Bisexual people make up the largest portion of the LGBTQ+ community, yet they’re often the least seen, heard, or understood. This paradox, being everywhere and invisible at the same time, is what we call bisexual erasure. But why does it happen, and why does it feel more intense than the challenges faced by other identities?

Here are some of the key reasons bisexual people experience more erasure than other members of the queer community:

1. Binary Thinking Is Everywhere.

Society loves clean categories: gay or straight, male or female, monogamous or single. Bisexuality challenges that binary. When someone is attracted to more than one gender, it disrupts the either/or mindset. And for many, that discomfort leads to dismissal.

2. Media Representation Is Still Lacking.

Even as LGBTQ+ characters become more common in media, bisexuality is often skipped, misrepresented, or erased altogether. Bisexual characters are frequently portrayed as villains, confused, unfaithful, or going through a “phase”—if they’re acknowledged at all.

3. Bisexuality Gets Erased in Relationships.

If a bisexual person is in a relationship with someone of the opposite sex, they’re assumed to be straight. If they’re with someone of the same sex, they’re seen as gay. Their bisexuality becomes invisible based on who they’re dating—something no other identity is expected to “prove” again and again.

4. Biphobia Exists in Both Straight and Queer Spaces.

Unfortunately, bisexual people face stigma from both sides. Straight people may see bisexuality as a sign of promiscuity or indecision, while some queer spaces still view it with suspicion or skepticism. This dual rejection leads to isolation and exclusion—even in spaces that are meant to be inclusive.

5. People Still Confuse Bisexuality with Confusion.

One of the most common (and damaging) stereotypes is that bisexuality is “just a phase” on the way to being gay or straight. This erases bisexuality as a valid, stable identity—and fuels ongoing pressure to “pick a side.”

Bisexuality Is Real. It’s Valid. And It’s Time We Saw It.

Visibility is powerful. The more we talk about bisexuality—honestly and openly—the harder it becomes to ignore. That’s part of what we’re doing at Bi & Beyond: creating spaces where bisexual people don’t just exist, they thrive.

No erasure. No confusion. Just connection.

Join us on Friday for Bi & Beyond: https://www.spicymatch.com/events/55148/