What are the long-term psychological effects of bisexual erasure in romantic, sexual, and social relationships on identity coherence and self-concept?
Bisexual erasure refers to the phenomenon whereby bisexuals' experiences and identities are excluded from mainstream discourse, representation, or research. This can lead to negative impacts on their mental health and well-being, including increased stress levels, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. In terms of romantic and sexual relationships, bisexual individuals may face difficulties due to societal stigma and misconceptions surrounding their sexual orientation. Bisexuals may feel pressured to choose between monosexual partnerships (e.g., heterosexual or homosexual) and struggle to find acceptance within these communities. In addition, they may experience sexual objectification, rejection, and marginalization based on their non-monosexual identity. These experiences can result in feelings of isolation, shame, and confusion, leading to difficulty forming and maintaining stable relationships.
Bisexual erasure can undermine bisexuals' sense of identity coherence and self-concept. Biphobia can make it difficult for them to fully embrace their own bisexuality, resulting in a disjointed or fragmented sense of self. The lack of positive representations of bisexual people in popular media also contributes to this issue by reinforcing harmful stereotypes and creating a culture of invisibility. As a result, bisexuals may struggle with feeling validated, understood, or valued as individuals.
To address these issues, it is essential that we work towards reducing biphobia and promoting greater visibility and understanding of the bisexual community. This includes educating ourselves about bisexuality, challenging negative stereotypes, and advocating for policies and legislation that protect bisexual rights.
Creating safe spaces where bisexuals can express themselves openly and authentically can help build confidence, resilience, and support networks.
Mental health professionals should be trained to recognize and address the unique needs of bisexual clients who have experienced bisexual erasure. By taking these steps, we can create a more inclusive society that values all identities equally.
What are the long-term psychological effects of bisexual erasure in romantic, sexual, and social relationships on identity coherence and self-concept?
According to researchers, bisexual individuals face unique challenges when it comes to their romantic, sexual, and social relationships due to negative stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding bisexuality. This can lead to feelings of isolation, confusion, and internalized stigma, which can have lasting impacts on identity coherence and self-concept.