Bisexual Identity Development Research Articles

Sexual Identity Development, Psychiatric Risk, and Protective Factors Among Bisexual People in Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

Purpose: This study aimed to uncover sexual identity development and investigate the psychiatric risks for bisexual people across mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan by examining ecologically informed factors at the individual, family, and community levels. Methods: An internet-based survey was administered to 685 respondents, from June to August 2021, reached primarily through lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community organizations and professional networks. Participants reported their demographics, identity milestones, and psychiatric symptoms. Results: Significant birth cohort and regional differences were observed regarding bisexual identity milestones. Individuals who were older, transgender and/or nonbinary, and based in Taiwan disclosed their sexual identity more. All respondents reported clinically elevated depression and anxiety symptoms, with a majority experiencing moderately severe depression (60%) and moderate or severe anxiety (80%). Approximately half of respondents contemplated suicide in the past year. Compared with cisgender women, identifying as transgender and nonbinary assigned female at birth was significantly associated with increased depression and higher odds of suicidal ideation in the past year. Enhanced self-esteem was associated with greater well-being and decreased psychiatric symptoms. Experiencing family shame was associated with increased anxiety and depression. At the community level, living in Hong Kong was linked to lower depression and suicidal ideation compared to mainland China. The presence of an LGBT group correlated with improved psychological well-being. Conclusions: Chinese bisexual people face substantial risks for depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, influenced by factors including self-esteem, transgender and nonbinary gender identity, family dynamics, and community context. Significant birth cohort and regional differences in bisexual identity development exist.

Leadership and bisexuality: Dually occurring processes of identity development.

With the growing importance of identity development, it is important to see the intersections that occur with one's identity as both a leader and as bisexual. Leader identity and bisexual identity development can occur in tandem, with critical moments influencing both dually occurring identity development processes. By understanding the need that the field of leadership education has to explore the development of bisexual leaders and leadership educators, the authors discuss the need to center minoritized identities in our scholarship and practice within the field.

“In a Romantic Way, Not Just a Friend Way!”: Exploring the Developmental Implications of Positive Depictions of Bisexuality in Alice Oseman’s Heartstopper

The role of media in identity formation is a documented topic but media is rarely used in developmental interventions by educators and practitioners in ensuring individuals are able to engage with positive depictions of their identities. This manuscript explores the potential developmental implications of positive, trope-defying depictions of bisexuality in Alice Oseman’s Heartstopper for bisexual identity development. The four published volumes were analyzed to explore their resistance to compulsory binarization, delegitimization of bisexuality as a valid identity, and the trope of the promiscuous bisexual. Tracing Nick’s journey to understand his bisexuality through Dillon et al.’s Unifying Model of Sexual Identity Development, the shift from compulsory heterosexuality to deepening his commitment to his bisexual identity, Nick’s journey provides educators and practitioners a positive depiction of bisexuality to use with individuals who may be questioning if they are bisexual or looking to explore their bisexuality at a deeper level. Combined with the resistance to harmful tropes, this positive depiction has the potential to serve as a developmental tool for practitioners and educators to use with students exploring their identity.

Nonsequential Task Model of Bi/Pan/Polysexual Identity Development

There are several existing bisexual identity development models, however, there are still gaps in fully understanding the identity development of individuals who are bisexual, pansexual, and polysexual. This article seeks to describe the importance of specific labels in the process of identity formation and the differences that exist within these nonmonosexual identities. The authors introduce a model that also addresses intersecting identity developmental processes and oppressions, the person in a sociopolitical context, and the importance of community/political identity to individuals’ identity development. First, the article reviews several bisexual identity development models and their limitations. Then, the authors propose a combined task and process model to address these limitations. This model will serve as a guide for conceptualizing the unique pathways that bi/pan/polysexual individuals experience in their identity development.

Humanizing an Invisible Population in India: Voices from Bisexual Men Concerning Identity, Life Experiences, and Sexual Health.

