bi-erasure

or, bi erasure; the questioning or denial of the existence or legitimacy of Bisexuality; the shortened form of "bisexual erasure"

Examples

• Telling a bi person that they're going through a phase or are confused
• Falsely connoting being bi with a certain sexual status or gender—bi people can be asexual, monogamous, polygamous and/or cis or trans, non-binary, agender, etc. Being bi-sexual does not necessitate other characteristics of identity
• Questioning our "queerness" because of our current partner (when a bi woman is with a man, for one example)
• Using phrases like "Bi now, gay later"
• Saying bisexuality isn't real
• Excluding us from LGBTQ+ conversations

Impact

"Bi+ people experience discrimination from both heterosexual and sexual minority communities, related to repeatedly needing to “come out” as bi+.

This double discrimination can lead to isolation and loneliness, which can be harmful for mental health." — Sabra Katz-Wise

Further Reading

• Erasure of Bisexuality
• Gayly: Study finds bi-erasure can lead to depression