Bisexual invisibility is when people assume that individuals who identify as bisexual only date within their own gender group, which can lead to a lack of understanding and acceptance from others. Bisexual erasure is when bisexuals are denied recognition for their identity or experiences, such as being assumed to be gay/lesbian/straight instead. Both can have long-term psychological outcomes in different professional, social, and personal settings. This article will discuss these impacts.
Professional Outcomes
In a workplace setting, bisexual invisibility can lead to increased stress levels due to fear of discrimination and lack of support.
If a bisexual employee feels they cannot open up about their identity without facing repercussions, this can cause anxiety, depression, and decreased job satisfaction.
They may feel isolated from coworkers since they are not able to share common interests or bond over relationships.
This can lead to burnout and lower productivity.
Social Impacts
In social situations, bisexual invisibility can cause feelings of isolation and loneliness. Since many people do not understand what it means to be bisexual or believe it doesn't exist, bisexuals may struggle to find community or support outside of online spaces. They may also face judgement and misunderstandings from friends, family members, or partners who don't understand their identity. This can result in social withdrawal, reduced self-esteem, and difficulty forming meaningful relationships.
Personal Effects
Personally, bisexual invisibility and erasure can lead to negative body image issues. If someone is constantly told that bisexuality isn't real or valid, they may question themselves and doubt their own experiences. They may also experience internalized biphobia, where they begin to believe the stereotypes and stigma surrounding bisexuality. This can result in low self-worth, shame, and anxiety about expressing themselves authentically. It can also make it harder to form healthy romantic relationships, as potential partners may view them with suspicion or skepticism due to societal beliefs about bisexuality.
Bisexual invisibility and erasure have long-term psychological impacts across all domains, including professional, social, and personal life. These effects can range from increased stress and isolation to reduced self-esteem and body image issues. It is important for individuals to seek out resources and support groups to help navigate these challenges and feel more confident and comfortable in their identities.
What are the long-term psychological outcomes of navigating bisexual invisibility and erasure across professional, social, and personal domains?
Bisexual invisibility is defined as not being recognized as a sexual orientation that exists between heterosexuality and homosexuality (Hatzenbuehler & Balsam, 2014). Bisexuals can experience discrimination from both heteronormative and LGBTQ+ communities due to their lack of fit into either of those categories (Davis, 2020).