The term "bisexual" refers to an individual who is attracted to people of more than one gender identity.
For many bisexuals, there is an issue of invisibility within LGBTQ+ communities that can lead to a lack of support and understanding. This lack of representation may contribute to feelings of isolation and depression among bisexuals, which could potentially be detrimental to their mental health.
It can also impact social norms and attitudes towards bisexuality, reinforcing negative stereotypes and misconceptions about bisexuality as a whole. As such, there has been increasing discussion around whether visibility should become a moral imperative for bisexuals.
One argument is that increased visibility would benefit all members of the LGBTQ+ community by challenging traditional heteronormative views and promoting greater acceptance of diverse sexual orientations.
If bisexuals are more visible, they can serve as role models for others who identify as bisexual or questioning their sexual orientation, providing them with much-needed representation and encouragement.
Increased visibility could help destigmatize bisexuality by allowing more people to see it as a valid and natural part of human experience. In turn, this could reduce discrimination and prejudice against bisexuals and other non-heterosexual identities.
There are also concerns about how visibility might create additional burdens on bisexuals.
Some argue that being "out" requires a level of vulnerability and exposure that not everyone feels comfortable with. Some may fear rejection from family, friends, or even employers because of their identity, while others may feel pressure to educate and advocate for bisexuality in ways that they do not have time or energy for. There may also be safety issues related to coming out as bisexual in certain contexts, particularly when it comes to physical or emotional abuse based on one's sexual orientation.
Increased visibility alone may not necessarily lead to improved well-being among bisexuals. As discussed above, bisexual invisibility contributes to epistemic harm, which refers to the negative impact of societal beliefs and assumptions about bisexuality on individuals' self-perceptions and relationships. This can include internalized shame, confusion, and feelings of isolation, all of which can significantly impact an individual's mental health. Therefore, while visibility is important, it should not be seen as a cure-all solution for bisexual oppression and marginalization. Rather, it should be viewed as one component of a larger effort towards promoting equity and inclusion within society at large.
Increased bisexual visibility has the potential to promote greater acceptance and understanding of non-heteronormative sexual orientations, but it must be balanced with consideration for the unique experiences and needs of bisexuals themselves. While visibility may contribute to positive social change, it cannot solve the underlying issues of systemic discrimination and exclusion facing bisexuals without more comprehensive efforts from society as a whole.
Can bisexual visibility become a moral imperative when invisibility perpetuates epistemic harm?
Although it is difficult to gauge the extent of bisexual invisibility as a form of oppression or whether it has reached "epistemic harm" levels that would warrant it being considered an issue of morality, there are arguments to be made for why bisexuals may experience disadvantages compared to other sexual orientations due to this lack of recognition.