Outness, Discrimination, and Depressive Symptoms Among Bi + Women: The Roles of Partner Gender and Sexual Identity

Abstract

Objective: Bisexual and other non-monosexual (bi+) women are at higher risk than monosexual women for mental health problems. While being in a relationship is typically associated with better health outcomes, research suggests an inverse association for bisexual women. Despite emerging evidence of differences in bisexual women’s experiences based on the gender of their partner, few studies have considered partner sexual identity. Method: To address this gap, the current study examined influences of partner gender and sexual identity on outness, discrimination, and depressive symptoms in a cross-sectional study of 608 bi + cisgender women. Results: Adjusting for other demographics, being in a relationship with a bisexual cisgender woman, a lesbian cisgender woman, or a bisexual cisgender man was positively associated with outness and discrimination compared to being in a relationship with a heterosexual cisgender man. Conclusion: Findings highlight the importance of accounting for partner gender and sexual identity in order to understand bi + women’s experiences.