Bisexual erasure refers to the act of ignoring or denying the existence of bisexual individuals within social contexts such as education, politics, media, and personal interactions. This practice is often perpetrated through various forms of systemic discrimination that intersect with different social identities like race, gender, class, and media representation. In this essay, we will explore the intersectional dynamics that sustain bisexual erasure and how these dynamics interact with these intersections.
We need to understand that bisexual erasure has deep roots in the idea of binary thinking. Binary thinking refers to the belief that there are only two options for sexual orientation - either straight or gay. This way of thinking has been reinforced throughout history through societal norms and cultural values that have marginalized bisexuals as "in between" or "unsettled". As a result, bisexuals have faced discrimination, stigma, and violence due to their identity. Bisexual erasure occurs when people assume that all individuals are heterosexual unless proven otherwise.
If a man is seen holding hands with another man, they may be assumed to be homosexual even though they identify as bisexual.
Bisexual erasure is further exacerbated by the lack of accurate representation of bisexuals in mainstream media. Most television shows, movies, and other media portrayals depict bisexuality as an insignificant or unimportant part of society. This lack of visibility contributes to the notion that bisexuals do not exist and reduces them to stereotypes.
Bisexuals face pressure from society to choose one side (hetero- or homosexual) which can lead to internalized bisexual erasure.
Class plays a significant role in bisexual erasure. Bisexuals who come from lower socioeconomic backgrounds often face more prejudice than those from higher classes. They are perceived as promiscuous and immoral because of their fluidity, leading to stigmatization and discrimination. This dynamic intersects with race, where black bisexuals face additional challenges due to racial bias and racism. Black bisexuals are often viewed as sexually deviant and hypersexualized, perpetuating negative stereotypes about black people and bisexuals.
Gender dynamics also contribute to bisexual erasure. The idea of "male privilege" leads many to believe that men have more power in sexual encounters, while women are objects of desire. As a result, bisexual men may experience greater erasure than bisexual women, who are seen as desirable for both genders. Similarly, cisgender individuals are often privileged over trans individuals when it comes to bisexual representation. Trans men and women have struggled to be recognized by the LGBTQ+ community, further perpetuating the erasure of their identity.
Intersectional dynamics sustain bisexual erasure by reinforcing binary thinking, lacking media representation, perpetuating class-based stigma, and amplifying gender dynamics. By recognizing these factors, we can begin to challenge and dismantle bisexual erasure in our society. We must work towards creating an inclusive environment for all sexual identities, regardless of their intersections.
What intersectional dynamics sustain bisexual erasure, and how do these dynamics interact with race, gender, class, and media representation?
The question is asking about the factors that contribute to the invisibility of bisexuality within society and its intersections with other identities like race, gender, socioeconomic status, and media portrayals. In the current social context, bisexual individuals are often marginalized and their identity is not recognized by both heterosexual and homosexual communities alike.