Bisexual erasure is the act of denying the existence or minimizing the importance of bisexual individuals, identities, culture, history, community, or issues. It can be intentional or unintentional, conscious or subconscious, active or passive, individual or institutional. It can take many forms, including inaccurate representations of bisexual people in media, medical misconceptions about bisexual health risks, biphobia within LGBTQ+ communities, lack of bisexual representation in religious texts, educational materials, and public policies, etc.
In terms of religion, some faith traditions teach that sexuality is binary - either heterosexual or homosexual - while others view it as sinful or deviant. This creates a harmful environment for bisexuals who may feel ostracized or excluded from their own spiritual community. The same goes for educational institutions, which often fail to adequately address bisexual issues in sex education curricula, leaving students unaware of their rights, needs, and resources. Lastly, healthcare providers frequently ignore bisexuality during screenings and treatments, failing to provide culturally competent care.
These forms of erasure can have long-term mental health impacts by undermining self-worth, increasing isolation, perpetuating stigma, reinforcing internalized shame, creating barriers to identity development and social support, leading to increased risk-taking behaviors like substance abuse and violence, and decreasing access to services. Bisexual individuals may experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and PTSD than their non-bisexual peers.
To combat bisexual erasure, advocates call for more inclusive language and representation across all industries. They encourage allies to speak up against biphobia, educate themselves on bisexual identities and experiences, and promote awareness through art, literature, and other cultural platforms. Institutional change involves revising policies, training staff, incorporating LGBTQ+ studies into curricula, and partnering with bisexual organizations. By working together, we can challenge harmful stereotypes, promote acceptance, and ensure that bisexuals receive the recognition and respect they deserve as valued members of society.
In what ways does bisexual erasure in institutions such as religion, education, and healthcare affect long-term mental health?
Bisexual erasure can have significant impact on an individual's mental health over time. Research has shown that people who identify as bisexual are more likely to experience discrimination than those who identify as heterosexual or homosexual, which can lead to feelings of isolation, marginalization, and low self-esteem.