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How, When, and Why do Bisexual+ Individuals Attempt to Make Their Identity Visible?
Joanne Davila1, Brian A Feinstein2, Christina Dyar2
1Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University.
Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity
|August 8, 2022
Summary
Bisexual+ individuals often use indirect and direct communication to express their identity. While direct methods are perceived as more successful, both strategies are employed for activism and pride.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Gender Studies
Background:
- Bisexual+ invisibility is a significant concern, stemming from the denial or ignorance of their identities.
- Emerging research investigates how bisexual+ individuals actively work to make their identities visible.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the specific methods, contexts, and motivations behind bisexual+ visibility attempts.
- To build upon existing research by examining novel aspects of bisexual+ identity expression.
Main Methods:
- An internet survey was conducted with 715 participants reporting attraction to more than one gender.
- Data collection focused on how, when, and why bisexual+ individuals attempt to make their identity visible.
Main Results:
- Participants most frequently used indirect (e.g., social media) and direct (e.g., in-person) communication strategies.
- Direct communication was perceived as more successful than indirect methods for conveying identity.
- Visibility attempts were most common among other bisexual+ individuals, in LGBT contexts, and with partners or when single, driven by activism or pride.
Conclusions:
- Bisexual+ individuals employ diverse strategies to assert their identity, with varying perceived effectiveness.
- Context and personal motivations significantly influence the timing and nature of visibility attempts.
- Understanding these dynamics is crucial for addressing barriers to bisexual+ visibility and fostering inclusivity.
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