Bisexuality is an orientation that refers to attraction towards both males and females. It is one of the most misunderstood sexual orientations, especially among heterosexuals and homosexuals. Bisexual individuals are often perceived as promiscuous, greedy, immoral, indecisive, confused, conflicted, unfaithful, promiscuous, or insatiable. These perceptions have led to discrimination, prejudice, and stigmatization against bisexuals. Bisexual people face challenges when it comes to relational ethics, emotional responsibility, and morality. The article explains how bisexuality shapes these aspects.
Relational Ethics:
In romantic and sexual relationships, bisexuals experience different challenges compared to heterosexuals and homosexuals. They may be attracted to both partners but cannot express their full desires due to societal norms and expectations. Bisexuals often find themselves in situations where they need to choose between their male partner or female partner, which can lead to conflict and frustration. This situation is compounded by society's expectations regarding gender roles and sexual identities. In some cases, the choice made by a bisexual individual may cause them to feel guilty, leading to emotional distress.
Emotional Responsibility:
Bisexuality affects the way bisexuals relate emotionally with others, especially their significant other. Due to societal pressure, bisexuals may suppress their true feelings for fear of rejection or judgment. This suppression may result in suppressing their true selves, resulting in an emotional disconnect from their partner.
Bisexuals may struggle with understanding their own emotions, making it difficult to communicate effectively with their partners. It also means that bisexuals are more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as cheating or infidelity due to the lack of emotional intimacy in their relationship.
Morality:
Society expects heterosexuals to remain faithful to one partner while homosexuals should stay within their same-sex orientation.
Bisexual individuals have no clear rules on how to behave morally. Some bisexuals may consider monogamy necessary, while others may not. Bisexuals may find themselves torn between two moral values - fidelity and openness. They may feel guilty when they stray outside their relationship but guiltier when they remain loyal to their partner out of fear of judgement. Such conflicts create an ethical dilemma that can lead to depression and anxiety.
Bisexuality plays a significant role in shaping perceptions of relational ethics, emotional responsibility, and morality. The sexual orientation makes it challenging for bisexuals to express their full desires, which results in suppressed emotions, emotional distress, and moral confusion. Society must create a safe space where bisexuals can explore their identity without fear of being ostracized or stigmatized. This will help them develop healthy relationships based on mutual respect, communication, and honesty.
What role does bisexuality play in shaping perceptions of relational ethics, emotional responsibility, and morality?
Bisexuality has been considered as an identity that challenges traditional notions of monosexism (i. e. , straightness) and heteronormativity (i. e. , the assumption that only two sexes exist). As such, people who identify as bisexual have often experienced marginalization, stigmatization, and discrimination due to their sexual orientation.