Bisexual Fear: Exploring Bisexual Elimination and How to Be a Better Ally

Biphobia seems to be an inescapable reality in our society, and even within the LGBTQ+ community, some people choose to ignore the existence of "B". This phenomenon, known as bisexual erasure, not only ignores the existence of bisexual people, but also causes them real harm. At this year's Coachella festival, openly bisexual singer Ludmilla and her wife kissed on stage, an act that reignited the debate about the meaning of bisexuality.

Not only was Ludmilla the first Afro-Latina to perform on Coachella's main stage, a significant achievement in itself, but her act challenged stereotypes about bisexuality. However, the community's perception of bisexuality is still riddled with misconceptions and prejudices. Instead of recognizing the existence of bisexuality, some argue that it should be viewed as a transition period or forcing bisexuals to choose between heterosexuality and homosexuality.

This kind of prejudice is not only found in the heterosexual community, but even within the LGBTQ+ community. Some people believe that bisexuals are "straight" when they enter into heterosexual relationships, or that they are exclusively homosexual when they date someone of the same sex, thus ignoring the attraction that bisexuals have to both sexes. This kind of bisexual erasure not only harms the identity of bisexuals, but also creates more barriers for them in seeking support and resources.

The danger of bisexual erasure lies not only in its impact on individuals, but also in how it reinforces health inequalities for the bisexual community. According to GLAAD, bisexuals are more likely than heterosexuals and homosexuals to experience anxiety and depression, and they have higher rates of sexually transmitted disease diagnoses and higher risks of heart disease. These health disparities are partly due to the fact that bisexuals are often overlooked when they seek help.

In that case, how should we, as a society, eliminate bisexual erasure? First of all, we need to recognize the existence of bisexuals and respect their identity. When we hear biphobia, we should speak up and point out that it is wrong. We should also avoid using stereotypes to describe bisexuals and accept people's definitions of who they are.

Most importantly, we need to create an inclusive environment where all people, regardless of their sexual orientation, feel accepted and respected. This means promoting positive bisexual awareness in schools, workplaces and communities, and providing the necessary support and resources. Only when we work together can we truly eliminate bisexual erasure and create a world that is fair to all.