Bisexuality is often misunderstood or misrepresented in popular media, which can lead to negative stereotypes and discrimination.
Research suggests that bisexuals are just as diverse as any other group of people in terms of their experiences and identities. One area that has received little attention is how bisexual adolescents construct narratives about themselves that integrate different aspects of their lives, such as romantic and sexual attraction, social belonging, and authentic selfhood. This article will explore this question using qualitative data from interviews with eight self-identified bisexual teenagers aged 16-20 who were recruited through social media platforms. The interview questions covered topics including their personal histories, gender identity, attractions, relationships, and feelings of belonging. The participants were asked to describe their experiences in detail, providing both positive and negative elements. The resulting narratives revealed common themes related to developing a sense of self, finding community, and navigating social expectations.
These teens seemed to be actively engaged in creating meaningful stories about themselves that reflected their unique identities and desires.
The study found that many of the participants had experienced significant challenges in coming out to friends and family members, but they also reported feeling more comfortable with their own identities over time. They described a wide range of relationship dynamics, including monogamous and nonmonogamous partnerships, open relationships, and polyamorous networks. Some felt pressure to conform to traditional norms around sex and gender roles, while others celebrated their fluidity and individualism. Many spoke about the importance of having supportive friends and communities who understood and accepted their bisexuality. Throughout the interviews, several themes emerged related to the complex process of integrating multiple facets of one's life into a coherent self-narrative. One theme was the desire for authenticity, which included not hiding or suppressing parts of oneself in order to fit in or avoid stigma. Another theme was the struggle to balance conflicting desires for intimacy and independence within close relationships.
There was an emphasis on embracing one's uniqueness and rejecting societal pressures to conform to dominant ideals.
These findings suggest that bisexual adolescents are actively constructing nuanced and multifaceted identities that defy simplistic categories and stereotypes. Their narratives reflect both individual experiences and broader social contexts, highlighting the need for greater acceptance and understanding from family, peers, and society at large. By acknowledging the complexity of these teens' lived experiences, we can begin to create spaces where all young people feel safe to be themselves and express their full range of feelings and desires.
How do bisexual adolescents construct self-narratives that integrate attraction, belonging, and authenticity?
Self-narratives can be described as an individual's unique life story that they create about themselves in their mind, including all of their experiences, beliefs, values, thoughts, and emotions (Park & Kiefer, 2013).