Biphobia

Biphobia refers to the fear, prejudice, or discrimination against individuals who are bisexual or who identify as having sexual attraction to more than one gender. This can manifest as negative stereotypes, social exclusion, invalidation of bisexuality, or outright hostility. Biphobia can be perpetuated by both heterosexual and homosexual communities, and it often involves the belief that bisexuality is a phase, an invalid sexual orientation, or that bisexual individuals are confused or inherently untrustworthy.

Key Features

Stereotypes and Misconceptions: Biphobia often involves the belief that bisexual individuals are promiscuous, indecisive, or unable to commit to a single partner.
Erasure: Bisexual individuals may experience biphobia in the form of being erased or invalidated, with others assuming they are either straight or gay, rather than accepting their bisexual identity.
Exclusion: Biphobia can lead to bisexual individuals feeling marginalized in both heterosexual and LGBTQ+ spaces, where they may not be fully accepted by either community.
Hostility or Discrimination: This can include bullying, shaming, or even violence directed at bisexual individuals based on their orientation.

Context

Biphobia stems from societal pressures to conform to rigid sexual orientation categories, often leading to a lack of understanding or acceptance of bisexuality. While bisexual people can be found in both the heterosexual and LGBTQ+ communities, they may face unique challenges related to their sexual identity. These challenges include being stereotyped or misunderstood by both straight and queer individuals.

Definition and Scope

Biphobia encompasses overt hostility and subtle invalidation. It includes:

Negative stereotypes: Associating bisexuality with promiscuity, infidelity, or indecision.
Erasure: Denying bisexuality as a valid identity, assuming individuals are gay, lesbian, or straight based on their current partner.
Dismissal: Belief that bisexuality is “just a phase” or experimentation.

Forms of Biphobia

External Biphobia: Prejudice from heterosexual and LGBTQIA+ communities.
Internalized Biphobia: Bisexual individuals absorbing societal stigma, leading to shame or rejection of their identity.
Structural Biphobia: Institutional exclusion of bisexuality in research, policies, and media narratives.

Microaggressions

Subtle, often unintentional actions or comments that invalidate bisexuality, such as:

“You just haven’t made up your mind yet.”
“You’re lucky because you can just date anyone.”

Cultural Relevance

Biphobia contributes to the stigmatization of bisexuality, which can negatively affect the mental health and well-being of bisexual individuals. It is a significant issue within LGBTQ+ rights movements, as it highlights the need for greater inclusivity, education, and acceptance of diverse sexual orientations. Addressing biphobia involves challenging stereotypes, promoting bisexual visibility, and fostering environments where bisexual individuals feel supported and understood, both within the LGBTQ+ community and society at large.

Historical Context

Bisexuality has existed across cultures and eras, yet its recognition has been inconsistent. In many societies, bisexual people were invisible or their identities dismissed as deviations from heterosexual norms. During the early LGBTQIA+ rights movement, bisexual voices were often overshadowed by those of gay and lesbian activists.

Modern Visibility and Challenges

Although bisexuality has gained recognition, biphobia persists. Misconceptions continue to marginalize bisexual people, even within LGBTQIA+ spaces.

Example: Key figures in LGBTQIA+ history, like Brenda Howard, the “Mother of Pride,” were bisexual, but their contributions are often erased or overshadowed.

Manifestations of Biphobia in Various Contexts

In Heteronormative Settings: Bisexuality is often misunderstood as a phase, fetish, or experiment. Bisexual individuals in different-gender relationships may face assumptions that they are “truly straight.”
Within LGBTQIA+ Communities: Bisexual individuals can be seen as “not queer enough” if in different-gender relationships. Assumptions that bisexual people are "confused" or "less committed" to the LGBTQIA+ community.
- Example: A bisexual person might feel excluded at Pride events due to a lack of visible bisexual representation.
Media Representation: Bisexual characters are often portrayed as unfaithful, overly sexualized, or unstable. Positive portrayals, though increasing, remain scarce compared to gay and lesbian characters.
Workplaces and Schools: Bisexual employees or students may hesitate to disclose their identity for fear of judgment or invalidation. Policies often fail to explicitly recognize bisexual-specific issues, leaving gaps in support.