Bisexual men’s experiences of stigma from gay/lesbian versus heterosexual individuals

Past research indicates that bisexual individuals report experiencing stigma from both heterosexual and gay/lesbian communities, although little research has compared these experiences of stigmatization. This poster examines bisexual men’s experiences of stigma and discrimination from gay/lesbian versus heterosexual individuals using data from 40 bisexual men who were part of a larger cohort of young men who have sex with men (RADAR). Bisexual men were asked four original questions about stigma/discrimination and responses were compared with an existing measure of bisexual stigma (the Anti-Bisexual Experiences Scale, ABES) to test the validity of this brief new measure. OBJECTIVE: To compare bisexual men’s experiences of stigma and discrimination from gay/lesbian versus heterosexual individuals. This study analyses data from a sub-sample of bisexual men (N = 40) from a larger cohort of young men who have sex with men ages 16-29 in Chicago. Participants were recruited through various methods (e.g., in-person, online, peers/partners) and reported either a sexual minority orientation or sex with men within the past year. The average age was 21.43 years and 45% were African American, 40% Latino, 10% White, and 5% Asian/multiracial/other. As part of the larger study, participants complete a study visit twice a year over the course of five years. Starting in November 2016, bisexual-identified men received additional questions about stigma and discrimination from heterosexual and gay/lesbian individuals. Of the four original items, two referred to perceptions of judgment and negative attitudes (r = .696, p<.01) and two referred to experiences of discrimination and concerns about disclosure (r = .647, p<.01). To our surprise, perceptions of judgment/negative attitudes were not significantly associated with experiences of discrimination and concerns about disclosure. When these items were compared to the ABES, higher perceptions of judgment/negative attitudes from gay/lesbian individuals (relative to heterosexual individuals) were significantly associated with higher perceptions that gay/lesbian individuals believe that bisexuality is not a stable sexual orientation and that bisexuals are sexually irresponsible (rs= .433 - .453, ps < .01). Additionally, higher reports of discrimination from heterosexuals and disclosure concerns were significantly associated with higher perceptions that heterosexuals believe that bisexuality is not a stable sexual orientation and hostility from heterosexuals (rs=.319 - .504, ps <.05). Findings provide preliminary support for the validity of a brief measure of bisexual stigma. Additionally, findings suggest that perceptions of judgments/negative attitudes are not correlated with experiences of discrimination and disclosure concerns among bisexual men. These findings have important implications for efforts to reduce bisexual stigma and related health disparities.