Biphobia: what it is and who it affects

As well as homophobia and transphobia, bisexual people can also be discriminated against.

It is a form of discrimination and prejudice against bisexual or perceived bisexual people. It is an issue that affects many people, even within the LGBTQIA community itself.

Biphobia is a dislike, fear or prejudice towards bisexual people and can come from people of any sexual orientation, heterosexual, homosexual and even bisexual people themselves. It is not new that even within the LGBTQIA community itself, bisexual people are often discriminated against because they are seen as undecided, promiscuous or in transition.

Biphobia can take the form of refusing to recognise bisexuality as a legitimate sexual orientation, or minimising (or erasing) the existence of bisexual people by presenting them as heterosexual or homosexual depending on the partner they are with at any given time.

In addition, bisexual people may face various forms of discrimination: at work, at school, in the family or in other social settings. Factors that can lead to social isolation, mental health problems and even internalised biphobia.

Biphobia is countered by promoting education and awareness about bisexuality, trying to dispel myths and prejudices about bisexual people.

Unfortunately, like all struggles for rights, it is still a long way off.