Exploring how gender discrimination and bi-phobia relate to bisexual women’s risk of sexual assault

• In Event: 20214 - Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Studies

Abstract

Research consistently documents disproportionately high rates of sexual assault among bisexual women, one of the fastest growing sexual minority demographic groups in the US. Much existing research has attributed high sexual assault rates among bisexual women to individual characteristics, such as substance use and poor mental health. Yet, this work overlooks the way that norms, biases, and prejudices related to gender and sexuality may increase risks of sexual assault for bisexual women. Using data from 165 bisexual women in the Chicago Health and Life Experience of Women (CHLEW) study we found that bisexual stigma (bi-stigma), younger bisexual identity recognition, gender discrimination, and a less masculine gender presentation are associated with a higher risk of having experienced sexual assault, including rape. Bisexual women occupy a unique position related to both bisexuality and gender that may increase their risk for sexual assault.

Author

• Jessie Ford, Columbia University