Bisexual Erasure in Policymaking
Policymakers have made significant progress towards achieving equal rights for LGBTQ+ people through policy changes that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
There is still room for improvement when it comes to understanding how bisexual individuals experience disparities in health care access and mental health outcomes compared to their heterosexual counterparts. These gaps can be attributed to biphobia, which involves misconceptions about bisexuality that lead to stigmatization, marginalization, and even violence against this population. In this article, I will explain why policymakers must prioritize bisexual representation in research studies, public health initiatives, and advocacy organizations to mitigate these inequalities.
The first problem with bisexual erasure in policy-making lies in the lack of reliable data on the health status of bisexuals. Many surveys fail to adequately represent bisexual respondents because they do not include questions about sexual attraction or behavior. Consequently, researchers may exclude them from analysis or underrepresent their experiences, leading to skewed conclusions about the impact of structural inequalities.
A recent study found that bisexual women are more likely than lesbians to report depression and other mood disorders but less likely to seek treatment (Eliason et al., 2017). This gap could reflect cultural stereotypes that associate bisexuality with promiscuity and unstable relationships or barriers to accessing supportive resources due to biphobic discrimination. Without accurate information about bisexual mental health needs, policymakers cannot develop targeted interventions to address these issues.
Bisexual erasure can exacerbate disparities in access to health care services. Bisexual individuals often face unique challenges when seeking medical attention for sexual and reproductive health concerns. Healthcare providers may assume that they are heterosexual or gay/lesbian, resulting in misdiagnoses, delayed treatments, and insufficient preventative care. They may also experience discrimination based on assumptions about their sex practices and relationships, which can lead to mistreatment and violence. A survey of bisexual people in Australia found that 46% had negative experiences with health professionals related to their sexual identity (Fisher, Rivers, & Page, 2016). These problems are compounded by the lack of cultural competency training among doctors and nurses regarding LGBTQ+ patients, as well as limited availability of specialized clinics for queer clients. Policies requiring cultural sensitivity education for all healthcare workers could improve outcomes for bisexual people by normalizing their experiences and reducing stigma.
Bisexual erasure perpetuates structural inequalities through its impact on public health campaigns and advocacy initiatives. Many organizations representing the interests of LGBTQ+ communities fail to acknowledge bisexuals' distinct needs and perspectives.
A national suicide hotline for LGBTQ+ youth does not explicitly list bisexuality among supported identities, potentially isolating those who feel marginalized within their own community. Similarly, many health promotion campaigns aimed at LGBTQ+ populations focus primarily on HIV/AIDS prevention, neglecting issues like mental health awareness and access to reproductive services. By prioritizing bisexual representation in these efforts, policymakers can ensure that they receive adequate attention and resources to address their unique health challenges.
Bisexual erasure in policy-making contributes to disparities in mental health and health care access for this population. To rectify these gaps, policymakers must invest in research studies that account for the lived experiences of bisexual individuals and develop targeted interventions to meet their unique needs. They should also require cultural competency training for healthcare providers and promote inclusivity among advocacy groups serving LGBTQ+ communities. By acknowledging and addressing biphobia and other forms of discrimination, policymakers can create more equitable policies and programs that improve the well-being of all sexual minorities.
How does bisexual erasure in policymaking perpetuate structural inequalities in mental health and healthcare access?
Bisexual erasure refers to the systematic exclusion of bisexual individuals from policies and practices that impact their mental health and access to healthcare services. This can lead to disparities in the quality and quantity of care they receive compared to those who identify as lesbian, gay, or straight. The effects of this erasure are far-reaching, affecting not only individual mental health but also broader social and economic factors such as job opportunities, housing options, and political representation.