It is common knowledge that people of the LGBQT+ community face certain stigmas. Bisexuality is often ignored or dismissed, because of society’s normalization of heterosexuality, which has resulted in a hetero/homosexual binary. Bisexuals are sometimes met with fear and distrust because they challenge the binary. Biphobia and bisexual erasure are a result of fear and distrust. Stereotypes, misconceptions, and discrimination against bisexuals are a result of biphobia and bisexual erasure (Bowles).

Many people still do not recognize bisexuality as a legitimate sexual orientation. Bisexuals are often mislabeled as being hetero/homosexuals. Their peers may accuse them of being confused, lying, or experimenting. People often define a bisexual by the relationship that they are in. Some people even avoid relationships with bisexuals in fear that they are actually straight or gay. Media, such as Orange is the New Black or House of Cards, also contributes to bisexual erasure. In both shows, a character is in relationships with men and women, but they are both considered straight or gay. Another misconception about bisexuality is its association with promiscuity and noncompliance with monogamy (Bowles).

Studies have confirmed that LGBQT+ people are at higher risk for suicide, depression, and other health issues because of discrimination. However, many studies group LGBQT+ people together in one group, which results in inaccurate data since different orientations face their own distinct problems. Recent studies suggest that bisexuals are at a higher risk for smoking, alcohol use, drug use, eating disorders, anxiety, and depression than hetero/homosexuals. Bisexuals also experience sexual assault and physical abuse at higher rates compared to hetero/homosexuals.

 

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