The term 'double discrimination' refers to the unique challenges that bisexual individuals face due to their sexual orientation. In general, bisexuals are often excluded from both heterosexual and queer communities. On one hand, they may encounter prejudice and marginalization from straight people who deny their existence or view them as unstable or promiscuous. Bisexuals also experience exclusion within the LGBTQ+ community for being too "straight" or not fully committed to LGBTQ+ causes. This can lead to feelings of isolation and alienation that negatively impact mental health. Research has shown that bisexuals have higher rates of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse than their monosexual peers.
To understand this phenomenon, it is essential to examine the psychological mechanisms behind double discrimination. One key factor is internalized biphobia, where bisexuals internalize negative attitudes towards themselves and their identity. They may doubt their own desires, fear rejection from others, and self-stigmatize. Biphobic stereotypes such as promiscuity and fluidity contribute to this internalization, as do misconceptions about bisexuality as a phase or experimentation. Another mechanism is intersectionality, which involves the compounding of multiple forms of oppression based on factors like race, gender, class, etc.
Black bisexuals may face additional racism and homophobia in addition to biphobia.
Societal norms around relationships and intimacy reinforce the idea that bisexuals don't belong. Heterosexual culture emphasizes monogamy and exclusivity, while queer communities often prioritize non-monogamous polyamory or open relationships. This can make it difficult for bisexuals to find partners who share their values and needs.
Bisexual representation in media is rare and often sexualized or portrayed as unstable or confused.
To address these challenges, allies need to acknowledge and challenge biphobia within their communities and support bisexual visibility. Bisexuals must also work to build community and affirm their identities, resisting the stigma imposed upon them by society. Mental health professionals should be trained to recognize the unique experiences of bisexuals and provide culturally competent care.
Double discrimination highlights the importance of creating space for all sexual orientations and rejecting harmful stereotypes that marginalize anyone.
What psychological mechanisms underlie the experience of double discrimination faced by bisexual people from both heterosexual and LGBTQ+ communities?
Double discrimination is the simultaneous experience of being marginalized due to sexual orientation as well as gender identity or expression. In other words, it is when an individual faces prejudice based on two interconnected factors that affect their social standing, such as race and sexuality (Smith et al. , 2019). Bisexuals are particularly vulnerable to this form of oppression because they occupy a unique position within the LGBTQ+ community.