Bisexual Erasure
Bisexual erasure refers to the intentional or unintentional omission or denial of bisexual identities, experiences, or existence from media, popular culture, and society. It is often manifested through stereotyping, fetishization, invisibility, and misrepresentation of bisexual people. These forms of erasure can have a significant impact on the development of sexual identity and psychological well-being in adolescents who are exploring their sexuality.
Impact on Sexual Identity Development
In media and popular culture, bisexual characters are often portrayed as promiscuous, indecisive, confused, or as transitioning towards gay or straight identities. This can lead to negative stereotypes about bisexual people that can be internalized by adolescents, creating confusion and self-doubt.
When bisexuality is not represented at all, it reinforces the idea that bisexuality is not legitimate or acceptable, which can cause adolescents to feel isolated and alone in their identity. This can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation among bisexual youth.
Impact on Psychological Well-Being
Research has shown that bisexual individuals experience higher rates of discrimination, stigma, and harassment than other LGBTQ+ groups, leading to increased mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. The lack of positive representation in media and popular culture can further exacerbate these issues, leaving adolescents feeling invisible and unsupported.
Bisexual erasure in media and popular culture can have serious consequences for the development of sexual identity and psychological well-being in adolescents. It perpetuates negative stereotypes, creates feelings of isolation, and contributes to discrimination and stigma. It is crucial for media and society to recognize the importance of accurate and positive representations of bisexual people to support the mental health and overall well-being of this community.
How does bisexual erasure in media and popular culture impact the development of sexual identity and psychological well-being in adolescents?
According to several studies, bisexual erasure in media and popular culture can have significant effects on adolescent development, particularly with regard to their sexual identity and psychological well-being. A lack of representation and visibility of bisexual individuals in mainstream media can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness among adolescents who identify as bisexual (Chivers et al. , 2017).