Lesbian Responses to Partners' Disclosure of a Bisexual Identity
Lesbian Responses to Partners' Disclosure of a Bisexual Identity
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Issue Date
2006
Authors
Valassapoulos, Elayne M.
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Abstract
This online research was created using a content analysis approach to analyze data that explored what bisexual women described as the impact that the disclosure of bisexual identity and orientation had on their lesbian partners. A total of 93 bisexual women responded to the online research questions. The majority are from the United States. Included were seven participants who resided outside of the United States. The researcher sought to obtain a better understanding of externalized biphobia that may be conceptualized as discriminatory responses, such as reinforcing stereotypical ideals that may occur within the experience of a mixed couple relationship. The research focused on bisexual women who were 18 years or older and who had been or are currently in female mixed couple (bisexual/lesbian) relationships, and who had disclosed their bisexual identity to their lesbian partners at some point after the start of the relationship. The online Web site for this study utilized nine research questions, some related to the immediate, short-term, and long-term impact of bisexual disclosure. A Biphobia Rating Scale was included as a part of the research design, which incorporated seven questions that brought forth explicit derogatory comments, such as bisexuals are not capable of controlling their impulses, want to have sex with everybody, can not be trusted, and are not capable of maintaining monogamous relationships. Over-arching themes of distrust and non-acceptance emerged due to the perception that bisexual women would begin to date men, miss being with them, and that they would, therefore, lose interest and leave their lesbian partners for a male partner(s). Furthermore, themes of self-authenticity, the importance of open and honest communication, and avoidance of interpersonal conflicts prompted disclosures. For many of the participants, the unwillingness to hide their bisexual orientation, make false impressions, and misrepresent their sexual orientation was a refreshing as well as positive factor in helping to avoid misunderstandings within the mixed couple relationship.