“Is This Play About Us?”: The Toll of Inaccurate Bi+ Representation

Emily Solis

While being bi+ sure is the bee’s knees, we also run the risk of getting stung—I’m talking about biphobia and its effects on mental health.

Unfortunately, those under the bi+ umbrella face unique challenges when it comes to mental health, in and out of LGBTQ+ spaces. Bi-erasure and harmful stereotypes contribute to significant mental health struggles that make those in the community more vulnerable to things like anxiety, depression, and isolation than their hetero and homosexual peers (Feinstein & Dyar, 2017).

But have no fear bi-utiful people, for there is hope! One of the most powerful ways to combat these issues is through accurate and affirming representation. Imagine seeing yourself reflected on your favorite TV show or in an important leadership conference or even in a protest that’s happening in your city: what would you want to see? I can guess—strong, courageous, and brave bi+ people leading the charge in places you’ve only dreamed of seeing such representation in. This is how we dismantle stereotypes and reclaim what it really means to be bi+.

Now, before we get into making that happen, let’s understand what we should avoid.

Common Bi+ Stereotypes and The Toll They Take

Despite the most current statistics stating bisexuality as the fastest-growing and most prominent sexuality in the LGBTQ+, bi+ individuals are often ridiculed and subjected to invalidation through myths that define them as confused, untrustworthy, or hypersexual. These stereotypes can lead to internalized biphobia, social isolation, and increased mental health struggles (Flanders et al., 2016).  

“It’s just a phase” – Confusion

Arguably the most popular myth of bisexuality is the misuse of the label. Despite being the largest part of the queer community, there is this idea that people who start using the title will cease to do so after a short time. Why? Well, because they’re just confused! We as humans are always trying to adapt to our situations and even when we do make declarative decisions about ourselves, there will always be people who try to make us doubt our own words.

“You’re going to cheat on me” – Promiscuity

Due to the openness bi+ people have when it comes to who they’re attracted to, some people’s partners find jealously rearing its ugly head. Though not every bisexual person is monogamous, there is no reason to believe non-consensual non-monogamy will take place in your relationship—however this seems to be a very ignored truth. Just look at Maureen from Rent or Catherine Tramell from Basic Instinct: this stereotype is too entertaining for people to let die.

“That’s not a real thing—you’re either gay or straight” – Erasure

Bisexuality is a fluid orientation that doesn’t have one look to it, much like a pair of jeans. Though the jeans look great on everybody who wears it, that doesn’t mean they wear it the same way (i.e. belts, holes, cuffed at the bottom, etc.).  Fashion metaphor aside, this fluidity in appearance makes it hard for some people to believe bisexuality truly exists. In a world obsessed with categorization, the bi+ community is often subjected to the ultimatum of “gay or straight?”

And with every harmful portrayal of this community, the stereotypes are reinforced and reintroduced to more and more people. So, what happens when there is accurate or even positive representation? According to science, good things (who would’ve thought?)

Mental Health Improvement

When bisexual figures, such as actors, activists, or musicians, embrace their sexuality openly and positively, they pave the way for others to do the same. The art, advocacy, and visibility don’t just raise awareness; they foster a sense of belonging and validation within the bi+ community, which significantly reduces mental health risks (Dyar, Feinstein, & London, 2014).  More than that, their existence can also help combat that pesky internalized stigma and increase self-acceptance for those who have yet to embrace their bi+ identity with confidence and pride (Flanders et al., 2016).

So how can we help?

Support Bi+ Representation in Media

Be sure to tune into any media that has well-developed, accurate bi+ characters on screen or perhaps on paper. Without support, the creators (who are often bi+ people themselves) won’t be able to continue creating diverse art that not only reflects our community positively but that we can enjoy together without worrying about feeling shameful or criticized.

Challenge Bi Erasure in Everyday Conversations

If you’re safe enough in your everyday environment, consider making your voice a little louder when you hear biphobia creeping into your conversations with friends or family, or even your coworker Tim. Sometimes, harmful beliefs exist because there’s never been anyone to challenge them. Some people really just don’t know what we do about the bi+ community, and may even be receptive to taking some new information into account when the moment arises. Make sure you take advantage of every soap box you can find (if you can, of course!).

Keep Yourself Informed

Every day there are more and more people pushing for bi+ inclusive research and its up to you to keep them going—through support that is. Keeping yourself informed on the latest research and surveys from the bi+ community is imperative if we want bi+ issues such as mental health to become a priority. It’s also a great way to spread awareness because if you know it, then everybody who views your Instagram story can too (or Snapchat, I don’t judge).  

All in all, it’s important to recognize the unique challenges bi+ individuals face, often due to harmful myths and lack of positive representation. That’s why seeing the bi+ community reflected in places like media, leadership, or advocacy can be life-changing. It’s about more than just being included; it’s about breaking down stigma and embracing who we are (and possibly improving our mental health along the way). For those of us here now and for those who have yet to come, please remember: visibility matters, always.

References

• LGBTQ+ Identification in U.S. Rises to 9.3%
• Feinstein, B. A., & Dyar, C. (2017). “Bisexuality, minority stress, and health.” Current Sexual Health Reports, 9(1), 42–49.
• Flanders, C. E., Robinson, M., Legge, M. M., & Tarasoff, L. A. (2016). “Negative identity experiences of bisexual and other non-monosexual people: A qualitative report.” Journal of Gay & Lesbian Mental Health, 20(2), 152–172.
• Dyar, C., Feinstein, B. A., & London, B. (2014). Dimensions of sexual orientation and minority stress: How do measures of sexual orientation relate to discrimination and mental health? Journal of Counseling Psychology, 61(3), 315–326.