selfdefined/11ty/definitions/bi-erasure.md

title	slug	speech	defined	excerpt	reading
bi-erasure	bi-erasure	noun	true	the questioning or denial of the existence or legitimacy of bisexuality	text href Erasure of Bisexuality https://www.glaad.org/bisexual/bierasure text href Gayly: Study finds bi-erasure can lead to depression https://www.gayly.com/study-finds-bi-erasure-can-lead-depression

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