Sexuality is an essential part of human experience, yet it has been culturally constructed as binary, wherein people are either straight or gay/lesbian.
Research suggests that many individuals identify as bisexual, which means being attracted to both men and women. This essay will discuss how this identity plays out within society's expectations for heteronormative romantic pairing and why some individuals may internalize those norms despite their attraction to multiple genders. It will also explore how others might resist these cultural assumptions through various strategies such as openness about their desires and exploration of non-monogamy.
The assumption underlying heteronormativity is that heterosexual partnerships are more valid than homosexual ones, leading to the idea that bisexuals have a "golden ticket" to access all kinds of sexual experiences without commitment. As a result, they face pressure to choose one gender over another to prove their loyalty and devotion to one person alone. While some individuals may feel pressured into doing so due to societal expectations, others reject them altogether by engaging in consensually non-monogamous relationships involving different genders simultaneously. Some bisexuals may use labels like pansexual or omnisexual to describe themselves instead of bisexual to avoid reinforcing social hierarchies around sexual preferences.
Despite the stigma surrounding bi-erasure (the denial or dismissal of bisexual identities), some individuals embrace it while still prioritizing monogamy with one partner at a time. Still, others may struggle with feelings of shame and doubt regarding their attractions toward multiple genders, leading to self-doubt and isolation. To combat this issue, many bisexuals seek support from online communities where they can express themselves freely without fear of judgment from others who do not share their experiences.
Therapy sessions can be helpful for dealing with internalized biphobia - negative attitudes towards bisexuality that stem from societal norms.
Bisexuals must navigate complex cultural expectations about romantic partnership choices to validate their identity within society's binary framework. By resisting such assumptions through openness about their desires and exploring alternative relationship structures such as polyamory, they can challenge heteronormative ideals while still achieving fulfillment and connection with others.
How do bisexual individuals internalize or resist the cultural assumption that attraction must indicate preference or hierarchy?
Many bisexual individuals struggle with internalizing the cultural assumption that their romantic/sexual attractions should be limited to one of two categories (heterosexuality and homosexuality) instead of encompassing both. This can lead to feelings of confusion, anxiety, and self-doubt about their identity and desires.