Bisexual Adolescent's Navigate Sexual Health Education
What is Bisexuality?
Bisexuality is an identity that describes attraction to more than one gender, typically male and female. This can be expressed in different ways, such as feeling romantically attracted to both genders, physically attracted to both genders, or having sexual relationships with people of multiple genders. Bisexual individuals may identify as pansexual, queer, or fluid, which are related identities but differ slightly in their meanings.
Sexual health education often focuses on heterosexual sex, ignoring non-heteronormative identities like bisexuality.
Educational materials about safe sex might only discuss the risks associated with vaginal intercourse or penile-vaginal penetration, while omitting other forms of intimacy, such as anal sex or oral sex. This leaves out many bisexual adolescents who engage in these activities or have partners of multiple genders.
Misrepresentations
Bisexual adolescents may face misconceptions about their sexuality, including assumptions that they are promiscuous, confused, or experimenting. Some educators may view them as 'going through a phase' or question whether they truly identify as bisexual. These stereotypes create barriers to accessing accurate information and support.
Implications for Health
Lack of inclusive sexual health education can lead to health disparities for bisexual adolescents. They may not receive information about the specific risks they face or how to protect themselves from STIs. In addition, they may feel uncomfortable seeking medical care due to stigma or fear of discrimination.
Providing comprehensive sexual health education is essential for all adolescents, including those who identify as bisexual. This means acknowledging different sexual identities and providing resources tailored to their needs. Educational institutions should work to dispel biases against bisexual individuals and ensure they receive adequate education and support.
How do bisexual adolescents navigate sexual health education that often excludes or misrepresents non-monosexual identities, and what are the implications?
Bisexual adolescents face several challenges when navigating sexual health education due to its exclusion of non-monosexual identities and incorrect representations of bisexuality. Research suggests that many young people struggle with labeling their attractions accurately, which can lead to feelings of confusion and isolation (Akins et al. , 2019).