The Invisible Stereotypes of Bisexual Men

Abstract

Bisexual men have little public visibility, yet previous reports indicate that heterosexuals have specific prejudicial attitudes towards them. This article reports on two studies that examined the stereotypical beliefs of heterosexual men and women regarding bisexual men. In Study 1 (n = 88), we examined awareness of social stereotypes (stereotype knowledge). Most of the participants were unable to describe the various stereotypes of bisexual men. Contrary to previous studies, low-prejudiced participants had more stereotype knowledge than high-prejudiced participants. In Study 2 (n = 232), we examined prejudice in a contextual evaluation task that required no stereotype knowledge. Participants evaluated a single target character on a first date: a bisexual man dating a heterosexual woman, a bisexual man dating a gay man, a heterosexual man dating a heterosexual woman, or a gay man dating a gay man. The findings indicated that participants implemented stereotypical beliefs in their evaluation of bisexual men: compared to heterosexual and gay men, bisexual men were evaluated as more confused, untrustworthy, open to new experiences, as well as less inclined towards monogamous relationships and not as able to maintain a long-term relationship. Overall, the two studies suggest that the stereotypical beliefs regarding bisexual men are prevalent, but often not acknowledged as stereotypes. In addition, the implementation of stereotypes in the evaluations was shown to be dependent on the potential romantic partner of the target. Possible theoretical explanations and implications are discussed.

Sexual Fluidity and Related Attitudes and Beliefs Among Young Adults with a Same-Gender Orientation

“…Previous research has suggested that many individuals hold negative attitudes toward bisexuality (Israel & Mohr, 2004), particularly toward bisexual men (Eliason, 2001;Yost & Thomas, 2012). A recent study of heterosexual women's and men's beliefs found that participants used more negative stereotypes to evaluate bisexual men, compared to evaluations of heterosexual and gay men (Zivony & Lobell, 2014). In addition, bisexual individuals have reported experiencing biphobia-negative attitudes about bisexuality-from both heterosexual and sexual minority communities (Mulick & Wright, 2002).…”

Male bisexual arousal: A matter of curiosity?

“…Stereotypes of bisexual people include the belief that they are more sexually experimental and promiscuous than heterosexual or homosexual people, more interested in short-term mating strategies, and more open to new experiences (Israel & Mohr, 2004;Zivony, 2013). Some bisexual men do, in fact, have stronger sexual attractions to and fantasies about both men and women, and are more sexually adventurous than most men (Weinrich & Klein, 2002).…”

Explaining mental health disparities for non-monosexual women: Abuse history and risky sex, or the burdens of non-disclosure?

“…Research suggests negative stereotypes exist about bisexuality, such as: bisexuality does not exist as a sexual identity or as a sexual orientation; and bisexuals are sexually promiscuous (Herek, 2002;Rust, 2002;Zivony and Lobel, 2014). While identity confusion and risky sexual behavior might be associated with maladjustment, there is another possibility: that the negative social reality created by these stereotypes helps explain the greater prevalence of psychological distress among bisexuals.…”

“…Research has suggested that, currently, bisexual individuals face more stigma than homosexual individuals (Zivony and Lobel, 2014), which may be related to monosexism (preference for single-gender orientations) (Ross et al, 2010). For instance, it has been found that heterosexual women hold more negative attitudes towards bisexual than towards lesbian women (Herek, 2002).…”