Lindsey Brooks: Abstract

ETHNIC MINORITY BISEXUAL WOMEN: UNDERSTANDING THE INVISIBLE POPULATION

Although much attention has been given to lesbian and gay identity development, the ethnic-minority bisexual community has received limited empirical understanding. More specifically, the intersection between bisexuality and multiple cultural identities has not been considered in the limited research on bisexuality. Thus, qualitative interviews with fourteen ethnic-minority bisexual women were conducted to investigate factors that influence bisexual identity development and intersections with multiple cultural identities. Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR) revealed that recognition of bisexual self-concept, managing bisexual identity, community identity, challenges in partner relationships, pressures from family and social contexts, and the challenges of and strategies for managing multiple identities were salient factors in the identity development process. Theoretical, counseling, and research implications are explored.

To learn more, please contact Tamara Palmer at tlp205@lehigh.edu or 610.758.3226.