Despite being the largest group within the LGBTQ+ community, bisexual people often experience a unique kind of marginalization—bisexual invisibility and erasure. This phenomenon isn’t just frustrating; it can be deeply harmful to one’s mental health and sense of self.

At Expansive Therapy, we offer affirming therapy that recognizes the challenges of navigating the world as a bisexual or bi+ person—and provides a safe space to process, heal, and grow.

What Is Bisexual Invisibility?

Bisexual invisibility refers to the societal tendency to ignore, dismiss, or misunderstand bisexuality. It often shows up in everyday assumptions—like believing someone is straight if they’re in a different-gender relationship, or gay if they’re in a same-gender relationship.

Bisexuality is frequently viewed as:

• A “phase” or confusion

• A stepping stone to being “really” gay or lesbian

• Less valid than being monosexual (attracted to only one gender)

• Defined only by someone’s current partner, rather than their identity

  
  

These misconceptions can make bisexual people feel invisible—even within LGBTQ+ spaces.

What Is Bisexual Erasure?

Bisexual erasure goes a step further—it actively denies or invalidates bisexual identities. This can look like:

• Bisexual characters being rewritten as straight or gay in media

• Research studies that group bi+ individuals into “gay/lesbian” or “heterosexual” categories

• Healthcare providers ignoring or dismissing bisexuality during sexual health conversations

• LGBTQ+ spaces that prioritize monosexual narratives

Together, invisibility and erasure contribute to a sense of not belonging—anywhere, which deteriorates mental health.

How Bisexual Erasure Impacts Mental Health

Research shows that bisexual individuals face higher rates of mental health challenges than both heterosexual and gay/lesbian individuals. This includes:

• Higher rates of anxiety and depression

• Increased substance use

• Elevated risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors

• Lower levels of social support—even within LGBTQ+ communities

  
  

This phenomenon, often called the “bisexual mental health disparity,” is linked to chronic stress from invalidation, microaggressions, and lack of representation.

How Therapy Can Help Bisexual Individuals

An affirming, inclusive therapist can make a significant difference in helping you:

🌈 Feel Seen and Validated

In therapy, your bisexuality doesn’t need to be explained, defended, or minimized. You can show up as your full self—without assumptions about your identity based on your current relationship or gender presentation.

🧠 Process Internalized Biphobia

Living in a society that questions your identity can lead to self-doubt or shame. Therapy offers a space to challenge these narratives and rebuild a strong, empowered sense of self.

💬 Explore Complex Identity Questions

You may have questions about attraction, labels, or community belonging. Therapy provides a nonjudgmental environment to explore identity fluidity, past relationships, or how you want to show up in the world.

🤝 Navigate Relationships and Disclosure

Whether you’re out to your partner(s), family, or workplace—or not—therapy can support you in making empowered, intentional choices around coming out, boundaries, and communication.

💪 Build Resilience and Community Connection

Affirming therapy helps you build tools to cope with bi-specific stress, connect with affirming resources, and cultivate pride in your identity.

Therapy for Bisexual People at Expansive Therapy

At Expansive Therapy, we recognize that bisexual people face unique challenges—but also bring rich, powerful experiences to the LGBTQ+ community. We’re here to listen, affirm, and walk alongside you in your journey.

If you're navigating the effects of bisexual invisibility or want support in embracing your full identity, therapy can help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our bi affirming therapists.