Bisexual-hostile describes attitudes, behaviors, and systemic practices that express prejudice, discrimination, or negativity toward people attracted to both men and women. This hostility can manifest in various ways, including outright rejection, microaggressions, erasure of bisexual identities (biphobia), assumptions about promiscuity or confusion, and the denial of the validity of bisexuality. It often stems from societal norms that prioritize heterosexuality or homosexuality, leading to the marginalization and stigmatization of bisexuality. This can create unsafe or unwelcoming environments for bisexual individuals in various settings.
Bisexual-hostile meaning with examples
- Despite their expertise, the HR department demonstrated a blatant bisexual-hostile environment. They consistently questioned a bisexual employee's relationship, wrongly assuming they were not serious. Their persistent inquiries, such as asking "So, who are you dating *now*?" and disregarding them in their attempts to form relationships in the office, led to emotional distress and impacted productivity, driving the employee to resign.
- The organization's policy, which only recognized heterosexual or homosexual relationships for employee benefits, was ultimately considered bisexual-hostile. It failed to accommodate or acknowledge the existence and validity of bisexual relationships. This caused significant financial and emotional burdens for employees in same-sex bisexual relationships. The company's disregard fueled a climate of exclusion and discrimination within the workplace.
- Online forums were rife with bisexual-hostile comments. Posters frequently questioned the validity of bisexuality, labeling it as a phase or a ploy for attention. This constant barrage of negativity made it unsafe for bisexual individuals to share their experiences. This hostile environment discouraged bisexual people from expressing themselves honestly, leading to isolation and the spread of misinformation about bisexuality.
- A parent's reaction, filled with worry over their child's revealed bisexuality, was a clear display of bisexual-hostile attitudes. Their concerns were based on harmful stereotypes, such as believing their child would face judgment, be promiscuous, or be unable to form lasting relationships. This negativity, coupled with the questioning of the child's feelings, caused a rift in the parent-child relationship and left the child feeling unsupported and alone.