Bisexuals are individuals who can experience romantic, emotional, and/or sexual attraction to people of more than one gender. In Western societies, bisexuals have been subject to numerous negative stereotypes and misconceptions that affect their identity development and social integration. One such stereotype is that they are unable to make up their minds regarding their sexual orientation, which leads them to be seen as indecisive and unstable. Another is that they are promiscuous and cannot form committed relationships due to being attracted to both genders. How do bisexual individuals interpret and integrate these myths and stereotypes into self-understanding?
Myth 1: Bisexual individuals cannot commit to one partner. The myth that bisexual individuals are unable to form stable relationships stems from the belief that they are constantly "looking for the next best thing" and will eventually "cheat" on their partners due to their attraction to multiple genders. This assumption fails to take into account the fact that bisexuals can be in monogamous relationships just like anyone else and may even prefer long-term commitment. Research suggests that bisexuals are actually less likely to engage in casual sex than heterosexuals or homosexuals, possibly because they face greater discrimination and prejudice in society (Katz & Chivers, 2006).
Bisexuals' desire for multiple sexual partners does not necessarily mean they lack the ability to maintain a committed relationship (Perrin et al., 2019). By rejecting this myth, bisexuals can reframe their identity as compatible with healthy romantic attachments.
Myth 2: Bisexuals are indecisive about their sexuality. It is often assumed that bisexuals are confused about their sexual orientation and have not yet figured it out. This misconception can lead bisexuals to question their own identity and feel pressured to identify as either straight or gay/lesbian.
Research shows that bisexual individuals tend to have high levels of personal integrity and commitment to their identities (Perrin et al., 2019). They may experience fluctuations in their attractions over time but still see themselves as bisexual and value being true to who they are. Rejecting this stereotype can help bisexuals embrace their unique identity and build self-esteem.
How do bisexual individuals interpret and integrate cultural myths and stereotypes about promiscuity or indecision into self-understanding?
Despite the fact that many people still hold prejudiced attitudes toward bisexual persons, some researchers have begun to explore how these individuals cope with stigmatization by integrating cultural biases into their personal narratives. Some bisexual individuals may internalize negative beliefs about promiscuity or indecisiveness as truthful representations of their identity (Goldberg et al. , 2019).