Bisexuality refers to the sexual, romantic, or emotional attraction to more than one gender. Bisexual erasure is the marginalization, invisibility, or denial of bisexuality as a legitimate sexual orientation. This can take many forms, such as portraying bisexual characters in media as either gay or straight, minimizing or ignoring the unique experiences of bisexual individuals, or assuming that bisexuality is a phase or a transition to homosexuality.

The Need to Address Bisexual Erasure and Its Impact on Mental Health

Addressing bisexual erasure is crucial because it has significant negative consequences for the mental health and well-being of bisexual individuals. Bisexual people face higher rates of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicidality compared to heterosexual individuals. This is largely due to the unique challenges they face, such as social stigma, lack of acceptance, and a dearth of affirming resources and support systems. Raising awareness about bisexual erasure and its impacts helps us create a more inclusive and supportive environment for bisexual individuals, ultimately improving their overall mental health and quality of life.

Societal Misconceptions about Bisexuality

Here are common misconceptions about bisexuals:

• Bisexuality is just a phase or a stepping stone to homosexuality: One common misconception is that bisexuality is a temporary or transitional identity, where individuals are simply experimenting before ultimately “choosing” to be gay or lesbian. This denies the legitimacy of bisexuality as a distinct sexual orientation.
• Bisexual individuals are greedy, confused, or unable to make up their minds: Another pervasive myth is that bisexual people are indecisive, unable to commit, or simply “greedy” for wanting to be with both men and women. This oversimplifies the complex nature of bisexual attraction and identity.
• Bisexual individuals are equally attracted to men and women: Many people erroneously believe that bisexuality means being equally attracted to both genders. In reality, bisexual individuals may experience their attraction in a wide variety of ways, with varying degrees of preference or fluidity over time.

Common Issues that Bisexual Individuals Face

• Underrepresentation: Bisexual individuals are often absent or invisible in mainstream media, literature, and public discourse. When they are represented, it is often in stereotypical or inaccurate ways that perpetuate bisexual erasure.
• Bi-erasure in LGBTQ+ spaces and movements: Even within LGBTQ+ communities, bisexual individuals may face marginalization, discrimination, and a lack of understanding and support. This can lead to a sense of exclusion and a lack of belonging.

The Impact of Bisexual Erasure on Mental Health

Bisexual erasure poses significant mental health risks. These include:

• Increased rates of depression and anxiety: Research has consistently shown that bisexual individuals experience significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidality than heterosexual individuals. This disparity is largely attributed to the unique challenges and stressors that bisexual people face, such as biphobia, social stigma, and a lack of acceptance and support.
• Isolation, rejection, and lack of support: Bisexual individuals face discrimination and lack of support within heterosexual communities and within LGBTQ+ spaces. They may face rejection and invalidation from family members, friends, and romantic partners who do not understand or accept their bisexuality. This can lead to a profound sense of loneliness and a lack of a sense of belonging.
• Internalized biphobia: Bisexual individuals may internalize the negative societal attitudes and stereotypes about their identity, leading to feelings of shame, self-doubt, and low self-worth. This internalized biphobia can have significant psychological consequences, such as depression, anxiety, and difficulty forming healthy relationships.
• Challenges in accessing affirming mental health care: Bisexual individuals often face barriers in accessing mental health care and resources tailored to their specific needs. Many mental health professionals may lack the knowledge and understanding to provide culturally competent and affirming care for bisexual clients. This can result in bisexual individuals feeling misunderstood, unsupported, or even further marginalized when seeking help for their mental health concerns.

Addressing Bisexual Erasure and Promoting Bisexual Mental Health

One way to address bisexual erasure and promote their pursuit to mental health care is by increasing awareness and understanding of bisexuality. Here are some ways to achieve this:

• Education and advocacy: This can involve creating and disseminating educational resources, organizing workshops and training, and encouraging open dialogues about bisexuality in various settings, such as schools, workplaces, and community organizations.
• Visibility and representation of bisexual individuals: Depicting bisexual characters and role models in authentic and affirming ways can help validate the experiences of bisexual individuals and challenge the dominant narratives that erase or diminish their identity.

Providing Affirming Mental Health Care is Key

Mental health professionals and services should provide culturally competent and affirming care for bisexual clients. This involves understanding the specific challenges and stressors that bisexual individuals face, including biphobia, social stigma, and lack of support.

Strengthening the inclusivity and support within LGBTQ+ communities can also play a crucial role in promoting bisexual mental health. This may involve creating dedicated bisexual-affirming spaces, encouraging open dialogue and understanding about bisexuality, and fostering a sense of community and belonging for bisexual individuals.

Advocating for Bisexual-Inclusive Policies and Practices

Advocating for the implementation of bisexual-inclusive policies and practices in various sectors, such as healthcare, education, and the workplace, can help address the systemic barriers and discrimination that bisexual individuals face. This may include ensuring that healthcare providers are trained in providing affirming care, incorporating bisexual-specific content in school curricula, and promoting workplace policies that protect against biphobia and discrimination.

Addressing bisexual erasure and its impact on mental health requires a concerted effort to challenge biphobia and promote bisexual equality. This can involve activism, lobbying for policy changes, and engaging in broader social and cultural dialogues to challenge the societal attitudes and biases that perpetuate the marginalization of bisexual individuals.

Wrapping Up

The issue of bisexual erasure and its detrimental impact on the mental health of bisexual individuals is of critical importance. Moving forward, it is crucial for individuals, organizations, and policymakers to advocate for bisexual-inclusive policies and practices.

As always, LGBTQ and All commits itself to supporting the LGBTQ+ community and promoting mental health. In addition to providing comprehensive educational resources about bisexuality and addressing bisexual erasure, we list compassionate mental health professionals who are LGBTQ+-affirming who provide customized care to the bisexual community.