Bisexuality is an orientation that has been around for centuries but remains underrepresented in contemporary culture and society. Bisexuals are often invisible and experience erasure in the public discourse about LGBTQ+ identities. This erasure includes biphobia, misinformation, and denial from both straight and queer communities alike. As such, bisexuals face unique challenges when it comes to their self-perception, belonging, and identity affirmation. In this article, I will discuss how media erasure affects bisexual people's ability to feel validated, accepted, and comfortable in their own skin.
Self-Perception
When bisexual people lack representation in media, they may question their identity and doubt whether they truly identify as bisexual. The constant message from popular culture is that bisexuality doesn't exist, which can lead to confusion and internalized biphobia. It can be difficult for someone who is attracted to multiple genders to see themselves reflected back in the world around them. They might wonder if they are actually gay or straight and struggle with feelings of invalidation and shame. This can lead to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
Belonging
The second way that media erasure impacts bisexual individuals is through a sense of isolation and disconnection from the broader community. When mainstream media fails to include bisexuals, they may feel left out of conversations about sexuality and gender. They may feel like they have no place in either the LGBTQ+ community or the heterosexual majority. This can make it hard for them to find support and acceptance from others.
Bisexuals often experience biphobia within the LGBTQ+ community, further isolating them from potential allies and friends.
Identity Affirmation
Media erasure can make it harder for bisexuals to embrace their own identities. Without positive representations of bisexuals in pop culture, they may not know how to understand their experiences or what to expect.
They may not see depictions of successful bisexual relationships or role models to look up to. This can make it challenging to form healthy romantic and sexual connections. Bisexual people may also face pressure to conform to normative ideas about gender and sexuality, which can cause identity confusion and dysmorphia.
Media erasure has significant implications for bisexual people's self-perception, belonging, and identity affirmation. It contributes to internalized biphobia, isolation, and difficulty embracing one's own identity. While progress has been made in recent years with more visible representation, there is still much work to be done to create an inclusive society that fully recognizes and celebrates all identities.
What impact does media erasure of bisexuality have on self-perception, belonging, and identity affirmation?
The lack of representation of bisexual individuals in media has significant effects on their self-perception, sense of belonging, and identity affirmation. The widespread portrayal of sexual minorities as homosexuals, heterosexuals, or non-sexual beings can negatively affect how bisexuals see themselves.