Bisexual individuals face unique challenges in terms of visibility and representation within society. Despite being one of the most common sexual identities worldwide, bisexual people are often marginalized, erased, and ignored in mainstream discourse and media. This can have significant implications for their sense of self-worth, identity, and belonging, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness. In this essay, I will explore how experiences of bisexual invisibility and societal erasure inform ethical discourses on recognition, justice, and social legitimacy.
Recognition
Recognition is an important aspect of bisexual invisibility, as it involves acknowledging and validating the existence of bisexual individuals. When bisexual people are not recognized, they may feel invisible or unseen, which can lead to feelings of isolation and alienation.
Bisexual characters are underrepresented in popular culture, with many depictions focusing solely on heterosexual or homosexual relationships. This lack of representation sends a message that bisexuality is not 'real' or valid, contributing to negative stereotypes and stigmas. Bisexuals who do receive attention tend to be portrayed negatively, such as promiscuous or indecisive. As a result, bisexual people may struggle to find community or support, leaving them feeling isolated from both the LGBTQ+ community and straight society.
Justice
Justice is another key issue raised by bisexual invisibility and erasure. Bisexual individuals face systemic oppression and prejudice, including higher rates of mental health issues, violence, and discrimination compared to heterosexual and gay/lesbian peers.
Their struggles are often overlooked or ignored due to their lower visibility and marginalization.
Bisexual people may experience 'biphobia' within the LGBTQ+ community, where they are seen as less 'authentic' than their gay or lesbian counterparts. This can lead to a sense of exclusion, further reinforcing the idea that bisexuality is not legitimate or worthy of recognition. Therefore, justice requires addressing the unique challenges faced by bisexual individuals and creating safe spaces for them to express themselves fully.
Social Legitimacy
Social legitimacy refers to how societies view and respond to bisexual identities. When bisexuality is not recognized or acknowledged, it becomes difficult to advocate for policies and programs that benefit bisexual people.
Lack of representation means there is little data on bisexual experiences, making it difficult to identify needs or develop targeted interventions. Similarly, lack of awareness leads to misunderstanding and misconceptions about bisexuality, which can hinder efforts to combat stigma and discrimination. As such, social legitimacy requires educating society about bisexuality and advocating for its recognition, thereby empowering bisexuals to participate fully in all aspects of life.
Experiences of bisexual invisibility and erasure inform ethical discourses on recognition, justice, and social legitimacy. Recognition involves validating bisexual identities and acknowledging their existence, while justice addresses systemic oppression and prejudice.
Social legitimacy requires promoting bisexual visibility and advocating for policies and programs that support bisexual individuals. By taking these steps, we can create a more just and inclusive world where everyone feels valued and respected.
How do experiences of bisexual invisibility and societal erasure inform ethical discourses on recognition, justice, and social legitimacy?
While research suggests that many people view bisexuality as either invalid or illegitimate, recent work has explored how these narratives have real consequences for bisexual individuals' lives (i. e. , isolation, stigma, depression). As such, there is evidence that the intersection between identities (such as gender and race) can shape bisexual individuals' experiences, making it difficult to pinpoint a singular experience of bisexual invisibility or erasure.