Implicit biases are beliefs that individuals hold unconsciously without realizing it. These biases can be based on gender, race, religion, age, physical appearance, disability, and more. Implicit biases can have significant effects on one's professional life. One such effect is how they impact career advancement opportunities for bisexual professionals. Bisexual people experience discrimination and prejudice, making them feel left out in various workplace settings. They face challenges that monosexual people do not encounter, which affect their chances of being promoted to higher positions. This article will explain why this happens, what types of implicit bias there are, and how to overcome them.
Types of implicit biases
There are different types of implicit biases, but three major ones are relevant to the discussion. They include heteronormativity, sexualization, and stereotyping. Heteronormativity means assuming everyone is straight or cisgender unless otherwise stated. Sexualization involves viewing bisexuals as promiscuous or having an excessive sexual interest in both sexes. Stereotyping implies thinking all bisexuals are polyamorous or constantly looking for threesomes. All these assumptions limit bisexual people's career opportunities by creating a negative perception of them in their bosses or colleagues.
Heteronormative bias
Most employers assume employees are either straight or cisgender. Therefore, when someone identifies as bisexual, employers may wonder if they could be gay or lesbian, leading to further discriminatory behavior.
Some managers might think a woman who dates men and women is more likely to leave her job to pursue a relationship than a heterosexual woman. This assumption leads to fewer promotion opportunities for bisexual individuals.
Sexualization bias
Bisexual professionals are often viewed as sexually attracted to anyone regardless of gender identity, thus becoming objects of gossip and speculation. Some coworkers may even label them "bi-curious" without realizing it. Bisexual women are especially affected by this, where men see them as open to flirting with everyone while ignoring female colleagues' capabilities. The belief that they are less productive because they spend too much time on relationships damages their reputation, making them less eligible for promotions.
Stereotypical bias
Employees believe all bisexuals seek partnerships outside marriage, which can hurt their chances of getting promoted. They also assume bisexual people are nonmonogamous, meaning they would not stay committed long enough to focus on work. These views create an unfair perception of bisexual professionals and limit their advancement opportunities.
Overcoming implicit biases
To overcome these biases, there are several steps one can take. Firstly, educating oneself about bisexuality can help break stereotypes. It involves understanding the difference between sexual orientation and gender identity. Secondly, being out in the workplace allows others to see bisexuals as human beings rather than objects or jokes. Thirdly, advocacy groups such as Out & Equal Workplace Advocates can provide support through networking events, mentorship programs, and other resources. Lastly, self-advocacy means standing up against discriminatory behavior when witnessing it. This action creates awareness among peers and helps fight prejudice.
Implicit biases impact career advancement opportunities for bisexual professionals due to heteronormativity, sexualization, and stereotypical beliefs. To overcome this, individuals must know more about bisexuality and be open about their sexual orientation at work. Bisexual employees should speak up against any form of discrimination they encounter and join advocacy organizations like Out & Equal Workplace Advocates.
How does implicit bias affect career advancement opportunities for bisexual professionals?
Implicit bias refers to the unconscious prejudices that individuals may have towards certain social groups, including bisexuals. This can result in discrimination against bisexual professionals in various ways, including hiring decisions, promotions, and job assignments. Studies have shown that bisexuals are often overlooked when it comes to career advancement due to their sexual orientation.