Bisexual erasure is a common occurrence that can have negative effects on various aspects of an individual's life, including their romantic relationships, professional interactions, social connections, and emotional well-being. This article will explore these impacts in more detail.
Romantic Relationships
Bisexual erasure can make it difficult for bisexual people to find and maintain romantic partners, particularly if they are living in areas where there is limited visibility or acceptance of non-heteronormative sexual orientations. In addition, individuals may feel pressure to hide their bisexual identity from their partner or potential partners due to societal stigma, which can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. This can result in difficulties forming deep bonds, experiencing true intimacy, and finding fulfillment in their romantic lives. Bisexual erasure can also contribute to increased rates of infidelity and polyamory, as individuals may seek out alternative forms of validation and connection outside of monogamous relationships.
Professional Interactions
In many workplaces, bisexual individuals may face discrimination based on their sexual orientation, leading to difficulties in advancing their careers, receiving promotions, or being taken seriously by colleagues. This can create a hostile and unsupportive work environment, making it challenging to perform at one's best and achieve career goals.
Bisexual people may struggle with feeling like they fit in at work, as they often exist between the binary categories of gay/lesbian and straight/cisgender. They may feel pressured to choose one side or risk being excluded, causing anxiety and stress that negatively impact productivity and job satisfaction.
Social Connections
Society tends to categorize people into binary groups based on gender and sexual orientation, making it difficult for bisexual individuals to find belonging in social circles. This can lead to feelings of isolation and otherness, particularly when interacting with heterosexual couples or LGBTQ+ communities that focus on specific identities. As a result, bisexual people may experience higher levels of depression and anxiety, reduced self-esteem, and decreased social support.
Emotional Well-Being
Bisexual erasure can be emotionally exhausting, as individuals must constantly navigate society's expectations while trying to express their authentic selves. This can lead to feelings of internalized stigma, shame, and guilt, resulting in lowered self-confidence and self-worth. Bisexual erasure can also cause confusion and conflict within an individual, as they try to reconcile different aspects of their identity and desires with societal norms. This can ultimately have negative effects on mental health and well-being, contributing to increased rates of suicide attempts among bisexual youth.
Bisexual erasure has far-reaching consequences that affect every aspect of an individual's life, from romantic relationships to professional interactions to emotional well-being. Addressing this issue requires creating a more inclusive society that recognizes and celebrates diverse sexual orientations, promoting acceptance and respect in all areas of life. By doing so, we can create a world where bisexual individuals feel seen, heard, and valued for who they are.
What are the consequences of bisexual erasure on relational, professional, social, and emotional experiences in LGBTQ+ individuals?
Bisexual erasure refers to the denial or ignorance of bisexuality as an identity, which can have various negative impacts on the relationships, careers, and mental health of LGBTQ+ people. One study found that bisexuals reported higher levels of internalized homophobia than their lesbian and gay counterparts, potentially leading to lower self-esteem and increased anxiety (Clements et al. , 2017).