Relevance

We address the minority stress experienced by bisexual Filipinos who face "double erasure" from both heteronormative society and monosexist queer communities. We are focusing on the "straight-passing" myth and the pressure to "pick a side," which often leaves bisexual individuals feeling invisible and stressed. By also using the Wheel of Marginalization, we want to show how a lack of local terms and social support affects the mental health of Filipino youth. Our goal is to affirm that bisexuality is a valid identity, helping adolescents navigate their own identity work/exploration without feeling forced into a binary box.

Oh tapos? 

Okay, bisexuality. Okay, bi-erasure, nugagawen?

Hear me Out [re: Academic Gap] 

You've probably heard people talk about gay and lesbian experiences before right? Mga bading, mga bakla, mga tomboy! But when was the last time you read something about bisexuality?

The majority of Filipino LGBTQ+ research is concentrated on Metro Manila, leaving non-urban bisexual voices unheard (Fernandez et al., 2023). This zine attempts to close that gap.

It's more than just labels [re: Mental Health Disparities]

Imagine constantly being told you're "just confused," "going through a phase," or that you need to "pick a side." Over time, experiences like these can take a toll on a person's mental health. Studies show that bisexual people face higher rates of depression and anxiety because of this ongoing exclusion. 

But wait, here too? [re: In-Group Discrimination]

Bisexual Filipinos often encounter biphobia within LGBTQIA+ community itself, seeing them as either opportunists, traitors, or not queer enough to belong (McCole & Anderson, 2025).

But you look straight...

Plot twist: they're still bi!

Anyone may be a bisexual regardless if they are a feminine- or masculine-presenting man or woman or even people who exist within and outside of these gender identities and different gender expressions. This is because one’s sexual orientation is not indicative of one’s gender identity/expression and vice-versa. 

Assumera na naman yung iba! [re: The straight-passing myth]

Some people assume that bisexual individuals have “straight-passing” privilege, meaning they can be seen as straight depending on how they look or who they're dating. 

No no no! 

The idea is harmful because it suggests that bisexual people face less discrimination, when in reality they still experience them. Being perceived as straight doesn't erase the struggles of anyone living outside of heterosexual norms (Nelson, 2024). 

Double it and give it to the next Bi person [re: Double Discrimination]

Some people think bisexual individuals only face discrimination from outside the LGBTQIA+ community. Unfortunately, that's not the case as they can experience exclusion from both straight and queer spaces. They suffer from stereotypes and are seen as confused, attention-seeking, indecisive or just generally experience hostile treatment. Like all other forms of discrimination, this can get heavier when combined with other aspects of identity like race, gender, or socioeconomic status. 

Eeenie meenie miney NO!

Mamili ka! 

Bisexuals are often pressured to pick a side and fit into either straight or gay categories. They are often accused of being confused, indecisive, or just going through a phase. Enforcing this idea can make bisexual people feel like their identity is never fully real.

On the sidelines

The wheel of marginalization shows how bisexual people are often excluded from social centers. They are marginalized by queer spaces that emphasize monosexual gay and lesbian narratives while also being shut out of heteronormative institutions that uphold rigid heterosexual norms. This double exclusion not only denies them essential resources, but also institutional representation, and most importantly, health support (McCole & Anderson, 2025).

Burn down the patriarchy!

In many cases, bisexual women are sexualized and turned into fantasies for the male gaze. Meanwhile, bisexual men are often judged harshly and seen as abnormal because they don't fit traditional masculinity. 

Both come from the same idea: a system that centers men and defines everything else through them.

It's okay to be bi!

In the same way that one’s gender identity and expression is not indicative of one’s sexual expression, a bisexual person’s relationship does not override or erase their bisexuality. A bisexual is still very much a bisexual regardless if they are in a heteronormative or a queer relationship or neither. People with multiple gendered attractions are just as valid as people with one or none. A bisexual’s trait of being able to be attracted to multiple genders is not a sign of being promiscuous. Rather, it merely illustrates that their sexual orientation is one that challenges the existing binaries within society. 

It is important that we recognize, especially if we are part of the LGBTQIA+ community, instances wherein we unintentionally perpetuate this issue of bi-erasure and biphobia.

To the teens figuring things out: 

You don't have to have everything figured out right away. It's okay if you're questioning, and it's okay if your attractions don't feel "stable" yet. Labels take time and maybe, you don't even want to have one.

Being bi and exploring your sexuality doesn't mean you're confused. It just means you're learning more about yourself. 

No rush because what matters most is that your experiences are real and you're sincere about them.

Recommended citation: Banawa, G., Banzon, L.F., Genio, J.B., Lamar, E., & Sabio, N.I. (2026). Caught In Between: Navigating bisexual erasure within queer Filipino spaces [Zine]. https://sites.google.com/view/queerky