The concept of identity refers to an individual's sense of self that is constructed through various aspects such as gender, race, ethnicity, religion, age, socioeconomic status, occupation, physical appearance, and sexual orientation. Social labels are words that describe these identities, which may be positive or negative and can influence how others perceive or treat us. Bisexual individuals often experience challenges because their sexuality is misunderstood or misrepresented by society. According to sociologist Erving Goffman, identity labels are "social facts" that shape our experiences and interactions with others. This study will explore how social labels constrain or liberate bisexual individuals' self-expression by examining three themes: visibility, intersectionality, and internalization.
Visibility refers to being visible or recognizable to others as a member of a particular group. While heterosexual people enjoy privilege and acceptance, bisexuals face prejudice, discrimination, and erasure. They may fear coming out for fear of rejection, stigma, violence, or lack of support networks.
Increased representation in media has improved visibility and normalized bisexuality. Still, it is common for bisexual individuals to feel isolated and invisible due to biphobia from both straight and gay communities. Some bisexuals choose not to label themselves publicly, while others embrace their identity proudly. Either way, they must navigate the complexity of disclosure and its consequences on their relationships, careers, and mental health.
Intersectionality means considering multiple identities simultaneously. It helps explain why some groups are more oppressed than others based on intersecting factors such as race, class, gender, ability, age, religion, etc. Bisexual women face greater discrimination than men due to patriarchal expectations about masculinity and femininity. Black bisexual women endure racism, sexism, and homophobia, while white bisexual women benefit from whiteness. As a result, bisexuals may feel conflicted between belonging to various marginalized groups or aligning with dominant ones. This can lead to feelings of confusion, isolation, shame, and guilt, which can impact self-expression and well-being.
Internalization refers to internalizing negative attitudes toward ourselves that society reinforces. Bisexuals may internalize biphobia and doubt their authenticity, questioning whether their sexual orientation is real or desirable. They may feel pressure to "pick" a side (either straight or gay) to fit into social norms or avoid rejection.
This compromises authenticity and can cause anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and relationship difficulties. On the other hand, bisexual individuals who accept themselves and their identity experience liberation and empowerment. They can express themselves authentically without fear of judgment or expectation. This allows them to form meaningful connections with others who share similar experiences and find community support.
Social labels constrain and liberate bisexual individuals' self-expression based on visibility, intersectionality, and internalization. Visibility affects how visible they are to others, which influences disclosure decisions and potential consequences. Intersectionality reveals how multiple identities intersect in shaping their experiences. Internalization shapes their perceptions of bisexuality as valid, desirable, or acceptable.
Identity labels shape our sense of self, influencing how we interact with others and create relationships. By understanding these factors, we can promote inclusivity, empathy, and empowerment for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation.
How do social labels constrain or liberate the self-expression of bisexual individuals?
The term "bisexual" has been used to describe people who are attracted to both men and women but can also encompass those who identify as pansexual or fluid regarding their sexuality. In recent years, it has become more common for individuals to identify with these terms due to increasing acceptance of non-monosexual identities.