Bisexuals are often seen as having an easier time navigating workplace challenges than their lesbian, gay, and heterosexual peers due to less stigma attached to their identities.
This assumption is not entirely accurate. Intersectional discrimination can still occur because of societal biases that conflate bisexuality with promiscuity or being "undecided" about one's identity. This essay will explore how intersections between gender, race/ethnicity, class, age, religion, ability, and other factors shape professional experiences for bisexual individuals.
Gender
One intersection that can impact professional experiences for bisexual people is gender. In many cultures, masculinity and femininity are considered binary constructs, with men expected to be aggressive and assertive while women are supposed to be passive and nurturing. As such, men who identify as bisexual may face pressure from colleagues or clients to conform to traditional gender roles, which can hinder their ability to succeed in certain fields. Conversely, women who are bisexual may experience backlash if they don't adhere strictly enough to stereotypical expectations of feminine behavior, making it harder for them to advance in traditionally male-dominated industries like tech or finance.
Race/Ethnicity
Race and ethnicity also play a role in shaping the experiences of bisexual professionals. People of color tend to encounter more discrimination based on both their sexual orientation and racial/ethnic background than white counterparts do.
An African American bisexual woman may find herself navigating microaggressions related to her race alongside those related to her sexuality at work.
Research suggests that bisexual people of color are less likely than their white peers to have stable romantic relationships due to racism within LGBTQ+ communities, potentially affecting their job performance and opportunities for advancement.
Class
Class is another intersected factor that shapes the professional lives of bisexuals. Higher-income individuals are often able to choose where they live and work without facing prejudice due to their economic status.
Lower-income bisexuals may struggle with access to resources and support networks that help ensure success in the workplace. They may not be able to afford necessary training or education programs, lack mentorship from successful bisexual professionals, or face systemic barriers like hiring biases against certain jobs.
Age
Age can also impact how bisexuals experience professional life. Young adults may feel pressured to hide their sexual identity for fear of negative repercussions on their careers. Meanwhile, older employees may struggle to find acceptance and understanding in fields dominated by millennials who may view them as outdated or irrelevant. Bisexuals over 40 may also worry about losing their jobs if they come out later in life when age discrimination becomes more common.
Religion
Religion is a major intersectional factor that influences professional experiences for many bisexuals. In some cases, religious institutions may actively discourage bisexuality through scripture or doctrine, making it difficult for bisexuals to practice their faith openly while working in those settings. In other situations, religious organizations may have policies that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation but still create an atmosphere where bisexuals feel marginalized.
Ability
Disability can play a significant role in shaping bisexual professional lives. People with physical, mental, and intellectual disabilities are often underrepresented in the workforce overall, and bisexual individuals with disabilities may face additional challenges related to stereotypes about their identities.
A deaf bisexual woman may struggle to communicate her needs effectively during meetings or find it harder to network within LGBTQ+ communities due to language barriers.
Disabled people may need accommodations at work that employers are less likely to provide without explicit requests.
Intersectionality shapes professional experiences for bisexual individuals in various ways, including gender, race/ethnicity, class, age, religion, and ability. While bisexuality alone may not be the primary cause of these challenges, it can exacerbate existing disparities and contribute to unique forms of oppression. Employers must take steps to address intersections like these if they want to build truly inclusive workplaces where all employees thrive regardless of identity.
How does intersectionality shape professional experiences for bisexual individuals?
Intersectionality plays a crucial role in shaping professional experiences of bi individuals as it is associated with discrimination and marginalization based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, race, class, ethnicity, religion, and other factors. According to research, bisexuals often face difficulties in finding jobs, being accepted by co-workers, receiving promotions, and receiving equal pay compared to their heterosexual counterparts (Gallagher et al.