Bisexual Narratives and Ethics
Bisexuality is an orientation that attracts to both males and females but may be more likely to focus on one gender than another. Bi people's experiences can include exploring their attraction to different genders, navigating double standards of society, and making choices about how much they want to share publicly. Some bi people are open about their identity, while others hide it from friends and family due to fear of rejection. These pressures have ethical implications that require careful consideration.
One example of this dilemma is tension between desire and social expectation. Bisexuals may feel pressure to conceal their true preferences to maintain acceptance in monogamous relationships or avoid judgment from heterosexuals. This could create feelings of isolation and lack of agency over one's own sexual desires.
Bisexual characters in media often face criticism for promoting prejudice and stigmatizing non-monogamy, which can lead to negative portrayals and harmful stereotypes.
Another issue is privacy vs. disclosure. Bi people may worry about outing themselves prematurely before gaining confidence in their sexuality or having supportive relationships, leading to anxiety about coming out.
Hiding their identity can also cause internalized shame and confusion about identity formation.
There may be concerns regarding exploitation when a person takes advantage of a relationship to validate their own bisexuality without considering the other person's needs and boundaries.
These complexities make it difficult to determine what constitutes appropriate behavior and how to address issues within the community.
Each individual must weigh their own values and goals when engaging with bi narratives and decide whether to prioritize personal fulfillment or societal expectations. The ongoing debate over these topics highlights the importance of communication, honesty, and respect in all types of relationships - regardless of orientation.
What ethical dilemmas arise when bisexual narratives involve tension between desire and social expectation?
The ethical dilemma that arises from bisexual narratives involves tensions between personal desires and societal expectations. According to scholars, society expects individuals who identify as bisexual to be openly gay while living up to heteronormative values such as monogamy and commitment to one gender (Lorenz & Wong, 2017).