Research examining the sexual identities, behaviors, and experiences of bisexual men outside of Western contexts (including in India) is limited. Individuals who self-identify as bisexual due to their orientation toward partners of more than one gender face distinct psychosocial challenges relative to exclusively heterosexual, gay/lesbian, or other individuals. We conducted four focus group discussions (n = 22) and in-depth interviews (n = 50) with self-identified bisexual men (age 18years and older) who were recruited from the metropolitan area of Mumbai, India, between June and August 2013. We triangulated and analyzed focus group and interview data using standard qualitative research techniques. Findings from our study suggest that multiple factors influence the sexual experiences of self-identified bisexual men in Mumbai, including contexts of sexual interactions, sexual positioning, and the gender of sexual partners. Participants described cultural meaning systems and psychosocial dynamics that regulate bisexual identity development, disclosure, and sexual decision making with male, female, and other partners. Secrecy, discretion, and sexual pleasure also influenced sexual behaviors and relationships. Although Western sexual identity categories are not necessarily equivalent in the Indian context, it is interesting and important to note that a number of individuals in India continue to use the identity label of "bisexual." Before developing interventions to meet unique sexual health needs of bisexual men, it is crucial to understand how these men perceive themselves, reconcile the ordinary aspects of their lives with their sexuality, and structure their relationships with partners.

Tożsamościowe wyzwania kobiet sprawujących opiekę nad dzieckiem w związkach jednopłciowych w świetle koncepcji Vivienne Cass

Development of the contemporary post-industrial society entails the increasing diversity of family life models. People, making individual choices in this field, face new challenges related to identity formation. In the text presented this issue is discussed on the example of women bringing up children in same-sex relationships. The article presents basic information on the same-sex parenting, underlines the importance of the idea of identity integration in psychology and stresses the lack of contiguity between theories of parental identity development and these ones of homosexual and bisexual identity development. An extensive discussion of the Vivienne Cass’s theory of sexual orientation identity development is the basis for the approximation of potential discrepancies in the identity system of non-heterosexual women taking parental roles. Two main factors relevant to the processes of identity formation were distinguished: the order of the development of the sexual orientation identity and parental identity (the planned and reconstructed families differ in this regard) and the way of establishing and maintaining the relationship with the child (other challenges are faced by biological and social mothers). In the summary, questions requiring future empirical exploration were notified.

Coming-Out to Family Members and Internalized Sexual Stigma in Bisexual, Lesbian and Gay People

Coming out has been described as an essential component in the lesbian, gay, and bisexual identity development process and in the mental health of sexual minority people. This study investigated the coming out to family members in lesbian, gay, and bisexual people and analyzed the potential predictors associated to the choice to come out. For this purpose, disclosure of sexual orientation to family members, internalized sexual stigma (evaluated through an adapted short version of the internalized sexual stigma for lesbians, gay men, and bisexual people, measure of the internalized sexual stigma for lesbians, gay, and bisexual), gender, age, sexual orientation, background information, current romantic relationship and the wealth of social network with sexual minority people were assessed on an Italian sample of 291 adolescents and young adults (206 lesbian/gay men and 85 bisexual people). Hierarchical multiple regression showed that higher scores of coming out to family were associated with gay/lesbian identity, liberal political orientation, higher education level, presence of a stable romantic relationship, higher number of lesbian, gay, and bisexual contacts, and lower levels of internalized sexual stigma. Results suggest that bisexual people encounter major difficulties regarding the coming out to family members, respect to lesbian/gay people and indicate that internalized sexual stigma is strongly associated with concealing one’s sexual orientation. Clinical implications for the present findings are discussed.

Consistency of My Bisexual Self

abstractThis brief narrative account focuses on the meaning of ‘bisexuality,’ and the individual bisexual identity development of the author. In the sharing of this journey another voice and related narrative is added to not only the larger bisexual communities, but also potentially to the larger dominant societal context as a whole. In addition, an opportunity to decrease bisexual invisibility and increase bisexual visibility is attained through the telling of stories such as the one presented. The author concludes with an invitation to empower and support fellow bisexual-identifying persons.

Coming Out to Family and Friends as Bisexually Identified Young Adult Women: A Discussion of Homophobia, Biphobia, and Heteronormativity

Although coming out is considered a crucial part of minority sexual identity development, research concerning bisexual women's coming out experiences is limited. Nevertheless, bisexual women encounter unique stigma and challenges that warrant specific attention. Seventeen young adult women participated in individual, open-ended qualitative interviews about their bisexual identity development. Our inductive thematic analysis of participants' coming out experiences and perspectives revealed important themes related to the unique aspects of coming out as young bisexual women. Themes included 1) the presence of both homophobia and biphobia, 2) the use of alternate identity terms to combat biphobia, 3) the preference to approach coming out in a casual manner, 4) the ability to pass as heterosexual or lesbian when it fits the situation, and 5) the resolute rejection of the disclosure imperative, among others. We discuss these findings in the context of gender, homophobia, biphobia, and heteronormativity.

