Bisexuals are people who have romantic or sexual attraction to both men and women. They can identify as either male, female, nonbinary, agender, genderqueer, or any combination thereof. Bisexuals come from all walks of life - they may be young or old, rich or poor, educated or uneducated, white or black, religious or secular, heterosexual or homosexual. They may also identify as pansexual or omnisexual, which means that they are attracted to all genders and sexes simultaneously.
Existential reflection is the process of thinking about one's place in the world and how one fits into it. It includes considering one's values, beliefs, purpose, meaning, and identity. Meaning-making involves creating a sense of meaning out of experiences. Social invalidation occurs when an individual feels that their experience does not fit with societal norms or expectations. This can lead to feelings of isolation, alienation, fear, confusion, shame, guilt, anger, or depression.
There is a growing body of research on bisexuality, but little attention has been paid to how bisexuals experience existential reflection and meaning-making in the context of social invalidation. The present study sought to address this gap by conducting semi-structured interviews with six self-identified bisexual individuals from diverse backgrounds. The results suggest that bisexuals often feel isolated due to their sexual orientation, leading them to question themselves and their place in society. Some report experiencing discrimination or prejudice based on their sexual orientation, which further exacerbates these feelings.
Many bisexuals find ways to make meaning in their lives through personal relationships, creative endeavors, spiritual practices, activism, or other forms of expression.
Some participants described finding solace in their partnerships with both men and women, while others reported feeling empowered by advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. Others spoke of using art or music as a way to express their identities and connect with others who share similar experiences.
The participants demonstrated resilience in navigating challenges related to their sexual orientation.
The study suggests that bisexuals may face unique challenges in terms of existential reflection and meaning-making, but also possess unique resources for coping with those challenges. Future research should focus on exploring these issues in greater depth and developing interventions that support bisexual individuals' wellbeing.
How do bisexual individuals experience existential reflection and meaning-making in the context of social invalidation?
Bisexual individuals may have diverse experiences with regard to their sexual orientation. They may experience social invalidation due to their sexual identity, which can impact their sense of self-worth and belongingness within society. In terms of existential reflection, bisexual individuals might reflect on their place in the world, their purpose, and their relationships with others. They may also consider how they want to be perceived by others and how their sexual identity relates to these perceptions.