Class
Article
College
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Department
Sociology, Social Work & Anthropology Department
Faculty Mentor
Christy Glass
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Abstract
Scholars have begun to explore the sexuality binary and the way it is experienced by and reinforced among bisexual individuals. However, extant research has not yet analyzed the experiences of bi+ individuals in heterosexual relationships, including those who have never experienced a non-heterosexual relationship. The current study seeks to fill this gap through a case study of bi+ individuals in Utah. Relying on in-depth interviews with sixteen bi+ identified individuals, this study explores the experiences of bi+ individuals engaged in heterosexual relationships and how these individuals define their sexuality and negotiate their identity. Preliminary analyses reveal unique experiences among this population, including feelings of invalidity from ‘not being queer enough’, lack of representation and inclusion within queer communities, religious influences that push participants into more socially acceptable relationships, and the often-unacknowledged intersection between asexuality and bi+ identities. In addition, many participants discussed experiences of ‘straight-passing’, as well as the ways in which they are made to feel like allies to rather than members of the LGBTQIA+ community. I conclude with a critique of definitional methodologies by showing that more inclusive categories are needed to study bi+ communities. In particular, I argue that the term “bisexual” captures a very narrow aspect of bi+ identity and may exclude a significant range of bi+ experiences.
Location
Logan, UT
Start Date
4-11-2023 12:30 PM
End Date
4-11-2023 1:30 PM
Beyond ‘Bisexual’: Toward a New Conceptualization of Bi+ Experience
Logan, UT
Scholars have begun to explore the sexuality binary and the way it is experienced by and reinforced among bisexual individuals. However, extant research has not yet analyzed the experiences of bi+ individuals in heterosexual relationships, including those who have never experienced a non-heterosexual relationship. The current study seeks to fill this gap through a case study of bi+ individuals in Utah. Relying on in-depth interviews with sixteen bi+ identified individuals, this study explores the experiences of bi+ individuals engaged in heterosexual relationships and how these individuals define their sexuality and negotiate their identity. Preliminary analyses reveal unique experiences among this population, including feelings of invalidity from ‘not being queer enough’, lack of representation and inclusion within queer communities, religious influences that push participants into more socially acceptable relationships, and the often-unacknowledged intersection between asexuality and bi+ identities. In addition, many participants discussed experiences of ‘straight-passing’, as well as the ways in which they are made to feel like allies to rather than members of the LGBTQIA+ community. I conclude with a critique of definitional methodologies by showing that more inclusive categories are needed to study bi+ communities. In particular, I argue that the term “bisexual” captures a very narrow aspect of bi+ identity and may exclude a significant range of bi+ experiences.