Forgive Me Father for I Have Sinned: The Role of a Christian Upbringing on Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Identity Development

This study (n = 84) examined the extent to which a Christian upbringing may inhibit same-sex attracted individuals from accepting a lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) identity. No significant differences were found between current and former Christians' positive or negative gay identities. Participants who had left Christianity were more liberal and viewed God as hostile. Participants' “outness” as LGB to their primary network was associated with a greater positive and lesser negative gay identity. Participants' LGB network size was not related to either their positive or negative gay identifications. Finally, the participants' sexual histories were not related to their negative identities, but were related to their positive identities.

Beyond Expectations: The Experiences of Two African American Bisexual Women

There is more research pertaining to African American bisexual men than there is pertaining to African American bisexual women. Most of this research, however, does not specifically address bisexual identity development as much as bisexual behavior and associated risks. Based on the experiences of two African American bisexual women, this article briefly explores the impact of culture on the development of a bisexual identity and the development of a more consistent sense of self as a sexual being.

Are We Coming of Age? A Critique of Collins's Proposed Model of Biracial–Bisexual Identity Development

In 2000, Collins published an article from her study of 15 Japanese American adults, which included a proposed model of biracial–bisexual identity development. At the time of her publication, she shared that future research should apply this model to individuals who are biracial and bisexual. In 2008, the author conducted a study of 6 female college students who identify as multiracial/biracial–bisexual/pansexual to gain a better understanding of how students with multiple-marginal identities developed their identity. The author used the model that Collins proposed as a platform. In the present article, the author evaluates Collins's proposed model in light of her findings and provides a four-phase alternative for framing the identity development experience of multiracial/biracial–bisexual/pansexual individuals. Finally, the author discusses the implications of the study and offers recommendations for future research.

Bisexual Students in Secondary Schools: Understanding Unique Experiences and Developing Responsive Practices

Increased attention is being paid to the experiences of sexual minority students in schools. However, little is known about the unique needs of students who identify as bisexual or effective strategies to support these students. In an effort to begin to examine school practices that are responsive to bisexual students, this article first provides a summary of bisexual identity development. Next, by reviewing the research that is available and extrapolating from the literature that addresses sexual minority students as a whole, suggestions are made for educators in regards to addressing issues of bisexuality in schools, including policy development, staff and student education, classroom climate and school–community collaboration. This article also addresses the significant gaps in research on how school practices affect bisexual students.

Conceptualizing lesbian sexual identity development: Narrative accounts of socializing structures and individual decisions and actions

Many theories have aimed to chart lesbian, gay and bisexual identity development. These include traditional developmental models as well as newer approaches designed to capture a more fluid, multidimensional trajectory, both of which have tended to neglect the role of intersectional identities, context and individual variation in lesbian identity development. This study used inductive research methods, informed by grounded theory, to examine lesbian identity development in life narrative interviews with four lesbian scholar-activists from different national and racial backgrounds. The women’s narratives suggest that a dynamic, non-linear, and contextualized representation of sexual identity development may more accurately describe lesbian identity development in terms of intersecting identities, national and local contexts, and personal and professional relationships.

Gay and Bisexual Identity Development Among Female-to-Male Transsexuals in North America: Emergence of a Transgender Sexuality

We studied a North American sample of female-to-male (FtM) transsexuals sexually attracted to men, aiming to understand their identity and sexuality in the context of a culture of transgender empowerment. Sex-reassigned FtM transsexuals, 18 years or older and attracted to men, were recruited via an FtM community conference and listserv. Participants (N = 25) responded to open-ended questions about identity development, sexual behavior, and social support. Data were analyzed by content analysis. Scores for sexual identity, self esteem, sexual functioning, and psychological adjustment were compared to those of a comparison group (N = 76 nontransgender gay and bisexual men). Of the 25 FtMs, 15 (60%) identified as gay, 8 (32%) as bisexual, and 2 (8%) as queer. All were comfortable with their gender identity and sexual orientation. The FtM group was more bisexual than the nontransgender gay and bisexual controls. No significant group differences were found in self esteem, sexual satisfaction, or psychological adjustment. For some FtMs, sexual attractions and experiences with men affirmed their gender identity; for others, self-acceptance of a transgender identity facilitated actualization of their attractions toward men. Most were "out" as transgender among friends and family, but not on the job or within the gay community. Disclosure and acceptance of their homosexuality was limited. The sexual identity of gay and bisexual FtMs appears to mirror the developmental process for nontransgender homosexual men and women in several ways; however, participants also had experiences unique to being both transgender and gay/bisexual. This signals the emergence of a transgender sexuality.

