Bisexual people face systemic discrimination and exclusion due to their sexual orientation. According to surveys conducted by GLAAD (2018), more than half of bisexuals experience discrimination from both straight and gay communities. This includes rejection by family members, denial of job opportunities, verbal harassment, physical attacks, and social isolation.
The term "biphobia" refers to this kind of prejudice against bisexual individuals. Biphobia is often expressed through stereotypes such as bisexual promiscuity, bi-curiosity, and gender nonconformity. It can also take the form of heterosexist attitudes that reject bisexual identity as legitimate or acceptable. Bisexuals are frequently accused of being greedy or confused about their sexual orientation. These beliefs perpetuate myths about bisexuals as untrustworthy, sexually deviant, and incapable of forming committed relationships.
Simultaneously, bisexual people may also experience marginalization based on other identities they hold, including race, class, ability status, and religion.
Many black bisexuals struggle with intersectional forms of oppression within the LGBTQ+ community and society at large. Black bisexuals face racism and homophobia simultaneously, leading to greater economic disparity and limited access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. In addition, bisexual immigrants from countries where homosexuality is illegal or taboo may fear reprisals for publicly expressing their sexuality, further exacerbating their experiences of prejudice and violence.
Bisexual individuals are particularly vulnerable because they are not recognized by either straight nor gay communities as fully legitimate members. This lack of recognition results in limited support systems and resources specific to bisexual needs.
Bisexual representation in media is sparse compared to that of gays or lesbians, which contributes to erasure of their stories and experiences.
This systemic erasure creates a culture of silence around bisexual issues, making it difficult for bisexuals to seek help when needed. Biphobia can also lead to internalized shame and self-doubt, reducing their confidence to advocate for themselves or engage in open discussions about sexual orientation with partners. Bisexual men are more likely than women to conceal their sexual identity due to negative stereotypes of effeminacy and promiscuity.
Bisexual people experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, suicide attempts, and substance abuse than other groups. They are less likely to receive mental health services due to stigma and difficulty finding providers who understand their unique needs. These challenges underscore the importance of addressing biphobia through interventions like anti-bias training, inclusive policies, and affirmative spaces dedicated to bisexual individuals.
Understanding intersecting forms of privilege and oppression helps us recognize how complex social structures impact bisexual lives. By acknowledging these dynamics, we can work towards creating a world where all people feel safe, respected, and empowered regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.
How do intersecting systems of privilege and oppression influence the lived experiences of bisexual individuals?
Bisexual individuals often face intersectional discrimination, which means that they experience both homophobia and sexism, as well as discrimination based on other factors such as race, gender identity, age, class, ability status, and religion. This can result in unique challenges and barriers to accessing resources, finding support, and feeling accepted in various contexts, including healthcare settings, education institutions, workplaces, religious communities, political spaces, and family structures.