Diversity and commonalities in relationship experiences among self-identified bisexual parents in the United States

ABSTRACT

Although bisexual parents represent the largest proportion of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) parents, their lived experiences are rarely included in prior research. The intimate relationships of bisexual parents may be similar to or distinct from monosexual (i.e. sexually oriented to one sex/gender) individuals, and such relationships impact individuals’ health and well-being, as well as family dynamics. We conducted phone interviews with 33 self-identified bisexual parents who were at least 18 years old, with at least one child (genetic, adopted, foster, stepchildren, partners’ children) living in the United States. As with individuals of all sexual identities, participants’ relationship structures (e.g. monogamy, commitment, co-parenting with former partners, single, dating) were diverse. Most participants’ partners were supportive of their bisexuality. Former relationships were often significant in positive ways, including beneficial co-parenting, or in negative ways, including poor co-parenting and experiences of biphobia. Open communication, boundary negotiation, and counseling were all strategies that reportedly strengthened relationships. Many participants viewed relationships differently based on the gender of their partner(s), and biphobia impacted these perceptions. Participants expressed the desire for targeted resources and therapeutic approaches for bisexual parents, since their role as a parent was often a primary factor in how they organized their relationships.

KEYWORDS:

• Bisexual
• parents
• relationships
• monogamy
• consensual non-monogamy

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to the American Institute of Bisexuality for funding this study and to the participants for sharing their experiences and expertise. We would like to express our deepest appreciation to the guest editors of this special issue (Drs. Jennifer Vencill and Tania Israel) for their continuous insight and support throughout the production process.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the American Institute of Bisexuality.

Notes on contributors

Jessamyn Bowling

Jessamyn Bowling, Ph.D., MPH, is an assistant professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Brian Dodge

Brian Dodge, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Applied Health Science and associate director of the Center for Sexual Health Promotion at the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington.

Elizabeth Bartelt

Elizabeth Bartelt, MPH, is a doctoral student and research coordinator at the Center for Sexual Health Promotion at the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington.