What are the developmental consequences of early exposure to bisexual erasure in educational or familial environments?
Bisexual erasure is a social phenomenon that refers to the conscious or unconscious act of denying or ignoring the existence of individuals who identify as bisexual. This can occur in various contexts, including educational settings where students may feel pressured to choose between identifying as straight or gay/lesbian, or familial environments where parents might reject their child's identity altogether. The consequences of this erasure can be far-reaching for children, leading to emotional distress, lower self-esteem, increased risk of anxiety and depression, and even physical health issues such as chronic stress.
One way that bisexual erasure manifests itself in an educational setting is through peer pressure, which can come from classmates who do not understand the concept of non-binary sexuality. In these cases, students may feel isolated and confused about their own identity, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation. They may also experience negative stereotypes about bisexual people, such as being perceived as promiscuous or unstable, which further exacerbate their sense of shame and fear.
Schools may fail to provide adequate resources for educating both teachers and students about LGBTQ+ identities, leaving them feeling misunderstood and unsupported.
In families, bisexual erasure can take many forms, but one common example is when parents refuse to accept their child's identity or try to change it by enforcing heterosexual norms. This can lead to significant trauma for the child, especially if they are already struggling with coming out. Parents who do not support their child's bisexual identity may also create a hostile environment at home, which can have long-term effects on their mental health and social development.
Bisexual individuals face higher rates of homelessness and poverty than those who identify as straight or gay/lesbian, often due to rejection from family members or societal stigma.
Bisexual erasure has lasting consequences for its victims, including increased risk of substance abuse, suicide attempts, and other self-destructive behaviors. According to one study, bisexual youth were more likely to engage in risky behavior than their counterparts, including alcohol use, drug use, and sexual activity. They were also less likely to receive adequate healthcare and support services, leading to an increase in sexually transmitted diseases and other health issues.
Early exposure to bisexual erasure can negatively impact a person's physical, emotional, and psychological well-being throughout their life. It perpetuates harmful stereotypes about LGBTQ+ identities and reinforces gender binaries that are harmful to all children, regardless of their orientation. To combat this issue, educational institutions must prioritize educating students about non-binary sexuality and creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ students. Families should be open to discussions about identity and provide unconditional love and support to their children. By doing so, we can help ensure that future generations grow up with a positive view of sexual diversity and respect for all people.
What are the developmental consequences of early exposure to bisexual erasure in educational or familial environments?
The literature review shows that early exposure to bisexual erasure can have several adverse impacts on an individual's cognitive, social, and emotional development. A recent study suggests that children who grow up in families or institutions where their non-heteronormative sexual orientations are not acknowledged may experience low self-esteem and depression (Brown et al. , 2019).