Ethnic Minority Bisexual Women: Understanding the Invisible Population

ABSTRACT Lesbian and gay identity development has received increased attention while bisexual identity has received limited consideration. Theory suggests that women's sexuality is contextually based. Thus, the understudied intersection of bisexuality and other cultural identities becomes important to examine. Interviews with 14 ethnic minority bisexual women were conducted to investigate factors influencing bisexual identity development and its intersections with cultural identities. Consensual qualitative research revealed that a bisexual self-concept, managing bisexual identity, community identity, partner relationship challenges, pressures from family and social contexts, and the challenges of and strategies for managing multiple identities were salient factors. Theoretical, counseling, and research implications are explored.

An Appeal for Additional Research About the Development of Heterosexual Male Sexual Identity

Abstract For many heterosexual males, heterosexual male sexual identity is unmarked. That is, although it may motivate actions and behaviors (it is central), it does not appear to be cognitively available as an identity category (it is not salient). This contrasts with the marked sexual identity of most gay and bisexual males. By reviewing the scant research and theories about heterosexual male sexual identity development, and incorporating relevant studies of gay and bisexual male identity development, about masculinity, about puberty, and about general identity development, this article provides specific explanations for the unmarked nature of heterosexual male sexual identity and advocates for future research on this topic.

The Intersection of Race and Bisexuality

There has been significant growth in the past two decades in the psychological literature exploring sexual orientations from gay, lesbian, and bisexual perspectives, as well as the role of culture and ethnicity on human development. However, the research on sexual orientation has been predominantly focused on gays and lesbians from an overwhelmingly White, middle-class population. Additionally, the research on ethnic minority groups rarely acknowledges differences in sexual orientation of group members. Despite the expanding empirical research, scant attention has been given to bisexuals who are members of ethnic minority groups. Hence, there has been a lack of research in the exploration of the complex interaction between a bisexual identity and ethnic identity development. Sexual identity research on ethnic minorities has outlined how a person of color establishes a dual identity as a sexual minority and as a person of color. However, surprisingly little research has investigated the influences of ethnicity on sexual identity development. Various studies have examined the identity development of persons with dual minority status. But, again these studies have predominantly focused on gays and lesbians. Such research obscures many issues relevant to ethnic minorities who are bisexual. This article explores the research on bisexual identity development and how it intersects with people of color. It reviews previous theoretical and empirical research on bisexuality development, the impact of bisexual identity and ethnic identity, ethnic/sexual identity integration, and the current research being conducted in this area which has received little attention, an area this author refers to as the “borderlands.”

The Bisexual Experience

This study examined how bisexually-identified individuals experience cultural attitudes toward bisexuality, how they establish a sense of community for themselves, and how their experience has affected their self-concept. Twenty self-identified bisexual women and men were interviewed for a descriptive study. The results indicate that cultural attitudes toward bisexuality affect sexual identity development, self-definition, visibility, and relationships. Three steps to establishing a sense of community included: perception of outsider status, location of bisexual individuals and community, and formation of new community. The effects on self-concept of forming and maintaining bisexual identity included: enhanced self-reliance, openness, and enrichment. Both gender and cultural minority status had an impact on the experience of bisexuality. On the basis of the findings, the author proposes a theory of bisexual identity development which includes the following stages: questioning reality, inventing the identity, maintaining the identity, and transforming adversity.

A Proposed Model of Bisexual Identity Development that Elaborates on Experiential Differences of Women and Men

Bisexuals have experiences that make them unique as a group. Thus, it would seem reasonable to have a model of identity development for this group. This article reviews theoretical and empirical models of lesbian, gay, and bisexual identity development. A new model of bisexual identity development is then proposed, containing research from lesbian and gay identity development models to serve as hypotheses. These hypotheses serve to help better understand how women and men might experience the bisexual identity development process differently.