Comparing perceived experiences of prejudice among self-identified plurisexual individuals

Abstract

Based on the limited research available regarding bisexual individuals, there is some evidence to suggest this group may be subject to unique forms of prejudice within both heterosexual and lesbian/gay communities. To date, research in this area has relied on samples that do not reflect the diversity of the non-monosexual/plurisexual community. The present study explored the perceived experiences of anti-bisexual prejudice among a diverse group of self-identified bisexual, pansexual, queer and fluid adults (n = 235). Participants completed an online self-report survey containing 50-items concerning experiences and expressions of sexual orientation and gender identity. Results from the Anti-Bisexual Experiences Scale revealed bisexual participants reported more experiences of sexual prejudice from lesbian/gay individuals than did pansexual/queer/fluid participants. Exploratory analyses based on this finding revealed bisexual individuals also reported less subjective connection to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community than did pansexual/queer/fluid individuals. This factor, however, did not account for differences in experiences of sexual prejudice from lesbians/gay individuals. These findings challenge the grouping together of all plurisexual individuals under the label bisexual and underscore the importance of interpersonal context in the experience of sexual prejudice.

Keywords:

• sexual prejudice
• bisexual
• pansexual
• queer
• fluid
• LGBT community

Notes

1. We use the term ‘plurisexual’ instead of non-monosexual throughout the manuscript to avoid linguistically positioning monosexual as the ideal, normative sexuality.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by a grant awarded to Dr M. Paz Galupo from the American Institute of Bisexuality.

Notes on contributors

Renae C. Mitchell

Renae C. Mitchell earned her MA in Clinical Psychology from Towson University. She is currently working as a Research Assistant both in the Department of Family Studies and Community Development and for the Sexual and Gender Identity Lab at Towson University. Her research interests include human sexuality, sexual violence prevention, and paraphilic disorders.

Kyle S. Davis

Kyle S. Davis earned an MA in Counselling Psychology from Towson University and is currently pursuing a PhD in Counselling Psychology at the University of Kentucky. Kyle’s research interests include plurisexual, asexual, and transgender identity development and lived experiences.

M. Paz Galupo

M. Paz Galupo, PhD, is Professor of Psychology and Director of the Sexual and Gender Identity Lab at Towson University. Her research interests centre on the intersections of identity with a focus on sexual orientation and gender identity. Paz currently serves as Editor-in-Chief for both the Journal of GLBT Family Studies and the Journal of Bisexuality.