Bisexuality is defined as the attraction towards more than one gender at once. Bisexuals may experience pressure to act out certain sexual desires or fulfill them for their partners regardless of what they personally desire. This can be caused by societal misconceptions about sexual orientation, heteronormativity, and internalized biphobia.
To start, there are several misunderstandings about bisexuality that often lead to stigma and discrimination. Some people believe that bisexuals are indecisive, unable to choose between genders, promiscuous, or merely going through a phase. These misconceptions make it difficult for bisexuals to express themselves authentically without fearing judgment from others. Additionally, bisexuals may feel like they have to prove their identity to others which could result in performing acts they do not truly enjoy.
Heteronormativity refers to the assumption that all individuals should identify as straight and cater to traditional gender roles. This can create an expectation for bisexuals to conform to this norm and engage in activities such as penetrative sex with both men and women, regardless of personal preference. For instance, if a bisexual woman's partner expects her to have sex with other women but she prefers men, she might feel pressured into satisfying her partner's needs instead of her own.
Internalized biphobia occurs when someone holds negative beliefs about their sexuality due to society's perception of it. It can cause self-doubt and self-loathing, resulting in a need to fit within social expectations despite any genuine attraction towards nonbinary identities. A bisexual person may avoid exploring their true desires out of fear of being rejected by partners or friends who only accept binary expressions of sexuality.
Finally, some bisexuals experience difficulty finding satisfaction because of the limited representation of bisexuality in media and culture. They may struggle to find resources, role models, or community support to explore their sexuality safely and honestly. As a result, they may try to please partners by acting out fantasies or following prescribed scripts rather than discovering what actually turns them on.
Overall, bisexual individuals face various challenges related to societal misconceptions, internalized biphobia, heteronormativity, and lack of visibility. These factors contribute to pressure to meet partner expectations even though they may not align with one's individual desires. By addressing these issues head-on and working towards creating safe spaces for bisexual expression, we can create a more inclusive world where everyone is free to express themselves authentically.