The concept of bisexuality is often misunderstood and misinterpreted due to widespread heteronormativity, homonormativity, and monosexism that characterize most societies. Bisexual people are often perceived as indecisive, promiscuous, and confused about their sexual orientation. This perception leads to discrimination, stigmatization, rejection, exclusion, marginalization, and oppression. In addition, many bisexual individuals struggle with self-acceptance, identity coherence, life satisfaction, and self-perception because they do not have role models, representations, community, support, or visibility.
Bisexual individuals experience pressure from society to conform to binary gender norms and sexual identities, which can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, fear, isolation, and alienation. The lack of representation and acceptance makes it difficult for bisexuals to develop positive attitudes towards themselves and their sexuality, leading to negative self-perceptions and low self-esteem. As a result, some bisexual individuals may feel like outcasts, leading to poor mental health outcomes such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.
Studies show that bisexual individuals who feel visible in their communities report higher levels of identity coherence, life satisfaction, and self-perception than those who don't. They also have more positive views of bisexuality and less internalized biphobia. Visibility can be achieved through community building, political activism, media representation, social justice movements, awareness campaigns, and cultural celebrations.
The invisibility of bisexuality affects the development of romantic relationships as well. Bisexual people are often perceived as being greedy, promiscuous, and unable to commit. This stereotype leads to discrimination and exclusion from dating apps, online platforms, and social circles. It can also make it challenging to find compatible partners and build meaningful connections with others.
Recent studies suggest that many bisexual individuals prefer nonmonosexual relationships due to their intersectional identities, fluidity, and complexity.
The invisibility of bisexuality negatively impacts the psychological well-being of individuals by undermining their sense of belonging, self-worth, and social connectedness. The lack of visibility can lead to internalized stigma, negative self-perceptions, and isolation. By increasing visibility and creating safe spaces for bisexual individuals, society can promote greater acceptance, understanding, empathy, and support.
How does bisexuality influence identity coherence, life satisfaction, and self-perception in the context of societal invisibility?
The current research on the impact of bisexuality on individuals' perception of themselves is not extensive. Studies show that bisexuals tend to have lower levels of identity coherence than heterosexuals and homosexuals (Burts & Savin-Williams, 2016; Fetzer et al. , 2017).