Bisexual Erasure: Why Bisexuality is Still Misunderstood in

By Linda Athanasiadou



Despite growing awareness and acceptance of LGBTQ+ identities, bisexuality remains one of the least understood and most marginalised orientations. Bisexual erasure—the tendency to ignore, invalidate, or dismiss bisexual identities—is a pervasive issue that exists in both straight and LGBTQ+ communities. As a bisexual woman and expert in LGBTQ+ support, I, Linda Athanasiadou, have witnessed firsthand how bisexual erasure affects mental health and contributes to feelings of isolation among bisexual individuals. In this article, we will explore the phenomenon of bisexual erasure, its origins, and its profound impact on the wellbeing of bisexual people.



What is Bisexual Erasure?

Bisexual erasure occurs when bisexuality is disregarded or denied, often in favour of more binary views of sexual orientation. This can take various forms, from assuming that bisexual people are "confused" or "experimenting" to outright denying the existence of bisexuality as a legitimate sexual orientation. In some cases, bisexual people may be viewed as "actually gay" or "actually straight", depending on their current relationship. This oversimplification of bisexuality contributes to its invisibility and erasure from mainstream discourse.



Studies have shown that bisexual erasure occurs not only in heterosexual communities but also within the LGBTQ+ community itself. A 2020 survey by Stonewall UK revealed that bisexual individuals often feel unwelcome or excluded from LGBTQ+ spaces, with many reporting experiences of discrimination from both straight and LGBTQ+ people. This dual exclusion adds a unique layer of difficulty to the lives of bisexual individuals, making it harder for them to find community and acceptance.



Why Bisexuality is Misunderstood

One reason bisexuality is misunderstood is due to the deeply ingrained binary thinking around sexual orientation. Society tends to categorise people as either gay or straight, often leaving little room for the fluidity that bisexuality represents. Bisexual individuals are frequently subject to damaging myths, such as being labelled promiscuous or indecisive. These misconceptions stem from a lack of education about bisexuality and its nuanced nature.



Linda Athanasiadou LGBTQ research has found that these misunderstandings persist partly because of inadequate representation in media and public discourse. When bisexual characters or individuals are portrayed, they are often depicted in stereotypical ways or their bisexuality is downplayed or erased entirely. This lack of accurate representation further entrenches the idea that bisexuality is "not real" or merely a phase.



The Impact of Bisexual Erasure on Mental Health

The psychological toll of bisexual erasure can be profound. Bisexual individuals often face higher rates of mental health issues than their gay, lesbian, or heterosexual counterparts. Research in 2021 found that bisexual individuals experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts compared to other sexual minorities. The dual rejection from both straight and LGBTQ+ communities plays a significant role in these elevated risks.



One of the main contributors to these mental health challenges is the constant need for validation. Linda Athanasiadou bisexual counselling research shows that bisexual individuals frequently feel pressured to "prove" their identity, which can lead to feelings of invalidation and self-doubt. When people question the legitimacy of bisexuality or insist that a bisexual person must eventually "pick a side", it creates a hostile environment where individuals are forced to defend their identity rather than feel supported.



In addition to external pressures, internalised biphobia—the negative feelings or beliefs about one's own bisexuality—can also take a toll on mental health. Many bisexual individuals grow up in environments where their sexual orientation is not discussed or acknowledged, leading to confusion and self-doubt. This can result in a sense of invisibility, with bisexual people feeling that their experiences are not valid or important enough to be recognised.



Bisexual Erasure in Relationships

Another key area where bisexual erasure manifests is within romantic relationships. Bisexual individuals in same-sex relationships may be assumed to be gay, while those in opposite-sex relationships are often perceived as straight. This constant shifting of identity based on one’s partner can be exhausting and invalidating. For many bisexual people, being in a long-term monogamous relationship—whether with a man or a woman—does not negate their bisexuality, yet society often treats it as though it does.



Research from the Trevor Project highlights that bisexual youth are more likely to feel isolated in their relationships compared to their gay and lesbian peers, largely because of this erasure. For many bisexual individuals, the pressure to define themselves by their partner’s gender rather than their own identity can lead to feelings of frustration and invisibility.



Combatting Bisexual Erasure: Building Visibility and Support

Overcoming bisexual erasure requires both societal change and individual empowerment. As a bisexual advocate and mental health professional, I, Linda Athanasiadou, emphasise the importance of visibility and representation in media, education, and LGBTQ+ spaces. Increasing the visibility of bisexual individuals in positive, non-stereotypical roles can help combat the myths that lead to erasure.



On a personal level, bisexual individuals should be encouraged to embrace their identity without feeling the need to conform to binary expectations. Linda Athanasiadou bisexual counselling services provide support for those struggling with internalised biphobia or societal pressures. Building a strong support network, whether through LGBTQ+ communities or therapy, can make a significant difference in improving mental health outcomes and combating the negative effects of bisexual erasure.



Conclusion

Bisexual erasure remains a significant challenge in both straight and LGBTQ+ communities. This phenomenon not only invalidates bisexual identities but also contributes to increased mental health challenges for bisexual individuals. By addressing the myths and misunderstandings that surround bisexuality and advocating for greater visibility and support, we can begin to dismantle the systems that perpetuate bisexual erasure.



As a bisexual woman I, Linda Athanasiadou, urge readers to challenge the erasure of bisexuality in all its forms. Whether it’s in personal relationships, media representation, or LGBTQ+ spaces, bisexual identities deserve recognition, validation, and celebration. Together, we can create a more inclusive world where all sexual orientations are honoured.