1) What is bisexuality?
The term bisexual refers to an individual who experiences sexual attraction towards both men and women. It is different from homosexuality because it involves attraction towards people of multiple genders instead of just one. Bisexuals can be attracted to more than one gender, but they may not necessarily have equal levels of attraction for each. They might prefer either men or women, depending on their personal experience and circumstances. This means that while some bisexuals are equally attracted to both genders, others might feel more strongly drawn to one than the other. Bisexual individuals can identify themselves as such or remain closeted if they do not want to disclose their identity publicly.
2) Social contradiction
Despite the existence of bisexuality, society often sees it as a deviation from the norm. People tend to label bisexuals as indecisive or confused about their sexual orientation. They may even question whether someone could genuinely be bisexual and not choose between heterosexuality and homosexuality. The assumption is that bisexuality is a transitional phase before deciding which side of the spectrum an individual belongs to. This creates a sense of social contradiction whereby bisexuals are considered neither straight nor gay, and this ambiguity leads to misunderstandings and exclusion from both groups.
3) Existential lessons
Living in a world where there is no clear place for them can be challenging for bisexuals. They must navigate through a complex web of assumptions and judgements that often exclude them from mainstream conversations around sex and relationships. Bisexuals learn that they cannot always be open about their sexual orientation due to societal prejudices. They also realize that people's reactions to their identity vary widely based on their location, culture, age, gender, and other factors. As a result, they learn to be more resilient and adaptable to different situations.
4) Personal growth
Being bisexual forces individuals to confront their fears and biases regarding sex and intimacy. They see how labels and stereotypes affect their interactions with others and how they can be harmful. By acknowledging their own struggles with sexuality, they become more empathetic towards those who experience similar conflicts. They understand the importance of self-acceptance and finding a support system that accepts them unconditionally.
5) Overcoming discrimination
Bisexuals face various forms of discrimination, such as being rejected by friends or family members who do not approve of their identity. They may encounter harassment at work or in public places due to their sexual orientation. Some even have to hide their true selves to avoid prejudice.
They learn to develop coping mechanisms and strategies to deal with these issues. They become stronger individuals who refuse to let society dictate who they are.
What are the existential lessons bisexual individuals derive from living amid social contradiction?
Bisexual individuals have been forced to navigate contradictory attitudes towards their sexual orientation throughout history, which has led them to develop certain coping strategies that may be beneficial for anyone trying to deal with conflicting social pressures. On one hand, there is the expectation of conformity, where bisexuals are expected to fit into binary gender roles and norms, often resulting in discrimination and prejudice.