The word "bisexual" refers to individuals who are attracted to both men and women.
The meaning can also be extended to include attraction to multiple genders beyond binary categories. Bisexual adults may experience sexual ambivalence, relational desire, and societal pressures that influence their identity development and self-concept formation. Sexual attraction is an important aspect of one's sexual orientation, but it is often complicated by cultural norms and expectations regarding gender roles, sexual practices, and social acceptance. This paper explores how bisexual adults navigate these challenges and develop coherent self-concepts through experiences of sexual ambivalence, relational desire, and societal pressures.
Experiences of sexual ambivalence
Sexual ambivalence occurs when individuals are uncertain about their sexual desires or attractions. It is common for bisexual adults to question their own feelings towards different genders and identify as heterosexual, homosexual, or even asexual in order to fit into society's expectations. This confusion can lead to internalized homophobia, shame, and difficulty forming healthy relationships. To cope with this uncertainty, some people suppress their feelings or engage in behaviors that contradict their true desires.
They might date someone from another gender while remaining closeted or engaging in casual encounters with members of their preferred gender without developing deeper emotional connections. Some bisexuals may experience conflicting desires simultaneously, making it difficult to reconcile their attraction to men and women.
Relational desire
Relational desire refers to the desire to have intimate, long-term relationships with specific individuals regardless of gender. Bisexual adults may find it challenging to form romantic partnerships due to stigma against non-monogamy, polyamory, and interracial/intercultural relationships. They also face discrimination in housing, employment, and other social domains. As a result, many bisexuals choose to remain single or enter into monogamous relationships with one partner who shares similar characteristics (e.g., race, religion) to maintain stability.
These restrictive choices can limit opportunities for personal growth and fulfillment. Many bisexuals seek communities where they feel safe expressing their sexuality openly but struggle to find acceptance within mainstream culture.
Societal pressures
Society imposes strict norms regarding gender roles, sexual practices, and relationship expectations. These constraints often prevent bisexuals from exploring their full range of attractions and pursuing satisfying relationships.
Bisexual women are sometimes expected to be submissive and passive in heterosexual relationships while bisexual men must adopt masculine traits. This double bind creates pressure to conform to traditional gender roles that contradict bisexual identity.
Bisexuals may face criticism for engaging in activities deemed taboo by society (e.g., BDSM, swinging). This negative bias leads some people to conceal their bisexuality or downplay its importance in order to gain societal approval.
Reconciling experiences through coherent self-concepts
Despite the challenges of reconciling conflicting desires and societal pressures, bisexual adults can develop coherent self-concepts through introspection, community support, and self-acceptance. By acknowledging their own needs and preferences, bisexuals can create an authentic identity that incorporates all aspects of who they are. They can seek out affirming spaces where they can explore their desires freely without judgment.
Bisexuals can challenge stereotypes and promote positive representation of their community through activism, education, and media involvement.
Acceptance from loved ones helps bisexuals feel comfortable with themselves despite external pressures.
Sexual ambivalence, relational desire, and societal pressures present unique challenges for bisexual adults as they navigate identity development.
These individuals can reconcile these experiences by being honest about their feelings, seeking safe spaces for exploration, and promoting self-acceptance.
How do bisexual adults reconcile experiences of sexual ambivalence, relational desire, and societal pressures in forming coherent self-concepts?
Bisexual individuals are often faced with unique challenges that can influence their self-concept development. Sexual ambivalence refers to feelings of attraction towards both men and women, while relational desire is the need for intimate relationships with members of both genders. These competing desires can create cognitive dissonance and confusion within an individual's self-perception.