Bisexual Visibility Week: Challenging Biphobia, Invisibility & Harmful Stereotypes

Bisexual people often face unique forms of stigma, misunderstanding, and invisibility both within and outside of the LGBTQ+ community. Harmful stereotypes about bisexuality being “confused,” “a phase,” “untrustworthy,” or linked to promiscuity can leave many bi people feeling invalidated, misunderstood, or like they constantly have to explain and defend their identity.

Bisexual invisibility can also have a significant impact on mental health and relationships. People may make assumptions about someone’s sexuality based on the gender of their partner, while some bisexual people experience pressure to “pick a side” or feel they don’t fully belong anywhere. Over time, these experiences can contribute to shame, self doubt, loneliness, and identity confusion.

In this video for Bisexual Awareness Week, I explore some of the emotional impact of biphobia and invisibility, why bisexual identities deserve to be fully recognised and respected, and the importance of creating spaces where people feel seen, validated, and accepted as they are.

If any of this resonates with you and you’d like support exploring it further, I offer LGBTQ+ affirming therapy both online and in person from my practice in Manchester city centre. You’re welcome to get in touch to arrange a free 15 minute introductory call.lick on the video to watch

Gavin Reid LGBTQ+ therapist

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gavin Reid BA (Hons), MBACP is an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist based in Manchester, offering online and in person counselling for LGBTQ+ adults. He is an Advanced Accredited Gender, Sexual and Relationship Diversity (GSRD) Therapist with Pink Therapy and has over 1,000 hours of client experience supporting LGBTQ+ people.

His work focuses on LGBTQ+ mental health, shame, identity, minority stress, relationships, trauma and recovery and the impact of growing up in non affirming environments. Alongside professional training in counselling, trauma and GSRD therapy, Gavin also brings lived experience and a deep understanding of the challenges many LGBTQ+ people face.

Gavin Reid LGBTQ+ therapist

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gavin Reid BA (Hons), MBACP is an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist based in Manchester, offering online and in person counselling for LGBTQ+ adults. He is an Advanced Accredited Gender, Sexual and Relationship Diversity (GSRD) Therapist with Pink Therapy and has over 1,000 hours of client experience supporting LGBTQ+ people.

His work focuses on LGBTQ+ mental health, shame, identity, minority stress, relationships, trauma and recovery and the impact of growing up in non affirming environments. Alongside professional training in counselling, trauma and GSRD therapy, Gavin also brings lived experience and a deep understanding of the challenges many LGBTQ+ people face.