The bisexuality, that ability to feel romantic, emotional and/or sexual attraction to people of more than one gender, is an orientation that, despite its undeniable existence, is often shrouded in a cloak of skepticism and denial. Why, in the 21st century, are there still so many people who doubt the existence of bisexual people or that minimizes its validity?
For many people, the bisexuality It is perceived as a phase, an indecision, or even a cover. This disbelief does not arise out of nowhere; has deep roots in social and cultural constructs that have historically privileged monosexual narratives (heterosexuality and homosexuality).
The pressure of dichotomy: “either this or that”
We live in a world that often teaches us to think in binary terms: day or night, black or white, male or female, gay or straight. This “either this or that” mentality makes bisexuality not a comfortable fit. If you are attracted to women, you must be a lesbian; If you are attracted to men, you must be gay. Or if you are attracted to the “opposite gender”, you are heterosexual. But what if you’re attracted to both, or more than one? For those unfamiliar with the diversity of sexual orientations, this fluidity can be difficult to process.
Biphobia: discrimination from multiple fronts
Disbelief in bisexuality is a manifestation of biphobia, which not only denies the existence or legitimacy of bisexual people, but also stigmatizes them. This biphobia can come from two sides:
- From the heterosexual community: Straight people can often see bisexuality as an excuse or indecision. They are pressured to “choose a side” or their orientation is assumed to be a “gateway” to homosexuality.
- From the LGTBIQ+ community itself: Unfortunately, biphobia can also manifest within the LGTBIQ+ community. There are those who, due to ignorance or prejudice, may consider that bisexual people are not “gay enough” or “lesbian enough”, or that they are simply “experimenting.” This internal marginalization aggravates the feeling of invisibility and lack of belonging.
Have you ever stopped to think about the double discrimination that bisexual people face? They not only fight against the prejudices of society in general, but also, sometimes, against those of their own community.
Bisexual Erasure: A History of Invisibility
Bisexual erasure refers to the tendency to ignore, reinterpret, or deny evidence of bisexuality in history, the media, and everyday conversations. When a bisexual person associates with someone of a different gender, they are often assumed to be heterosexual. If you associate with someone of the same gender, you are assumed to be homosexual. Their bisexuality is rarely acknowledged or celebrated on its own.
This has devastating consequences for the mental health and well-being of bisexual people. Lack of recognition can lead to feelings of isolation, confusion, and the inability to feel fully understood in one’s own identity.
Debunking myths: the reality of bisexuality
It is crucial to debunk some common myths about bisexuality:
- “It’s a phase”: Bisexuality is a valid and lasting sexual orientation for many people, not a transitory stage.
- “They are confused”: Attraction to more than one gender is not confusion; It is a legitimate way to experience attraction.
- “They are promiscuous”: A person’s sexual orientation does not determine their level of promiscuity. This stereotype is harmful and false.
- “They just haven’t chosen”: Bisexuality is not a choice, in the same way that heterosexuality or homosexuality are not.
The key to understanding and accepting bisexuality lies in recognizing that human attraction is complex and diverse. It does not fit into rigid, predefined boxes. Each person has their own path and their own way of loving.
Opening dialogue and promoting visibility
To combat disbelief and biphobia, we need:
- Education: Informing about the diversity of sexual orientations from an early age is essential.
- Representation: It is vital that bisexual people see themselves represented authentically and positively in media, culture and public life.
- Alliance: Everyone inside and outside the LGTBIQ+ community has a role to play in advocating for and supporting bisexual people.
What can we each do to challenge prejudices and build a world where all orientations are seen, validated and celebrated? The answer begins with empathy, knowledge and the willingness to listen.
