Bi+ Mental Health
Laura Clarke (she/they) researchers health inequalities experienced by members of the bi+ community, specifically Borderline Personality Disorder, diagnostic bias, and stigma-based discrimination.
Laura Clarke (she/they) is the Partnership Coordinator of the National LGBT Partnership and a freelance sex educator, LGBTQIA+ specialist and consultant. Laura has a MA in Gender Studies from the University of Sussex and has been researching bi+ health inequalities for the past 3 years. She is currently in the process of exploring Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) in LBT+ women and femmes, relating to diagnostic bias and stigma-based discrimination.
Why are you interested in research on bisexualilty?
I am interested in research on bisexuality+ because of the frequent erasure and misunderstandings that occur within our community. My particular interests relate to bisexual mental health and how this is affected by discrimination, both from straight people and monosexual queer people.
Monosexism, especially within healthcare settings, is something that contributes to poorer health outcomes for bi+ people.
I believe this needs to be further explored and more education provided to healthcare workers.
Can you tell me about your research?
We are currently conducting a survey and hosting interviews with bi+ women and femmes with BPD to produce a case study report for psychiatrists in charge of diagnosing mental health conditions.
Research shows that BPD is over-diagnosed in women, but anecdotal evidence suggests that this is even more true for bi+ women and femmes due to the diagnostic criteria for BPD aligning with common stereotypes.
Many people with BPD feel they have been misdiagnosed, yet those who are given the BPD diagnosis often face difficulty getting the diagnosis removed or reviewed, or even treated, due to the stigma attached to the condition. Queer people, especially queer women, may be even less likely to be believed or treated with respect due to biphobia and misogyny.
3 things you wish everyone knew about bisexuality?
It's a trans-inclusive identity!
We really get hit from both sides—we’e on the receiving end biphobia from straight people, which is hard, but experiencing it from queer community is harder.
Bisexuality doesn't go away if you're in a monogamous relationship. I'm married but I'm #StillBisexual
How do you define bisexuality?
I adore the Robyn Ochs definition of bisexuality:
“I call myself bisexual because I acknowledge that I have in myself the potential to be attracted — romantically and/or sexually — to people of more than one gender, not necessarily at the same time, in the same way, or to the same degree.”
I think it's just perfect.
What bi+ research would you like people to know about?
I love anything by Dr. Rosie Nelson, who writes incredible academic papers and who I've been lucky enough to work with in the past. I also love Bi+ by Dr. Julia Shaw and I recently read Bisexual Men Exist by Vaneet Mehta, which really opened my eyes to a side of bisexuality that is so commonly neglected.
Are you bi?
Yes!
Tell us a little about your experience? When did you know you were bisexual?
I knew I was bi around age 11 and I confided in three close friends at a sleepover when I was 12. They were supportive but they did ask if I fancied any of them which is very typical! Over the years I came out to more and more people until I eventually told my parents at age 20ish. Now everyone knows I'm bi — my family, at work, online. I'm very open.
I've had some backlash, of course. When I was 15 my boyfriend at the time broke up with me for being bi because he said it was "embarrassing for him". I have some distant family who are less than supportive. But overall, living as an out bi+ person has given me nothing but joy and pride. I only ever want to exist as the most authentic version of myself, unashamed and free.
Does being bisexual+ change how you approach your research or work? How so?
I think I approach my work with more empathy and a deeper understanding of the hurt that biphobia can cause. I also think that it puts research participants at ease when they know I'm also bi — I see them relax a little because they know I get it. That's part of the reason that I'm very open about my sexuality.
It also means that the hard-hitting parts of my research are even harder-hitting. I need to take better care of my mental health when the research mirrors my own experiences. It can be hard sitting at a computer all day, or talking to people, and realising how hated you are by certain individuals, and how your health and wellbeing will suffer because of it. I'm passionate about my work but I sometimes need to step away for a bit.
Learn more about Laura Clarke here.