There has been an increased awareness and acceptance of bisexuality as a valid sexual orientation.
Despite this progress, bisexual individuals continue to face discrimination, stigma, and misunderstanding within both society and psychological research. One area where this is particularly evident is in the concept of binary frameworks, which often fail to capture the nuanced and fluid nature of bisexual experiences.
Binary frameworks are systems that divide people into two distinct categories based on certain characteristics, such as gender or sexuality. In the context of psychology, these frameworks have traditionally focused on dichotomous distinctions between heterosexual and homosexual identities, with little attention paid to those who identify as bisexual. This approach can lead to the exclusion and invalidation of bisexual experiences, which do not neatly fit into either category.
Many bisexual individuals report experiencing attraction to both men and women, but may not always feel comfortable labeling themselves as exclusively "gay" or "straight".
Some bisexuals may experience shifting patterns of attraction over time, which cannot be captured by a static binary framework. These variations in identity and behavior highlight the limitations of binary frameworks in accurately representing the complexity of human sexuality.
Binary frameworks can also perpetuate harmful stereotypes about bisexuality, such as the idea that it is merely a phase or a result of unresolved issues around sexuality. By relegating bisexual individuals to the margins of psychological research, we miss out on valuable insights into the diversity of human sexuality and relationships.
Bisexual experience reveals the limitations of binary frameworks in psychology. To better understand the nuances of human sexuality and relationships, we must move beyond simplistic categorizations and embrace more complex and inclusive models.
How does bisexual experience reveal the limitations of binary frameworks in psychology?
In terms of mental health, sexuality research has shown that bi individuals are more likely than straight and gay/lesbian individuals to experience discrimination, marginalization, and other forms of social prejudice due to their identity (Balsam & Rothblum, 2018).