There is an increasing trend among members of the LGBTQ+ community to label themselves as "bisexual" rather than "pansexual," but there are numerous reasons why this may be problematic. One such reason is that it can result in discrimination against those who do not fit neatly into either category.
Someone who identifies as bisexual might feel pressure from others to simplify their truth to avoid discomfort. This could lead them to change their identity to match what is socially acceptable instead of being true to themselves.
A bisexual person may face discrimination because society does not accept them for who they are. They may experience discrimination based on gender, race, religion, or appearance. It's possible they will even be harassed or attacked for expressing their sexuality publicly. Bisexuals have been subjected to violence and death threats just for existing in some cases. These individuals need support from friends, family, coworkers, employers, and social media platforms.
Many people find comfort in simplifying things by reducing their complexity to "either/or."
This binary thinking can create a false dichotomy between two extremes, ignoring the reality that humans fall somewhere along the spectrum. The act of demanding bisexual people to simplify their truth means forcing them to identify with one group while suppressing another aspect of their identity. A bisexual person may choose to ignore parts of their identity out of fear or shame. As a result, they may become less comfortable discussing their identity with friends or family members who cannot comprehend it.
Another concern is that when bisexual people simplify their truth for the sake of social comfort, they risk losing touch with their authentic selves. This can happen through constant exposure to messages that tell them to fit into rigid categories. In this way, they may start questioning whether they really exist at all. If someone doesn't understand the fluidity of sexual orientation, they might assume that bisexuality isn't real. That's why we should continue educating ourselves about these issues and how they affect our everyday lives. We also need to challenge societal norms that pressure us to conform to stereotypes instead of embracing who we are authentically.
What are the ethical implications of demanding bisexual people to simplify their truth for the sake of social comfort?
The demand for bisexuals to simplify their sexuality can have significant ethical implications as it may force them to suppress an essential aspect of their identity. By insisting that they choose one label, society denies their right to self-expression and ignores their unique experience. This pressure can lead to internalized biphobia, depression, and low self-esteem, which can affect their overall mental health.