What lessons can contemporary queer movements learn from the historical marginalization of bisexual voices? Bisexual people have been historically excluded from mainstream LGBTQ+ activism since the Stonewall riots in 1969. This is evident in the fact that many contemporary queer movements still refuse to acknowledge bisexuality as a legitimate identity, even though it has been around for thousands of years. In recent years, there has been a push within these movements to include bisexual voices and experiences, but this change is slow in coming.
Bisexuality has long been viewed as an intermediate stage between heterosexuality and homosexuality. Many people believe that bisexuals are simply "undecided" about their sexual orientation and will eventually choose one side or the other. This view reflects the belief that sexual identity is fixed and unchanging, which is problematic because it ignores the fluid nature of human sexuality. Bisexuality also challenges the idea that monogamy is the only acceptable form of romantic relationship. By acknowledging the existence of non-monogamous relationships, bisexuality can help to open up discussions about polyamory, ethical non-monogamy, and consensually non-monogamous arrangements (CNM).
Another important lesson that contemporary queer movements can learn from the history of bisexual erasure is the importance of intersectionality. Intersectionality recognizes that identities such as race, class, gender, ability, and religion intersect with sexuality and gender identity to create unique experiences of oppression and marginalization. Bisexual people often face multiple forms of discrimination due to their identity, making them more vulnerable to violence and exploitation than either straight or gay individuals. By understanding how different identities interact with each other, activists can better address the needs of bisexual people and create space for all members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Contemporary queer movements should learn from the successes of bisexual activism in raising awareness about bisexual issues. The first national bisexual conference was held in 1990 and brought together a diverse group of people who shared their stories and struggles. Since then, there have been several national conferences dedicated to bisexual visibility and advocacy, including BiCon and BiPride. These events have helped to raise awareness about bisexual experiences and provide support for those who identify as bisexual. As a result, biphobia has decreased significantly in recent years.
Contemporary queer movements must acknowledge bisexuality as a legitimate identity and work to include it in their activism. They must also recognize the importance of intersectionality and fight for the rights of bisexual people at every level.
They must learn from the successes of bisexual activism by creating spaces for dialogue and supporting organizations that promote bisexual visibility and acceptance. Only by doing these things can contemporary queer movements truly be inclusive and representative of the full spectrum of human sexuality.
What lessons can contemporary queer movements learn from the historical marginalization of bisexual voices?
The marginalization of bisexual individuals has been an ongoing problem that has continued into modern times, with bisexuals often facing discrimination and exclusion within both heterosexual and LGBTQ+ communities. Queer movements can look to this history as they work towards creating more inclusive spaces for all sexualities, genders, and identities.