What are the mental health and relational effects of bisexual erasure and social invisibility?
In the world of today, there is an increasing acceptance and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community but still, many people face discrimination based on their sexual orientation. Bisexuals are among those groups who experience a lack of recognition that can lead to various problems. This article examines the impacts of bisexual erasure and invisibility, focusing primarily on the mental health and relational consequences. It also explores how these issues affect bi individuals' self-perception and identity development.
Bisexual Erasure refers to when someone denies the existence of bisexuality or fails to acknowledge its validity. It occurs when society assumes that everyone fits into either the heterosexual or homosexual category, which can result in negative attitudes towards bisexual individuals. Invisible is when bisexual individuals are neither seen nor heard, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Both phenomena have been associated with poor psychological well-being and relationship difficulties.
Research has shown that bisexuals are more likely than gay and straight people to suffer from depression and anxiety due to the stigma they face (Walters & Rahman, 2016).
Studies suggest that bisexuals may feel pressure to choose between monogamy and polyamory, causing them to feel like outsiders even within their own community (Gonzalez et al., 2019).
Bi individuals often struggle with identity development as they question whether they truly fit into the binary categories of straight or queer. They may feel confused about their identity and experience confusion about their place in the world. These doubts can be particularly acute for young people who are still discovering their sexuality and trying to make sense of it. Bisexual erasure can further complicate this process by leaving them feeling isolated and alone (Ford, 2018).
In terms of relationships, bisexuals may find themselves rejected by both the straight and LGBTQ+ communities because they do not neatly fit into one group or another. This rejection can lead to feelings of loneliness and a lack of support from peers and potential partners. It also means bisexuals may need to work harder to find someone who accepts them for who they are, which can be time-consuming and emotionally taxing. As a result, bisexual individuals are less likely to form long-term relationships compared to heterosexuals or homosexuals, which could have a negative impact on their mental health over time (Johnson, 2017).
Bisexual erasure and invisibility have far-reaching consequences for bisexual individuals' mental well-being and relational experiences. By recognizing these issues, we can begin to address the challenges that bisexuals face and create a more inclusive society where everyone feels seen and heard.
What are the mental health and relational effects of bisexual erasure and social invisibility?
Bisexual erasure and social invisibility can have various mental health and relational effects on individuals who identify as bisexual. These effects include feelings of confusion, isolation, rejection, and marginalization. Bisexual people may struggle with their sexual identity due to the lack of representation in society and may feel like they do not belong in either heterosexual or LGBTQ+ communities.