Bisexual people face pressure to conform to societal norms regarding sexual orientation

Bisexual individuals are often confronted with various pressures that influence their decision to either identify as bisexual or choose one specific gender identity. One such pressure is the feeling of being forced to adopt societal norms regarding sexual orientation. This may be a result of societal expectations for individuals to fit into binary categories, whether they are heterosexual or homosexual. For instance, bisexual people who have been brought up in a society where heterosexuality is the norm, are expected to conform to heteronormative standards. Therefore, they may face pressure from family members and friends to choose between being straight or gay. Bisexuals may also feel this pressure when it comes to choosing partners within the LGBTQ+ community. In some cases, bisexuals may not be accepted as part of the LGBTQ+ community because they do not match the stereotypical image associated with queerness. This can lead to them experiencing discrimination within the LGBTQ+ community, which further reinforces their need to conform to societal expectations. Additionally, biphobia within both hetero and LGBTQ+ communities can force bisexuals to choose between identifying as gay or straight to avoid stigma. The fact that many individuals still consider bisexuality as a phase or temporary state adds to this pressure. It implies that there is something wrong with bisexuality, and thus, bisexuals must decide whether to be open about their sexuality or hide it. While these pressures can make it difficult for bisexual individuals to embrace their true selves, it does not mean they should not come out to others or participate in LGBTQ+ spaces. They should be encouraged to express themselves authentically and without fear of judgment. Society needs to accept that bisexuality exists and recognize that it is a legitimate sexual orientation that deserves recognition and respect. Bisexual people deserve the freedom to identify with whichever label best suits their individual identity without feeling like they have to fit into someone else's idea of what that means.