Bisexuals have often faced discrimination in their careers because they are perceived to be promiscuous, untrustworthy, and less committed than people who identify as straight or gay/lesbian.
They can still achieve success despite these challenges. Bisexual individuals can reclaim agency and redefine success in different ways, such as using networking to build supportive communities, pursuing creative outlets, embracing nontraditional roles, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, and leveraging intersectionality.
Bisexual professionals can network to build supportive communities that value them for their diverse identities and experiences. Networking involves building connections with people in similar professions or industries, participating in professional organizations and events, volunteering, and sharing expertise. By connecting with other bisexuals, bisexuals can find mentors, collaborators, partners, and allies who understand their unique needs and perspectives. They can also learn from each other's experiences and share resources and opportunities.
Rachel is a successful lawyer who used her bisexual identity to form a support group of women lawyers who helped each other navigate legal issues related to gender equality.
Bisexual professionals can use creative outlets to express themselves authentically and gain recognition. This could include writing, music, art, photography, design, fashion, performance, or any other type of expression. Creative outlets allow bisexual professionals to showcase their talents, connect with like-minded people, and create a brand that aligns with their values and beliefs.
Emily is an artist who uses her bisexual identity to explore gender fluidity through sculpture and installation art, which has garnered critical acclaim and won awards.
Bisexual professionals can seek out nontraditional roles and careers where they can thrive and make a difference. Nontraditional roles may involve working outside of mainstream corporate structures or pursuing social impact initiatives. Bisexual individuals can leverage their insights and skills to create new models of success that challenge traditional norms.
Samantha is a business consultant who advises companies on how to promote diversity and inclusion by implementing LGBTQ+ policies and practices.
Fourth, bisexual professionals can advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and contribute to the larger community. Advocacy involves speaking up for oneself and others in public and private spaces, educating others about biphobia, and promoting bi-affirming policies and legislation. By amplifying their voices, bisexuals can shape public discourse, advance civil rights, and improve workplace cultures.
Ben is a software engineer who runs a podcast where he interviews bisexual leaders from different industries to discuss their experiences and share strategies for overcoming biphobia at work.
Bisexual professionals can leverage intersectionality to achieve success. Intersectionality refers to how identities such as race, class, gender, age, ability, religion, ethnicity, etc., intersect with sexual orientation to create unique challenges and opportunities. By acknowledging these intersections, bisexual individuals can find common ground with allies across multiple identity groups and drive positive change. An example is Olivia, a financial analyst who uses her bi and Latinx identities to advocate for better access to healthcare and education for underserved communities.
Bisexual professionals can reclaim agency and redefine success in various ways, including networking, creative outlets, nontraditional roles, advocacy, and intersectionality. These strategies allow them to navigate bias and stereotypes while leveraging their diverse backgrounds and perspectives to excel in their careers.
In what ways do bisexual individuals reclaim agency and redefine success in their professions?
Although there are several studies on the experiences of LGBTQ+ people in the workplace, only limited research has focused on bisexual individuals' unique challenges and successes. The findings suggest that these professionals face discrimination, harassment, stigma, and lack of acceptance from coworkers and supervisors due to their sexual orientation.