Bisexual Lived Experiences in Intimate Relationships
This study explores the challenges and experiences faced by bisexual individuals in intimate relationships, shedding light on bisexual erasure, misunderstandings, and societal attitudes. Through qualitative interviews, the research delves into themes such as marginalization, partner perceptions, and personal freedom in relationships. Despite facing stereotypes and biases, participants express a sense of empowerment and authenticity in navigating their identities and connections.
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An interview study of bisexual people s lived experiences of intimate relationships Nikki Hayfield, Chris Campbell and Lizzie Reed
Background Bisexual erasure and marginalisation Bisexuality and relationships Methods Data collection Data analysis Preliminary results
Bisexuality and relationships Many (mis)understandings of bisexuality relate to relationships (e.g., Anderson et al., 2015; Armstrong & Reissing, 2014; Klesse, 2011; Spalding and Peplau, 1997; Zivony & Lobel, 2014). A real lesbian wouldn t touch a bisexual with a bargepole (Turner, 2015:139) other research also concludes that many people would be reluctant to enter into a relationship with a bisexual person (e.g., Eliason, 1997; Feinstein et al., 2016; Spalding & Peplau, 1997) . Bisexual people and their relationships (e.g., Anderson et al., 2015; Armstrong & Reissing, 2014; Bradford, 2004; Buxton, 2000; 2004; 2006; 2011; Gustavson, 2009; Hartman-Linck, 2014; Lahti, 2015; Li et al., 2013; Turner, 2015) #StillBisexual (see, Gonzalez et al., 2016)
Methodology Qualitative interviews - semi structured interview schedule (Edwards & Holland, 2013) Participants: Twelve women Thematic analysis six stage process of identifying themes in the data (Braun & Clarke, 2006; Clarke, Braun & Hayfield, 2015; Terry, Hayfield, Clarke & Braun, 2017)
Unstable and unreliable partners They ll say they ll never date a bisexual girl, or oh that just means your gay and you re too scared of saying it , oh that means you re straight and you just want to experiment , oh do you mean you re just confused? , you haven t decided , but don t all bisexual girls cheat on people , oh but aren t all bisexual girls sluts? , oh do you want to have a threesome (P2, Kate Slater, 22, in a relationship with a lesbian).
Wonderful world, beautiful people Because it s seem to strangely restrictive to decide there is a group of people you re not attracted to it just feels like there s a lot more of my life that I can explore. I m not saying that being one or the other is a bad thing but to me it seems a bit odd I suppose, because the world is a beautiful place and full of beautiful people (Stephanie, 19, in a relationship with a woman). It s not that my code about being bisexual allows me to have different relationships, no, I just feel freer because I don t have to follow your not-real rules (laughs). Even if I do! (Sophia, 23, in a relationship with a straight man)
Other preliminary themes Participants working hard to strategically maintain their bisexuality within the context of their relationships Partners positioned as (partially) supportive of their bisexuality
Conclusions Our research identifies new knowledge about the (lack of) visibility and validity for bisexual people
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