The word "bisexual" is often associated with three different letters - B-I-S-E-X-U-A-L - which are used to represent the concept of attraction towards both male and female genders. Bisexuals are individuals who have an inherent interest in people of their own gender and another gender. As per some researchers, bisexuality can be defined as romantic attractions to both men and women equally, while others suggest it could mean being attracted to multiple genders outside one's gender identity.
There are also studies that say that the term bisexual does not describe the full spectrum of sexuality. It only describes part of human sexuality but doesn't take into account nonbinary identities or transgender individuals. In this case, bisexuals may experience a lack of community engagement due to binary-dominated faith spaces. The visibility of bisexual individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community has been increasing significantly over time, and they face discrimination and stigma from society and family members, making it challenging for them to maintain visibility, affirmation, and community engagement. This article will discuss how bisexual individuals can navigate these issues in binary-dominated faith communities.
The bisexual individuals should advocate for themselves by speaking up when someone questions their orientation. They should educate others about their identity so that they don't face any negative consequences. Secondly, they need to find ways to connect with other bisexual individuals through meetups or social media groups. Thirdly, they should seek support from allies who understand their situation and help them feel accepted in the group.
They should focus on creating safe spaces where they can express themselves without fear of judgment or rejection. Bisexual individuals must practice self-care and prioritize mental health during such situations. They should stay positive, avoid stressful situations, meditate regularly, and spend time with friends who care for them. Above all, bisexual individuals should be proud of their identity and never hesitate to share it with others who want to know more about it.
Even though there are many challenges faced by bisexual individuals in binary-dominated faith spaces, taking steps towards being visible, affirmed, and engaged in the community is vital to counter this issue. Bisexuals should be vocal about their identity and practice self-care to maintain their well-being. By doing so, they can be confident and live their lives openly.
How do bisexual individuals maintain visibility, affirmation, and community engagement in binary-dominated faith spaces?
The need for identity validation is universal among human beings and becomes more complex when there are multiple identities at stake. Bisexuals often struggle with visibility, affirmation, and community engagement in faith spaces that are dominated by binaries because they have to negotiate between their sexuality and religious beliefs while also navigating intersecting identities like gender or ethnicity.