Bisexuality is often misunderstood or ignored within the LGBTQ+ community and society as a whole. This has resulted in significant negative impacts on individuals' mental health, self-identity, and decision-making regarding their romantic and sexual partnerships. In this essay, I will discuss how bisexuality is commonly misrepresented, what this means for those who identify as such, and why it matters.
Societal erasure of bisexuality takes many forms, including denial that it exists, dismissal of its validity, or insinuation that people are either "confused" about their sexual orientation or simply engaging in promiscuous behavior. Even among members of the LGBTQ+ community, bisexual individuals may experience marginalization due to homophobia and biphobia. These attitudes can lead to feelings of shame, isolation, and lack of belonging. Research has shown that bisexual individuals tend to have higher rates of depression and anxiety than their heterosexual counterparts. They also report experiencing more discrimination and prejudice from both straight and gay communities.
The effects of societal erasure extend beyond individual well-being. When bisexuals feel unable to express their true identity publicly, they may struggle with feelings of uncertainty and confusion about themselves. This can make it difficult to form secure relationships with others because they do not know where they fit in the world.
They might question whether they should date someone of the same gender or different genders. They might fear being rejected by potential partners based on stereotypes about bisexuality. Some even choose to hide their true selves altogether out of fear of rejection, leading to further mental health issues.
When society fails to recognize and accept bisexuality, it can perpetuate harmful ideas about sex and intimacy. Bisexual individuals may be seen as less "real," "normal," or "serious" than those who identify as exclusively heterosexual or homosexual. As a result, their romantic partnerships are often viewed as unstable or temporary. This creates an environment where many bisexual people feel pressured to conform to traditional sexual norms rather than explore their true desires. In turn, this can lead to lower levels of sexual satisfaction and overall fulfillment in relationships.
The bottom line is that societal erasure of bisexuality has far-reaching implications for mental health, self-identity, and relationship decision-making. By acknowledging and validating bisexuality, we can create a more inclusive and supportive world for everyone involved. It's time to move past narrow definitions of sexuality and embrace all forms of love and desire.
How does societal erasure of bisexuality impact mental health, identity clarity, and relational decision-making?
Research shows that biphobia can negatively impact mental health outcomes for bisexual people, including increased depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem (Diamant et al. , 2016). The lack of visibility and recognition in society can lead to feelings of isolation, confusion, and uncertainty about one's identity (Watkins & Klein, 2018).