Comparing perceived experiences of prejudice among self-identified plurisexual individuals

Based on the limited research available regarding bisexual individuals, there is some evidence to suggest this group may be subject to unique forms of prejudice within both heterosexual and lesbian/gay communities. To date, research in this area has relied on samples that do not reflect the diversity of the non-monosexual/plurisexual community. The present study explored the perceived experiences of anti-bisexual prejudice among a diverse group of self-identified bisexual, pansexual, queer and fluid adults (n = 235). Participants completed an online self-report survey containing 50-items concerning experiences and expressions of sexual orientation and gender identity. Results from the Anti-Bisexual Experiences Scale revealed bisexual participants reported more experiences of sexual prejudice from lesbian/gay individuals than did pansexual/queer/fluid participants. Exploratory analyses based on this finding revealed bisexual individuals also reported less subjective connection to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community than did pansexual/queer/fluid individuals. This factor, however, did not account for differences in experiences of sexual prejudice from lesbians/gay individuals. These findings challenge the grouping together of all plurisexual individuals under the label bisexual and underscore the importance of interpersonal context in the experience of sexual prejudice.