The purpose of this article is to explore how intersecting social identities influence experiences of discrimination and resilience in bisexual populations. Discrimination refers to negative treatment based on one's identity, such as race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability, or class, while resilience describes an individual's capacity for coping with adversity. Intersectionality theory posits that multiple identities interact to shape individuals' lived experience and understanding of themselves.
A bisexual woman may face both heterosexist discrimination due to her sexual orientation and sexism due to her gender. This can lead to heightened vulnerability and increased stress.
Resilience is also possible as individuals learn to navigate these challenges and develop strategies for self-care and empowerment.
One study found that bi+ women reported higher rates of anxiety and depression than heterosexual women but lower rates than lesbians. They attributed this to facing discrimination from all sides, including homophobia within LGBTQ communities, misogyny from men, and rejection by straight society. Another study examined how black bisexual women navigated oppression related to their racial, sexual, and gender identities. They found that these women were more likely to report experiencing microaggressions, internalized racism, and sexual objectification. They developed ways to challenge these stereotypes, such as through activism, community building, and spirituality.
Research has also explored the impact of socioeconomic status (SES) on bisexual experiences. Higher SES groups tend to have greater access to resources and social capital, which can help buffer against discrimination. One study found that low SES bisexuals faced greater discrimination in health care settings than high SES bisexuals, leading to worse mental health outcomes. Another study examined how bisexuals with disabilities experience intersecting forms of oppression and found that they often felt isolated and excluded from both LGBTQ and disabled communities. They developed unique coping strategies, such as creating their own support networks or advocating for inclusive policies.
Intersectionality theory helps us understand how multiple identities shape individuals' experiences of discrimination and resilience. Bisexual populations face challenges due to homophobia, sexism, racism, classism, ableism, ageism, and other forms of prejudice.
Resilience is possible through developing strategies for self-care and empowerment, finding supportive communities, and challenging harmful stereotypes. It is important to recognize the diversity within bisexual populations and continue research into their experiences and needs.
How do intersecting social identities influence experiences of discrimination and resilience in bisexual populations?
Discrimination and prejudice against bisexuals are prevalent across various social spheres due to the lack of understanding and acceptance towards their sexual orientation. Bisexuals face discrimination from both heterosexual and homosexual individuals as they defy categorization into one specific identity group. This may lead to feelings of rejection and isolation, which can be detrimental to mental health outcomes such as depression and anxiety.