Petinger Charné, Jackson Kyle, Andipatin Michelle
Department of Psychology, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa.
Cult Health Sex. 2025 Jan;27(1):116-126. doi: 10.1080/13691058.2024.2355209. Epub 2024 May 23.
Understanding one's sexual orientation plays a significant role in contributing to one's sexual identity and developing a coherent sense of self. Misconceptions and prevailing prejudices make it difficult for bisexual individuals to navigate their sexual identities in many societies. Disclosure of one's identity is accompanied by certain risks depending on how the information is received. However, disclosing one's identity can also be positive, especially as it assists in fostering relationships. This article derives from a descriptive study involving 14 semi-structured interviews with young adults aged 18-24 who identified as bisexual. Data were subjected to a reflexive thematic analysis. Themes of invalidation, belongingness and reclaiming through 'inviting in' were identified. By processing the feelings of invalidation regarding their bisexual identities which were placed upon them by their respective cultural groups, and society in general, participants were able to develop a sense of agency and reclaim their power. Findings highlight the need for further research on bisexuality, particularly in South Africa, and the need to understand how bisexual identity development occurs in interaction with other sexual and gender identities.
了解一个人的性取向对于形成其性身份认同以及培养连贯的自我意识起着重要作用。在许多社会中，误解和普遍存在的偏见使得双性恋者难以明确自己的性身份。根据信息的接受方式，公开自己的身份会伴随着一定风险。然而，公开身份也可能是积极的，特别是有助于建立人际关系。本文源自一项描述性研究，该研究对14名年龄在18至24岁之间、自认为是双性恋的年轻人进行了半结构化访谈。数据经过了反思性主题分析。确定了无效感、归属感以及通过“接纳”实现自我认同的主题。通过处理各自文化群体以及整个社会加诸于他们双性恋身份上的无效感，参与者能够培养一种能动性意识并重新获得力量。研究结果凸显了对双性恋进行进一步研究的必要性，尤其是在南非，以及了解双性恋身份认同如何在与其他性取向和性别认同的互动中形成的必要性。
