Bisexuality & the experience of bi erasure
Bi erasure leads to bisexual individuals feelings pushed out of different communities and creating a sense of isolation and rejection, leading to harmful mental health effects.
Bi erasure is a term used to describe the marginalization and invisibility of bisexual individuals in society. This can take many forms, including the assumption that bisexual individuals are either gay or straight, the belief that bisexuality is not a valid sexual orientation, and the exclusion of bisexual individuals from LGBTQ+ communities and spaces.
Bi erasure can have serious negative impacts on bisexual individuals, including feelings of isolation, rejection, and invalidation. It can also contribute to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
As a therapist, it is important to be aware of bi erasure and its effects, and to provide a safe and affirming space for bisexual clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This may involve challenging assumptions and stereotypes about bisexuality, and providing education and resources to help bisexual clients understand and affirm their sexual orientation.
It is also important to be inclusive and supportive of bisexual clients in therapy, and to provide referrals to LGBTQ+ affirming resources and support groups. By doing so, therapists can help bisexual clients feel validated, accepted, and supported in their journey towards healing and growth.
If you are a bisexual individual who has experienced bi erasure, or if you are a therapist who is interested in learning more about supporting bisexual clients, please don't hesitate to reach out for support and resources. Together, we can work towards reducing bi erasure and promoting acceptance and inclusion for all sexual orientations.
There’s no “right” way to express your identity
One size does not fit all.
At Miracle Mile Therapy, we are committed to supporting our clients in their gender journeys, and to helping them explore and affirm their gender identities. For some individuals, this may include pursuing medical transition, such as hormone therapy or surgery, while for others, it may not.
Transgender individuals are often faced with the misconception that they must pursue medical transition in order to be considered "legitimate" or "authentic" in their gender identity. This is simply not the case. Gender identity and expression are deeply personal and unique to each individual, and there is no one "right" way to be trans.
It is always valid for transgender individuals to choose not to pursue medical transition, for any number of reasons. Some individuals may not feel comfortable with or ready for medical intervention, while others may not have access to the resources or support needed to pursue medical transition.
It is also important to recognize that medical transition is not a requirement for being trans. Gender identity is not determined by the presence or absence of medical intervention, but rather by an individual's own understanding and experience of their gender.
As affirmative therapists, we are here to support and validate our clients' gender identities, regardless of whether or not they choose to pursue medical transition. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive space for all individuals, and to helping our clients explore and affirm their gender identities in ways that are authentic and meaningful to them.