The Experience of Bi-Negativity in Mixed Gender Relationships

Abstract

Bisexual orientation in the context of long-term relationships comes with a unique set of challenges, especially when that relationship is mixed gender. The cultural belief that bisexual orientation is unstable or temporary paired with the presentation of a partnership that grants heterosexual privilege can be a complex place to exist for bisexual individuals. This experience was examined in semi-structured interviews of 55 bisexual people in a mixed-gender relationship. Participants were an average of 29 years of age and ranged in age from 21 to 48. Reflexive thematic analysis resulted in the identification of three major themes and two subthemes. The major themes were: (1) cultural assumptions of bisexual orientation, (2) bi-negativity/biphobia, and (3) bi-invisibility. These findings highlight the complexity of existing day-to-day as a bisexual person in a mixed-gender relationship. The implications of these findings for individuals, clinicians, and communities and directions for future research are discussed.

Keywords:

• Bisexual orientation
• bi-negativity
• bi-invisibility
• mixed-sex relationships
• heterosexism

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by a grant from the American Institute for Bisexuality.

Notes on contributors

Ceili Charley

Ceili Charley, B.S., is a medical student at University of Minnesota Medical School and a research assistant in the Institute for Sexual and Gender Health.

Olivia Manickas-Hill

Olivia Manickas-Hill, B.A., is a medical student at University of Minnesota Medical School and a research assistant in the Institute for Sexual and Gender Health.

Amanda Bartley

Amanda Bartley, B.A., is a graduate student in the Department of Psychology at Mankato State University.

Amanda Bunting

Amanda Bunting, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in Public Health in the New York University Grossman School of Medicine.

Kristen Mark

Kristen Mark, Ph.D., MPH, is a Professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at University of Minnesota Medical School and the Joycelyn Elders Endowed Chair in Sexual Health Education for the Institute for Sexual and Gender Health.