A bisexual person is someone who is attracted to both men and women but this definition does not fit neatly into society's preconceived ideas about what it means to be straight or gay. This has led to bisexuals being excluded from many aspects of life including media representation, education, workplace rights, healthcare services, political advocacy groups, religious communities, public policy discussions, and even personal relationships.
Social institutions have played an important role in shaping these binary understandings of sexuality which are based on the idea that there are only two categories of people - either you are heterosexual (straight) or homosexual (gay). These labels do not account for those whose attractions fall somewhere between these poles such as those who identify as pansexual, omnisexual, fluid, queer etc.
The term 'bisexual' itself can imply a lack of commitment or promiscuity which has been perpetuated through pop culture references like "bi now, gay later".
When bisexual identities are acknowledged they tend to be erased from discussions around LGBTQ+ rights because they do not fit into the binary paradigm. Bisexual people may feel pressured to choose one side or risk being seen as indecisive or confused. They may also face discrimination within their own community due to biphobia which stems from fears about infidelity and cheating within same-sex relationships. As a result, many bisexual individuals choose to remain closeted out of fear of judgment or isolation.
It is clear that social institutions need to change their approach towards understanding bisexual identities if we want true equality for all members of our society regardless of their orientation. We must create more inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcome without feeling forced to conform to narrow definitions of sexuality.
This requires us to challenge societal norms that perpetuate this exclusion such as traditional gender roles and stereotypes surrounding masculinity/femininity, sexism, heteronormativity, and monogamy. Only then will we truly have a world where everyone can express themselves authentically without fear of repercussions.
How do social institutions enforce binary understandings of sexuality and exclude bisexual identities?
Social institutions such as schools, media, family, religion, and workplace play an important role in creating and reinforcing stereotypes about gender and sexual orientation. These institutions often encourage people to adhere to strict binaries of masculinity and femininity, which can make it difficult for individuals who identify as bisexual to be fully accepted by society.