The term "bisexual" refers to individuals who are romantically and/or sexually attracted to more than one gender. Bisexual people may have attractions for men, women, both, or neither.
Research suggests that bisexuals face significant challenges related to their identity due to societal stigma. This can result in a lack of visibility, discrimination, and prejudice against them. One such challenge is known as bisexual erasure, which involves the denial or dismissal of bisexual identities. This phenomenon can lead to negative consequences for relational satisfaction, social belonging, and self-concept among adults.
Relational Satisfaction
Bisexual erasure affects relational satisfaction through various mechanisms. First, it perpetuates misconceptions about bisexuality, such as the belief that bisexuals are promiscuous or confused. These misconceptions create barriers to healthy relationships, particularly when seeking out partners within the LGBTQ+ community. Bisexuals may feel pressure to conform to heterosexual norms or be excluded from queer spaces due to these stereotypes.
Some bisexuals may experience rejection by potential partners due to their sexual orientation. This can result in feelings of isolation, loneliness, and disconnection from desired relationships.
Social Belonging
Erasure also impacts social belonging by limiting opportunities for connection and support.
Bisexuals may find it difficult to connect with other bisexuals who share similar experiences and struggles. This can lead to a sense of isolation and alienation, which can contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
Biphobia within the LGBTQ+ community can cause internalized homophobia and shame, further complicating social connections.
Bisexual erasure prevents individuals from accessing resources and services designed for the LGBTQ+ population, resulting in unequal access to healthcare, education, and employment.
Self-Conclusion
The effects of bisexual erasure on self-concept are profound. Individuals who do not identify with existing categories may experience confusion or doubt about their identity. They may also face discrimination based on gender nonconformity or sexual fluidity. This can result in low self-esteem, lack of confidence, and increased anxiety. In addition, biphobic language and attitudes can negatively affect one's perception of self-worth, leading to feelings of unworthiness, inferiority, and hopelessness. Bisexual erasure thus undermines the validity and authenticity of bisexual identities, contributing to negative psychological outcomes among adults.
Bisexual erasure is a significant challenge facing bisexual people. It results in negative consequences related to relational satisfaction, social belonging, and self-concept, particularly for those already experiencing marginalization due to their sexual orientation. Efforts should be made to address this issue through education, advocacy, and policy changes that promote visibility and acceptance of bisexual identities.
In what ways does bisexual erasure affect relational satisfaction, social belonging, and self-concept in adults?
Bisexual erasure refers to the act of ignoring or denying the existence of individuals who identify as bisexual, which can lead to various negative outcomes such as poor relational satisfaction, reduced feelings of social belonging, and altered self-concept. Bisexual people often face discrimination and stigma from both heterosexual and homosexual communities due to their sexual identity, which can negatively impact their mental health and wellbeing.