Bisexuality has become more widely accepted in society, leading to increased visibility and representation of individuals who identify as such.
There are still many societal expectations surrounding romantic and sexual exclusivity that can create challenges for those who identify as bisexual. Specifically, this essay will examine the question of ethics surrounding bisexual relational multiplicity, which refers to the practice of having multiple romantic or sexual partners simultaneously. This article seeks to understand how these expectations around commitment and exclusivity impact the experiences of bisexuals and what ethical considerations arise from navigating them.
One ethical consideration is the potential for harm caused by nonmonogamy or polyamory. Nonmonogamy involves engaging in multiple romantic or sexual relationships concurrently, while polyamory is characterized by openness about such relationships. Some people argue that nonmonogamy harms monogamous couples by creating an environment where infidelity becomes acceptable. In addition, some argue that nonmonogamy objectifies human beings and reduces them to objects or commodities to be used for pleasure rather than seeing each person as a unique individual with their own desires and needs. Bisexuals who engage in nonmonogamy may face additional stigma because they are seen as being unable to commit to one partner due to their sexual orientation, which could lead to feelings of shame and guilt.
Another ethical consideration is the idea of fairness in terms of time and attention given to each partner. Bisexuals who have multiple partners must navigate complex dynamics involving communication, scheduling, and prioritization. They also risk experiencing conflict between partners if one feels neglected or jealous of another. This can lead to difficulties in maintaining healthy relationships and overall well-being, potentially causing stress and anxiety.
Some argue that this is simply part of dating and requires open communication and negotiation to work through.
A third ethical consideration is whether bisexual relational multiplicity perpetuates existing power structures, specifically those related to race, gender, and class. It has been argued that nonmonogamy disproportionately benefits white, cisgender men, who are already privileged in society.
It can reinforce existing social hierarchies, including those based on age and physical attractiveness.
Polyamory communities often involve "primary" partners who receive more emotional investment and resources from others in the community. These considerations raise questions about whether bisexual relational multiplicity truly offers equality and empowerment to all involved parties.
There is the question of consent. Ensuring consent and safety for all parties involved is essential when engaging in nonmonogamy. This means establishing clear boundaries and expectations upfront and regularly checking in with partners about how they feel about the relationship dynamic. Failure to do so could result in harm to individuals emotionally or physically, which would be unethical.
Bisexual relational multiplicity raises many ethical questions surrounding exclusivity, commitment, fairness, power dynamics, and consent. While these issues may not necessarily impact everyone who identifies as bisexual, they deserve our attention and reflection if we want to create a world where bisexuals can thrive without fear of stigma or oppression. By examining these concerns openly, we can work towards creating a society that celebrates diversity while upholding ethical standards for all relationships.
What ethical questions arise from bisexual relational multiplicity in the context of societal expectations around exclusivity and commitment?
Bisexuality is an identity that refers to people who are attracted to both men and women. While many people assume that bisexuals should choose between monogamy or nonmonogamy, research shows that bisexuals can have different preferences for sexual and romantic relationships. Bisexuals may engage in multiple long-term relationships with partners of different genders at once or may switch partners frequently within polyamorous arrangements.