings. On the other hand, if they date someone of the opposite gender, they may be seen as straight and have trouble finding other bisexuals. This constant need to choose between identities leads to internalized homophobia and self-doubt. It also prevents them from feeling comfortable in their skin.
Living as a bisexual person in a culture structured by binaries has several existential implications. Finding partners who share similar attraction, dealing with rejection from loved ones, and coping with identity confusion all take a toll on their mental and emotional wellbeing. These problems can persist throughout life, making it difficult to find happiness and fulfillment in romantic relationships.
There is hope for progress as more people become aware of the diversity of human sexuality.
What are the existential implications of living as a bisexual person in a culture structured by binaries?
The concept of bisexuality is often misunderstood in modern society, which can lead to various problems for those who identify as such. People may be curious about bisexuality but struggle with how it fits into their understanding of gender and sexual orientation norms. This can result in feelings of isolation and confusion for individuals who identify as bisexual. Additionally, bisexuals are often not included in LGBTQ+ groups and events, which can further contribute to their feelings of exclusion.