Bisexual erasure or bisexual invisibility is the tendency to ignore, remove, falsify, or reexplain evidence of bisexuality in history, academia, news media and other primary sources. In its most extreme form, bisexual erasure can include denying that bisexuality exists.
Bisexual erasure – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bisexual_erasure
Bisexual erasure or bisexual invisibility is a pervasive problem in which the existence or legitimacy of bisexuality is questioned or even denied. For example, two married women might spend time at events or community happening dominated by lesbians. Let’s say one of the women is bisexual and objects to the assumption that she is a lesbian. There is a high probability that most would see this relationship as a lesbian relationship but if the bisexual woman tells others she is bi then there is also a high probability she will be dismissed, and may even be told she is a lesbian and not bisexual. This woman’s self identification has just been subjected to erasure.
This may be even more pervasive in the gay men’s community. Tell men in a gay bar you’re bi and good chance you may hear things like “he is going through a phase” or “your really gay”. Some gay men may tell others they are gay but in fact may be bisexual. It is just easier to accept erasure rather than be excluded and not considered part of the community.
Here is a video from GayWrites on Youtube
Talking about bisexuals can help save lives
We should all support people who identify as lesbian, gay, trans, bisexual, pansexual, fluid, queer, non-mono sexual, no labels, bi-romantic, pan-romantic, polysexual, multisexual or any of the several dozen “labels” the bisexual community celebrates and supports as equally valid and equally brave.
This year around the world and here at home in Vancouver we celebrate transgender lives and all the while getting educated in new terminology and gaining a greater understanding and respect. Isn’t it wonderful younger people will have this knowledge. Things are moving forward on the road to equality.
Did you Know?
Bisexuals face health disparities such as higher rates of anxiety, depression and mood disorders compared to the rest of the LGBTQ+ community. There are higher rates of heart disease, sti’s and even tobacco use according to the Bisexual Resource Centre.
