There has been growing awareness about the existence of LGBTQ+ individuals in society, especially with regards to their struggles against discrimination and prejudice. One group that is often misunderstood and stigmatized within this community is bisexuals - people who are attracted to both men and women. Bisexuals face various challenges in terms of acceptance from family members, peers, employers, and even romantic partners due to societal expectations and stereotypes. As such, they may feel the need to conceal their true identity to avoid hostility and discrimination.
This can be a challenge for them because it goes against the principle of truthfulness, which is an important moral value. In this article, we will explore how bisexual individuals reconcile the importance of telling the truth with the pragmatic need for concealment in hostile environments.
The first step in reconciling the moral value of truth-telling with the pragmatic need for concealment is understanding one's own needs and values. It is essential for bisexual individuals to consider what is most important to them - being true to themselves or hiding their sexuality for safety reasons. This means reflecting on personal experiences and beliefs and identifying any potential consequences of coming out as bisexual, such as losing friends, family support, or job opportunities. By doing so, they can determine if the risk of coming out is worth taking or not.
Bisexual individuals should evaluate the environment in which they find themselves and assess its level of hostility towards bisexuality. If they live in a conservative area where homophobia and prejudice are widespread, coming out could have serious consequences that compromise their wellbeing and security. Therefore, they may choose to remain closeted until conditions improve.
If they reside in a more tolerant community, they may decide to come out without fear of negative repercussions. The goal is to strike a balance between authenticity and self-preservation by making informed decisions based on the situation at hand.
Bisexuals can practice communication skills to navigate conversations about their identity with others effectively. They can do this by anticipating possible questions or comments from people who might be uncomfortable with their sexual orientation and preparing responses that highlight their positive attributes rather than dwelling on stereotypes or stigmas associated with bisexuality.
They can practice assertive boundary setting by politely but firmly declining discussions about their private life.
They can say something like "I appreciate your interest in my personal life, but I prefer not to discuss it right now." This approach helps to control the conversation while also affirming one's own identity.
Bisexuals must learn to trust their intuition and rely on their inner wisdom when navigating difficult situations. They can listen to their emotional cues and instincts to determine how much information to share and when to reveal their true identity. By tuning into themselves, they will know when to speak up and when to remain silent, which can empower them to make informed choices that align with their values.
Bisexuals need to prioritize self-care by taking time to reflect on their experiences and seek support from other LGBTQ+ individuals or allies if needed. This includes seeking therapy or counseling to process any negative reactions they may receive from others, practicing mindfulness techniques to reduce anxiety and stress, and engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment outside of romantic relationships.
Bisexuals can find a balance between authenticity and survival by honoring their truth while also protecting themselves from harm.
How do bisexual individuals reconcile the moral value of truth-telling with the pragmatic need for concealment in hostile environments?
The tendency towards secrecy among bisexuals may be explained by the biphobia that they often face from both heterosexual and homosexual communities (Pachankis et al. , 2014). Coming out as bisexual can lead to social rejection and isolation, especially when one is surrounded by people who are ignorant about sexual orientation (Klein & Walseth, 2019).