Biphobia in the Workplace is Real

A recent study from UCLA finds that biphobia and bisexual discrimination is rampant in many workplaces, with cisgender, bisexual individuals hiding their identity for fear of their safety. One in three cisgender, bisexual adults reported that they felt unsafe in their identity in the workplace, whether it be because of violence, sexual harassment, or getting fired. Among cisgender, bisexual men, 46.4% and 27.2% of bisexual women reported workplace harassment.

The study itself says on the topic of discrimination, “Among only cisgender LGB employees who are out in the workplace, we find that bisexual men experience particularly high rates of workplace harassment, and bisexual women experience similar levels of harassment as lesbians. Among cisgender LGB people who were out in the workplace, bisexual men (60.3%) were significantly more likely to experience at least one form of harassment (verbal, physical, or sexual) than out, bisexual women (38.3%) and out lesbians (32.9%). Though out, bisexual men reported a slightly higher rate of harassment compared to out gay men (48.4%), the difference was not statistically significant.”

Typically, when surveyed, bisexual individuals are counted among the lowest numbers for harassment; however, that number is often so low because bisexual individuals conceal their identity to remain safe. When asked about identity concealment, 81% of bisexual individuals felt unsafe in sharing their identity with coworkers, with 64% feeling unable to be out with their supervisors. Beyond feeling generally unsafe, bisexual individuals also reported that they refrain from going to social events, hiding family photos, and not talking about their personal lives to keep their coworkers from knowing. Many more admitted to performing certain covering behaviors to keep themselves safe from biphobic harassment such as changing the way they dress, speak, talk, and act.

The study closes with accounts from the participants in the survey about the harassment they and their friends faced within the workplace due to biphobia. In closing, it says, “Discrimination and harassment, or fear of those experiences, negatively affect the well-being of employees, which, in turn, can negatively impact employers. Decades of research have linked unsupportive workplace environments for LGBT people to poorer health, decreased job satisfaction, and decreased job commitment, among other negative outcomes.”