Bisexual people can have romantic and/or sexual feelings for more than one gender. They may identify with either gender, both genders, neither, or all. Bisexuals are often misunderstood because they don't fit into society's binary view of male and female. This article discusses how the concept of multiplicity shapes their experience of identity, relationality, and ethical responsibility.
Multiplicity is the idea that there are many realities existing simultaneously and that no single reality is more real than another. It challenges the belief that things must be mutually exclusive. According to this ontology, bisexual people exist in multiple realities.
They might feel attracted to men but also to women. In some situations, they might prioritize attraction to men while in others, they prioritize attraction to women. Their relationships with others can change as they explore different identities and desires. Multiplicity allows for fluidity and complexity in bisexual experiences.
Identity refers to who someone sees themselves to be. For bisexuals, it can involve constantly redefining and reinventing their own sense of self. They may identify as straight, gay, lesbian, queer, pansexual, polyamorous, asexual, or any other label. Identity is not fixed but rather shaped by social norms, personal history, and individual choice. Many bisexuals question whether they should label themselves at all or simply express their desires without labels. Some embrace bisexual pride while others reject it.
Relationality involves how people relate to each other. Bisexuals may have monogamous relationships with one partner or non-monogamous ones with several partners. They may date both genders or just one. Their relationships can vary from casual encounters to lifelong commitments. Bisexuals often navigate complex emotions and boundaries around dating others while remaining true to themselves. Relationships are shaped by power dynamics, communication, honesty, trust, intimacy, and love. Bisexuals must consider these factors when deciding what kind of relationship they want.
Ethical responsibility is the obligation to act morally and responsibly towards others. It requires respecting everyone's autonomy, dignity, privacy, and safety. For bisexuals, this means being open about their sexuality while also considering its impact on others. They must avoid stereotypes, slurs, and stigma that can hurt LGBTQ+ individuals. They must practice consent, transparency, honesty, and accountability in their relationships. They must advocate for equality, inclusivity, and representation within society. Ethical responsibility demands self-reflection, awareness, and action.
Bisexual experiences of identity, relationality, and ethical responsibility are shaped by multiplicity. They involve constant redefinition, exploration, and negotiation. Bisexuals challenge society's assumptions about gender binaries and seek to live authentically and responsibly. By embracing multiplicity, bisexuals can create a more inclusive world where all identities and desires are valued.
How does the ontology of multiplicity shape bisexual experiences of identity, relationality, and ethical responsibility?
Identity is an ever-evolving process that is shaped by various factors such as individual sexual orientation, cultural norms, and social expectations. For bisexuals, this can be particularly challenging since they may experience pressure from both heteronormative and homonormative cultures to conform to binary labels and expectations. This can lead to feelings of dissonance, confusion, and even shame.