Bisexual Bisexuals are people who identify themselves as being attracted to both men and women. In the past, this term was used to describe people who have had both opposite gender partnerships but have never expressed attraction to someone of the same gender.
It is now understood that many bisexuals may have different levels of attraction to different genders throughout their lives. Many also experience fluidity within their identities, meaning they may change from heterosexual to homosexual or vice versa depending on what stage they are in life. This can cause difficulty when it comes to mourning for an identity or relationship that has been invalidated by society's norms.
What does it mean to be bisexual?
Being bisexual means having romantic or sexual attractions towards more than one gender. It doesn't necessarily mean that you are interested in everyone of every gender equally, but rather that you feel attracted to people regardless of their gender expression. Some bisexuals might find themselves drawn to people of all genders, while others may prefer certain individuals over others. There is no set rule about how much time you spend with each person or which partner you choose to date next. Some bisexuals are monogamous and exclusively date one individual at a time, while others practice polyamory (having multiple relationships). A bisexual person may even have one partner who is non-monogamous or swing.
How do bisexuals cope with the loss of an identity?
Bisexuals often face discrimination and prejudice because of their identity. They may feel like they don't fit into either category: straight or gay/lesbian. Sometimes, this leads them to hide their true selves out of fear of judgment or rejection. When a bisexual experiences a loss of identity, they may feel confused and conflicted. It can be difficult to understand why society sees them as different from other sexualities when they don't see themselves any differently.
If a bisexual woman loses her husband after he comes out as transgender, she may feel grief for losing him as her partner and also confusion about what that means for her own identity. She may question whether she still identifies as bisexual if she didn't know him before his transition.
What impact does this have on dating and relationships?
When bisexuals enter into new relationships, they may struggle with feelings of insecurity and anxiety about their place in the world. They might worry about being judged by potential partners because they aren't "gay enough" or "straight enough." This can make it hard to build trust with someone new. Bisexuals are more likely than heterosexuals to experience domestic violence, stalking, and rape. These types of abuse often occur because the victim feels like they cannot talk openly about their sexuality without fear of reprisal from friends, family members, coworkers, or community members.
How do bisexual individuals cope with mourning invalidated identities?
Mourning an invalidated identity is a normal part of life. Some people find comfort in talking to others who share similar experiences, while others prefer to keep their pain private. Many choose to write letters, create artwork, journal, or participate in support groups. There are many resources available online where you can connect with others who understand your struggles. You can also seek professional help through counseling, therapy, or group therapy. If you need additional assistance, consider seeking treatment for depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, eating disorders, self-harm, or other mental health issues.
How do bisexual individuals experience mourning for identities or relationships that were invalidated by societal norms?
Most bisexual individuals experience some level of grief when their identities or relationships are invalidated by social norms, which can be related to fears of being judged, rejected, or misunderstood. The feelings of loss and sadness associated with this can vary depending on the individual's personal experiences, but may include a sense of loneliness, confusion, isolation, and self-doubt.