Bisexuals face discrimination from both the heterosexual and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities. This discrimination may impact bisexuals' decisions regarding the sex of the person they choose to date. Despite being attracted to both sexes, 84% of bisexuals engage in opposite sex relationships (Pew Research Center, 2013). The mechanisms underlying these dating decisions are unclear. The present research focuses on exploring three possibilities as to why this disparity exists: (1) natural reproduction, (2) conformity to social norms, and (3) the available dating pool. In examining which of the three possibilities best explains disparities in bisexual dating decisions, 104 bisexuals between the ages of 18-49 completed an online survey assessing their experiences as a bisexual, perception of reproducing sexually, and their dating decisions. Overall, results
…show more content…
Potential partners may hold similarly stigmatized attitudes towards bisexuals, leading potential partners to be less inclined to date bisexuals. The negative experiences that bisexuals receive may influence bisexuals to be more inclined to date the opposite sex, and to avoid the negative connotations associated with bisexuality. Thus, conforming to the social norms of heterosexuality by dating individuals of the opposite sex due to the discrimination and stigma received (Herek, 2002; Klesse, 2011; McLean, 2008; Wandrey, Mosack, & Moore, 2015). Bisexuals in general are less likely to come out to all or most of the important people in their life (28%), in comparison to gay men (77%) or lesbians (71%; Pew Research Center, 2013). The coming out process is often difficult. The fear of disclosing their sexual orientation may also lead bisexuals to hide their true sexual orientation within heterosexual relationships, and to not engage in same sex
Potential partners may hold similarly stigmatized attitudes towards bisexuals, leading potential partners to be less inclined to date bisexuals. The negative experiences that bisexuals receive may influence bisexuals to be more inclined to date the opposite sex, and to avoid the negative connotations associated with bisexuality. Thus, conforming to the social norms of heterosexuality by dating individuals of the opposite sex due to the discrimination and stigma received (Herek, 2002; Klesse, 2011; McLean, 2008; Wandrey, Mosack, & Moore, 2015). Bisexuals in general are less likely to come out to all or most of the important people in their life (28%), in comparison to gay men (77%) or lesbians (71%; Pew Research Center, 2013). The coming out process is often difficult. The fear of disclosing their sexual orientation may also lead bisexuals to hide their true sexual orientation within heterosexual relationships, and to not engage in same sex