Bisexuals are people who experience romantic and/or sexual attraction to both men and women, but they can also have varying levels of interest in other genders. They may identify themselves as bisexual, pansexual, or queer, and some prefer to use nonbinary terms. Bisexual individuals face unique challenges in their professional lives because of prejudice against them, including feeling pressure to hide their sexual orientation, being subjected to unwanted advances from coworkers, having difficulty finding supportive employers, experiencing hostility and discrimination within the workplace, and facing social isolation. This emotional labor is often exhausting and stressful for bisexual people. It requires them to constantly monitor and manage their behavior, appearance, and language, while trying to fit into an environment that does not accept their identity.
To deal with this situation, bisexual individuals need to take steps to protect themselves emotionally. One way to do so is by creating safe spaces where they feel supported and accepted.
They could join LGBTQ+ groups or attend meetings where they can discuss their experiences openly without fear of judgment or rejection. Another approach is to create a code of conduct or set of rules for dealing with uncomfortable situations, such as refusing to engage in flirtations or discuss personal topics with coworkers who make inappropriate comments or inquiries about their sexuality. Some bisexual people might find it helpful to develop strategies for managing anxiety and depression related to the workplace discrimination.
Bisexuals should consider seeking legal recourse when necessary. If they experience harassment, discrimination, or violence due to their sexual orientation at work, they may be able to file complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). They also have the right to seek redress through the courts if their rights are violated under federal law.
Some bisexuals choose to stay quiet because they worry about the potential consequences of coming out. In these cases, they may try to remain anonymous or use pseudonyms online or in social media.
Bisexual workers should prioritize their physical and mental health by taking breaks from stressful environments, practicing self-care activities like meditation and yoga, and seeking professional help if needed.
In what ways do bisexual individuals experience and manage emotional labor associated with workplace discrimination?
Bisexual individuals may face unique challenges when it comes to managing their emotions in the workplace due to experiences of discrimination based on sexual orientation. Research suggests that biphobia is widespread and can lead to feelings of alienation, isolation, and stress for those who identify as bisexual (McCartney et al. , 2017).