There has been an increasing recognition of the complexity of sexual orientation and gender identity. It is becoming more widely accepted that people may identify as bisexual, pansexual, polysexual, omnisexual, queer, or questioning their sexual and/or romantic orientations, and that these identities can change over time.
This does not mean that bisexual individuals do not face unique challenges related to authenticity and identity. Bisexual individuals are often perceived as being promiscuous, unfaithful, and unable to maintain monogamous relationships due to their attraction to multiple genders. They are also stereotyped as "greedy" for wanting both men and women and seen as unsure of their own identity. As a result, bisexuals may experience pressure to deny or hide their sexuality, which can lead to feelings of isolation and inauthenticity.
Despite these challenges, many bisexual individuals feel that their identities are dynamic and context-dependent. This means that they may be attracted to different genders or sexes at different times and under different circumstances.
Someone who identifies as primarily straight but occasionally feels attracted to other genders may still consider themselves bisexual. Similarly, a person who dates exclusively within one gender may be open to exploring relationships with others in the future. These experiences can make it difficult for bisexuals to feel fully authentic when their identity is constantly shifting and evolving.
To address this issue, some bisexual individuals have embraced a fluid approach to identity. Rather than trying to define themselves using rigid labels, they focus on how they feel in the moment and what they desire physically and emotionally. Others choose to identify as pansexual or omnisexual, indicating an attraction to all genders without limiting themselves to specific categories. Still, others reject traditional ideas about sexual orientation altogether and see themselves as simply human, capable of loving anyone regardless of gender.
Regardless of the approach taken, bisexual individuals must navigate a world where monogamy is often expected and homonormativity is privileged over non-monogamous or polyamorous relationships. Bisexuals also face discrimination based on their sexuality, such as being excluded from LGBTQ+ communities because they do not fit neatly into a binary box. As a result, they must find ways to affirm their own identities and challenge societal norms to live authentically.
How do bisexual individuals interpret authenticity when identity is experienced as dynamic and context-dependent?
The concept of identity can be understood from different perspectives. For some people, it may mean having an intrinsic sense of who they are based on their personal traits, beliefs, values, interests, and desires, while for others, identity may change over time or vary depending on social contexts. Bisexual individuals may experience their identity as fluid and dynamic due to various factors such as social norms, expectations, cultural backgrounds, and personal experiences.