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"Caught between two worlds": Managing identity in bisexual fatherhood
Maisie Matthews1, Susie Bower-Brown2, Susan Imrie3
1Centre for Family Research, Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge.
Summary
This study reveals that bisexual fathers often feel invisible but find ways to integrate their identity with parenting. Their identity work, rather than full "outness," significantly shapes their family life and social interactions.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Family Studies
Background:
- Bisexuality in fatherhood remains under-researched, lacking understanding of bisexual fathers' unique experiences.
- Existing research on LGBTQ+ identity development may not fully capture the nuances of bisexual fathers' integration of identity and family roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the lived experiences of bisexual fathers.
- To understand how bisexual fathers manage their identity in relation to their parental roles.
- To identify factors influencing bisexual fathers' sense of authenticity and community.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study involving 24 bisexual fathers from Europe and North America.
- Semi-structured interviews focusing on bisexual identity, parenthood, family life, and community.
- Reflexive thematic analysis to identify key themes.
Main Results:
- Four themes emerged: valuing authenticity, seeking community safety, reconciling bisexuality with traditional family structures, and intergenerational learning.
- Bisexual fathers' identities significantly impacted social interactions, parenting, and family practices, despite invisibility.
- Identity work and integration were more crucial than full disclosure ('outness') for identity development.
Conclusions:
- Bisexual fathers actively navigate and integrate their identity within their parenting roles.
- Findings challenge traditional LGBTQ+ identity models, emphasizing the importance of identity work.
- There is a critical need for improved representation and support systems for bisexual fathers.
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