by Lucy Bhuyan, PhD, Postdoctoral Resident

September marks Bisexual Visibility Month, a month dedicated to uplifting bisexual people and highlighting the unique challenges that they face. Bisexuality, which describes the attraction to two or more genders, has often faced stigma which can make bisexuals feel unseen in their romantic relationships, in their friendships, and in their communities. Bisexuals experience lower levels of social support (Hsieh, 2014) and worse mental health/physical health outcomes (Cross et al., 2023) in comparison to other sexual orientation identities. These disparities may be explained by the negative misconceptions about bisexuality, such as:

1. Bisexuality isn’t real

   1. Coming out bisexual often leaves people explaining and defending their identity over and over again. In research studies, bisexual participants have reported encountering the misconception that bisexuality isn’t a legitimate or stable identity (Ross et al., 2010). Bisexuals often hear that they are just confused and that they will “pick a side” eventually. 

2. Bisexuals are duplicitous

   1. Bisexuality is often associated with being unfaithful or untruthful. While these myths are untrue, they can hold a lot of power over bisexuals. For example, some bisexuals experience heightened suspicions of infidelity from their partner. Bisexuals may also experience their partner doubting their commitment to the relationship, with the underlying assumption that bisexuals are not “actually” attracted to the partner’s gender.

3. Bisexuals are hypersexual

   1. Many people assume that, because bisexuals are attracted to more than one gender, that they must also have a high sex drive, be sexually adept, and engage in more adventurous/risky sex. This stereotype often leads to bisexuals, especially bisexual women, feeling objectified for their identity. For example, bisexual women have reported that they have been asked intrusive questions about their sexuality and been propositioned for threesomes upon revealing their bisexuality to others (Flanders et al., 2017; Serpe et al., 2020). A more heavy consequence to this myth is the assumption that bisexuals automatically consent to sex when consent was not explicitly given (Flanders et al., 2017).

Bisexual people who experience these prejudices have higher rates of internalized bi-negativity (e.g., believing negative messages about their bisexual identity), feelings of alienation, and more exposure to relationship violence (Grove & Johnson, 2023; McInnis et al., 2022; Paul et al., 2014). For this month’s Bisexual Visibility Month, it’s important for us all to consider how we can heal the harms caused by these misconceptions. Here are some places to start:

1. Let bisexuals be the expert of their own lives

   1. Like all people, bisexuals deserve to have self-determination over how they identify and understand themselves. Only they have the relevant information to know what identity fits them best. For the bisexual people in your life, demonstrate trust and acceptance towards their bisexual identity. Lead with compassionate curiosity, rather than doubt or judgement.

2. Give bisexuals space to discuss how they’ve been affected by biphobia

   1. Many bisexuals feel isolated because they don’t have the space to share how biphobia (prejudice/discrimination towards bisexuals) impacts them. You can support bisexuals in your life by letting them know that you are there to talk through their experiences with them.

3. Correct myths when you see them

   1. When you hear any of the above myths about bisexuals, don’t be hesitant to correct the record. This could not only help others learn about how these myths are harmful, but it could also signal to bisexuals around you that you have their back.