What is Bisexuality?
Bisexuality refers to an individual's attraction towards both males and females. It is often used to describe people who are attracted to more than one gender but not necessarily exclusively so. This can include genders outside of the male/female binary as well.
Someone may be bisexual if they find themselves equally interested in men and women, transgender individuals, nonbinary people, etc. There is no single way to define bisexuality, nor is it always easily understood or accepted by society.
Many bisexual adolescents struggle with navigating this tension between emotional authenticity and social survival.
Challenges Faced by Bisexuals in Adolescence
Adolescence is a time when many young people explore their sexual identities and begin to form romantic relationships.
For bisexuals, this can come with unique challenges. They face a lot of stigma and discrimination from society, which leads to isolation and loneliness. Many feel like they have to hide their true selves to fit into the heteronormative culture around them.
They may fear being rejected by their family or peers if they come out as bisexual. This can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and confusion about their identity. As a result, some bisexuals choose to repress their true desires or act in ways that do not reflect their actual interests.
Exploring Emotional Authenticity and Social Survival
For many bisexual teenagers, coming out is an important step towards emotional authenticity. It allows them to express who they are without feeling judged or ostracized by others.
Doing so also comes at a cost. In today's world, being openly bisexual can put someone at risk of bullying, harassment, and even violence. Therefore, many decide to keep their sexuality hidden until they feel safe enough to come out publicly. This creates a tension between living authentically and maintaining safety within their community. Some bisexuals find it easier to date exclusively same-sex partners while hiding their attraction to the opposite sex. Others try to balance both by keeping one relationship private while dating someone else more publicly.
Coping Strategies for Bisexuals
To cope with this tension, some bisexuals turn to online communities where they can connect with other individuals who share similar experiences. They find support and understanding from people who understand what they're going through. Others seek therapy to help process their feelings and work on self-acceptance.
Some bisexuals use social media to express themselves creatively or build relationships without having to worry about judgment from others.
They may post artwork, writing, music videos, or other forms of expression that showcase their true selves. Regardless of how they choose to navigate this tension, it's essential for bisexuals to prioritize their mental health and wellbeing above all else. This means taking breaks from social media when necessary, seeking professional help if needed, and surrounding themselves with positive influences.
How do bisexual adolescents navigate the tension between emotional authenticity and social survival?
Bisexual adolescents experience challenges navigating their sexual orientation within the context of a heteronormative society that often shames and marginalizes non-heterosexual identities. They may feel pressure to conform to traditional gender roles and expectations, leading them to conceal their true selves for fear of being rejected by peers or family members.