Beyond the Boundaries: Exploring the Identity-Related Experiences of Biracial/Multiracial and Bisexual Adults

Abstract

Most prior bisexual research takes a monolithic approach to racial identity, and existing racial/ethnic minority research often overlooks bisexuality. Consequently, previous studies have rarely examined the experiences and unique health needs of biracial/multiracial and bisexual individuals. This exploratory qualitative study investigated the identity-related experiences of biracial/multiracial and bisexual adults within the context of health and well-being. Data were collected through 90-min semi-structured telephone interviews. Participants were recruited through online social network sites and included 24 adults between ages 18 and 59 years. We aimed to explore how identity-related experiences shape biracial/multiracial and bisexual individuals’ identity development processes; how biracial/multiracial and bisexual individuals negotiate their identities; how the blending of multiple identities may contribute to perceptions of inclusion, exclusion, and social connectedness; and how biracial/multiracial and bisexual individuals may attribute positive and negative experiences to their identities. Interview transcripts were analyzed using an inductive thematic approach. Analysis highlighted four major themes: passing and invisible identities, not measuring up and erasing complexity, cultural binegativity/queerphobia and intersectional oppressions, and navigating beyond boundaries. Our findings imply promoting affirmative visibility and developing intentional support networks may help biracial/multiracial and bisexual individuals cultivate resiliency and navigate sources of identity stress. We encourage future research to explore mental health and chronic stress among this community.

Comparing sexual orientation identity development in plurisexual versus monosexual latinx sexual minority youth

“…While identity exploration and resolution were not significantly related to depressive symptoms for either group, identity affirmation was significantly and negatively related to depressive symptoms for monosexual youth, but had no significant relationship for plurisexual youth. Considering that our results are contrary to much of the prior literature that examines SOI development (C. E. Flanders et al, 2019) and uses a different model to explore SOI development than many previous studies (Bishop et al, 2020;Bishop et al, 2022), this study simultaneously engaged SOI development and ERI development literature to better understand these results coming from a Latinx SM sample (e.g., Williams et al, 2022).…”

“…Further, the literature is rich with studies that use an Eriksonian theoretical perspective as the lens to explore ERI development compared to SOI development, and the current study is focused on a measure developed for SOI based on an Eriksonian ERI measure. In addition, this study uses a sample of Latinx youth to explore SOI development, which is distinct from the predominant focus on identity development among White sexual minority youth (Toomey et al, 2016); therefore using both ERI development and SOI development literature can help bridge the gap between studies of ERI development studies conducted with heterosexual samples and SOI development studies conducted with mostly White samples to understand the unique identity developmental experiences of monosexual and plurisexual Latinx sexual minority youth (e.g., Williams et al, 2022).…”

“…This study also draws from research on ethnic and racial identity (ERI) development given that plurisexual youth and multiracial youth navigate similar developmental and interpersonal experiences, such as pressure to adopt a singular sexual or racial identity, dissonance between one's own identity and others' perceptions of that identity, and isolation within sexual and racial communities (Williams et al, 2022). Further, the literature is rich with studies that use an Eriksonian theoretical perspective as the lens to explore ERI development compared to SOI development, and the current study is focused on a measure developed for SOI based on an Eriksonian ERI measure.…”

“…constitute about 50% of the sexual minority adolescent community (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019). Plurisexual people face unique social exclusion due to heteronormative experiences in society and binegativity from broader sexual minority communities (Williams et al, 2022). These experiences contribute to physical, mental, and emotional health ramifications for plurisexual people (Dyar et al, 2019; Mereish et al, 2017; Persson & Pfaus, 2015).…”