Bi+ Stereotypes Are Still Holding Us Back—Facing Stigma and Social Exclusion
Look closely at how the world treats bisexuality, and you’ll notice the weight of stereotypes everywhere. The moment someone says they're bisexual, too often they're met with a raised eyebrow, a joke, or—worse yet—a closed door. These aren’t just harmless misconceptions or old jokes we’ve all outgrown. They actively shape lives, pushing bisexual people out of queer spaces while making them feel like outsiders among heterosexual peers. “You’ll grow out of it,” “You just want attention,” and, one of the cruelest, “You’re confused”—these are more than words. They’re walls built between people and acceptance.
For many, biphobia isn’t just a word; it’s the silent reality of being left out on both sides. Imagine telling a close friend or family member you’re bisexual, only to be told you’re being greedy or that you must secretly want one gender or the other more. These bisexual assumptions don’t just sting—they shape a person’s entire sense of belonging. This is where discrimination takes root, and inclusivity becomes an uphill battle instead of a basic right. If you’re bisexual, you might already know what it’s like to always defend who you are—never fully seen, never fully trusted.
Consider the following list of the most persistent, harmful bi+ stereotypes—and how they show up:
- Bisexuality is “just a phase”—so bi+ people are not taken seriously by potential partners and friends.
- Bisexuals are “unable to commit” or “inherently unfaithful”—undermining trust in bi+ relationships and leading to relationship stigma.
- People who identify as bisexual are “always up for a threesome”—blurring sexual orientation with sexualization.
- Bisexuals are “confused”—their identity is trivialized, and their mental health suffers under the pressure to “pick a side.”
- Bisexuality means you’re “attention-seeking”—causing social exclusion and furthering the gap in LGBTQIA+ inclusivity.
Worst of all, these stereotypes aren't just random—they’re systemic. “Bisexual and transgender adults are nearly twice as likely to experience loneliness compared to straight and cisgender adults, with 56.7% of bisexual adults reporting loneliness.” According to a CDC report, this kind of isolation is not a small issue, but a public health concern as shown here. Every time stigma wins, people lose pieces of themselves. That’s why better acceptance isn’t just wanted—it’s necessary. Real people are waiting to be seen for who they are, not just what society expects them to be.
It’s time to outgrow outdated thinking. Better inclusivity starts with listening—not assuming. A community, or even a single relationship, can change an entire sense of self for someone who’s been told to shrink. Bisexual awareness week is more than a label. It’s a call to break down these invisible walls, one stereotype at a time.