A new survey by HER, a dating app for lesbian, bi, and queer individuals, reveals that 40% of bisexual people feel invisible in LGBTQ+ spaces. The survey, conducted with over 2,000 users, highlights the challenges faced by the bi community, including erasure and the experience often referred to as bi panic.

These issues contribute to a sense of exclusion that many bisexual folk report within the broader LGBTQ+ community.

One of the key findings is that 48.3% of bisexual respondents have been assumed to be either straight or gay based on the gender of their partner at the time. This ongoing misconception creates added pressure for bisexual individuals to continuously come out and explain their identity in order to maintain a sense of visibility.

The study also found that bisexual people are more likely to question their own sexual identity compared to lesbians. While only 3% of lesbians reported questioning their sexuality, this figure doubles for bisexual respondents, with 10.82% regularly questioning their orientation.

 

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These feelings of discomfort are especially heightened when others question or doubt their bisexuality. The study also revealed that 32% of bisexual participants adapt their dating style depending on the gender of their partner, demonstrating a flexible approach to how they navigate relationships.

HER, which launched in 2015 as the first dating app that is specifically designed for queer women, non-binary, and trans people, has since exploded in popularity. With over 15 million users, 300 million matches, and countless marriages, the app has become a cornerstone for queer relationships and connections.

This survey arrives just in time for Bisexual Awareness Week, held annually from September 16 to 23 to raise awareness and understanding of the unique experiences of bisexual individuals within the LGBTQ+ community.