The Stigma and Stereotypes of Bisexuality: Challenging Misconceptions and Promoting Acceptance

Bisexuality is a unique sexual orientation that encompasses attraction to both 'cis' genders - males and females. Bisexual is also an umbrella term which includes:

• Pansexual - Attraction to all genders, with a emphasis on trans and non-binary gender identities

• Polysexual - Attraction to multiple sexes

• Omnisexual - Attraction to all sexes

Those that identify as bisexual account for nearly half of all people who identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual, making the bisexual population the single largest group within the LGBTQIA+ community. 

Despite this bisexuality continues to face stigma and stereotypes that contribute to misunderstanding, misrepresentation, and erasure. 

In todays article, we'll explore the challenges faced by bisexual individuals, debunk common misconceptions, and highlight action points for a more inclusive and accepting society.

The 'it's just a phase' and 'you're just confused' myths

When experimenting with sexuality and gender growing up, many of us on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum are told 'it's just a phase' and then, eventually, 'we'll grow out of it'. For those who are bisexual, this infuriating stereotype, which also includes the addition of 'you're just confused about whether you're gay or straight', is incredibly heightened, and persists not only through youth, but well into adulthood. 

Many, including members of the LGT+ community, assume that bisexuality is a transitional phase, experimentation, or confused state before individuals "choose" a specific sexual orientation. 

THIS IS INCORRECT AND STUPID say it louder for the people at the back!

This misconception undermines the validity of bisexuality and dismisses the experiences of those who identify as bisexual. It is important to recognise that bisexuality is a legitimate and stable sexual orientation, just like any other. And that those who identify as bisexual deserve the respect and understanding that the whole LGBTQIA+ community is fighting for. 

Bisexuality and Promiscuity

Another damaging stereotype associated with bisexuality is the notion that bisexual individuals are promiscuous or unable to commit to monogamous relationships. 

*sighs*

Did you know that infidelity and divorce rates have been and continue to be higher in heterosexual relationships than in LGBTQIA+ relationships?

This assumption of bisexual promiscuity ignores key factors of humanity:

• Sexual orientation does not determine behaviour 

• Sexual orientation does not determine character

• Bisexuality does not dictate one's capacity for fidelity 

• Bisexuality does not dictate the desire for committed relationships

Biphobia In and Out of LGBTQIA+ Community

Biphobia refers to the prejudice, stereotypes, and discrimination faced by bisexual individuals. Unfortunately, as I said, biphobia exists not only in mainstream society but also within the LGBTQIA+ community itself. 

Some individuals within the community may question or doubt the authenticity of bisexuality, perpetuating stereotypes and erasing the unique challenges faced by bisexual individuals. Others see bisexuality as something that blocks general acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community because of 'it's too difficult for people to understand'. 

What I would say is this 'us and them' mentality is what is damaging peoples acceptance of the community. How can we expect others to understand and accept us, when we won't do the same for each other?

It is vital for the community to embrace and support all sexual orientations, including bisexuality, fostering unity and solidarity.

Promoting Acceptance and Understanding

Addressing biphobia within both in and out of LGBTQIA+ community requires active efforts to foster unity, understanding, and acceptance for all sexual orientations. Here are some thing you can do to contribute to a more inclusive community:

• Education and Awareness: Promote education and awareness about bisexuality within LGBTQIA+ spaces. Provide resources, workshops, and discussions to challenge stereotypes and increase understanding of bisexuality as a legitimate sexual orientation.

• Amplify Bisexual Voices: Create platforms and opportunities to amplify the voices of bisexual individuals. Encourage them to share their experiences, stories, and perspectives, ensuring their visibility and representation within the LGBTQIA+ community.

• Intersectionality: Recognise and embrace the intersections of identity within the LGBTQIA+ community. Understand that individuals can have multiple aspects to their identity, such as race, gender, or disability, which can further shape their experiences.

• Allyship: Encourage allyship among all members of the community. Allies can actively support and advocate for bisexual individuals, challenging biphobia and promoting acceptance.

• Inclusive Policies and Practices: Ensure that LGBTQIA+ organisations, events, and spaces have inclusive policies and practices that explicitly recognize and affirm bisexual individuals. This includes creating safe spaces and promoting diverse representation.

Understanding Health Disparities Within The Bisexual Community

Bisexual individuals face many health disparities compared to their 'L & G' counterparts. They are more likely to experience mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders, resulting in higher rates of self-harm, suicidal thoughts and suicidal attempts, as well as an increased risk of substance abuse, including cigarette smoking and heavy drinking.

Transgender people and people of colour comprise large portions of the bisexual community – with more than 40 percent of LGBTQIA+ people of colour identifying as bisexual, and about half of transgender people describing their sexual orientation as bisexual or queer – making these groups vulnerable to further disparities that occur at the intersections of biphobia, racism and transphobia.

The stigma and stereotypes associated with bisexuality perpetuate misunderstanding, erasure, and discrimination. It is our collective responsibility to challenge these misconceptions, promote acceptance, and create safe spaces where bisexual individuals can be their authentic selves. 

By dismantling stereotypes and fostering empathy, we can work towards a more inclusive society that values and respects the experiences and identities of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation.