Bisexual people comprise the largest group of LGBTQ+ people by far, and yet they still tend to face a lot of invalidation in our culture. Bi erasure refers to the tendency to ignore, deny, or invalidate the existence of bisexuality as a legitimate sexual orientation. It occurs when people overlook or dismiss the experiences and identities of individuals who are attracted to more than one gender. This can manifest in various ways, such as assuming that bisexuality is just a phase, reinforcing the false dichotomy of being either gay or straight, or erasing the identities of bisexual individuals in LGBTQ+ spaces or media representation.

Bi erasure can have significant negative effects on the mental health and well-being of bisexual individuals. Here's are some of the ways:

• Social Isolation: Bisexual individuals may feel excluded from both heterosexual and homosexual communities due to misconceptions and stereotypes about bisexuality. This social isolation can contribute to feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety.

  
  

• Identity Invalidation: Bi erasure can lead to feelings of invisibility, invalidation, and self-doubt among bisexual individuals. When their identity is not acknowledged or accepted by others, it can cause internalized biphobia and a sense of isolation.

  
  

• Lack of Support: Bi erasure can impact access to support networks and resources specifically tailored to the needs of bisexual individuals. Without affirming spaces and communities, bisexual individuals may struggle to find understanding and validation for their experiences, leading to mental health challenges.

  
  

• Relationship Strain: Bisexual individuals may face challenges in their relationships, including stigma, prejudice, and misconceptions from partners or potential partners, impacting mental health and wellbeing. Often bi people have trouble finding an intimate partner because of these misconceptions, which can lead to loneliness, shame, and anxiety.

To address the mental health impacts of bi erasure, therapy can be a valuable resource for bisexual individuals. Here are some tips and ways it helps:

• Affirmative Therapy: Seek out therapists who are knowledgeable and affirming of diverse sexual orientations, including bisexuality. Affirmative therapists create a safe and supportive space for exploring and validating bisexual identity and experiences.

  
  

• Identity Exploration: Therapy can provide a supportive environment for bisexual individuals to explore and understand their identity, navigate challenges related to bi erasure, and develop strategies for self-acceptance and empowerment.

  
  

• Coping Skills: Therapists can help bisexual individuals develop coping skills to manage the emotional impact of bi erasure, including stress management techniques, self-care practices, and building resilience against internalized biphobia.

  
  

• Community Connection: Therapy can also facilitate connections with LGBTQ+ affirming communities and support networks, providing opportunities for validation, understanding, and solidarity with other bisexual individuals.

Being bisexual still isn't easy in today's world. Bi erasure is a difficult thing to deal with and takes a toll on mental health. What research has shown is that experiences of discrimination and invalidation, however big or small, have a cumulative effect on mental health. They add up over time and can lead to overwhelming anxiety, depression, even suicidality. If you're bisexual and find yourself going through regular experiences of bi erasure, make sure you are not going through it alone. Find the right support for yourself so that you can process experiences of invalidation as they happen and maintain a positive relationship with yourself and your identity.