Biphobia

Biphobia refers to negative attitudes, prejudice, and discrimination directed at people who experience attraction to more than one gender. It encompasses overt hostility as well as subtle forms of bias, and is regarded as a stigma that can operate in interpersonal relationships, in social and organizational settings, and within both heterosexual and LGBTQ+ communities.

Common manifestations include denying bisexual identities or labeling them as a phase, erasing bisexual people from media and policy, and subscribing to stereotypes such as indecisiveness, promiscuity, or hypersexuality. Biphobia can manifest as exclusion from straight or gay spaces, pressure to “choose” a single label, and discriminatory treatment in dating, education, and employment.

Impact and health effects are significant. Bisexual people report higher rates of harassment, violence, and mental health challenges, driven in part by minority stress and invisibility. Intersectional factors such as race, gender identity, and disability can intensify biphobic experiences and barriers to support.

Responses and countermeasures include advocacy for visibility, inclusive education, and policies that protect bisexual people. Increased accurate media representation, training for healthcare and service providers, and workplace anti-bias programs are among strategies used to reduce biphobia and improve access to resources.

Biphobia is closely related to bi-erasure—the tendency to ignore or invalidate bisexual identities—and can occur within LGBTQ+ spaces as well as broader society. Recognizing and addressing these biases is seen as essential to advancing the rights, safety, and well-being of bisexual individuals.