Sexual Prejudice Against Bisexual Men: Barriers to Initiating and Maintaining Relationships
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Glasgow
Department Name: School of Social & Political Sciences
Abstract
OverviewThe proposed study takes an interdisciplinary approach to the examination of discrimination and prejudice against bisexual men, incorporating social psychological theories of prejudice, coupled with sociological notions ofequality and human rights, the policy context of which seems not to decouple bisexuality from the LGB group, instead treating all as the same, without considering unique forms of oppression that each face. No study has yet explored prejudicial attitudes towards bisexual men from the perspective of their partners, nor has any taken account of barriers that bisexual men face in initiating relationships. This study examines relationship prejudice against bisexual men, and seeks to answerthe following research questionsthrough interviews with bisexual men, their partners, and the general public.i)What are thesignificant barriers that bisexual men face in initiating and maintaining relationships?a.Are these barriers mediated by the age, gender and sexual orientation of their partner?b.How does the general population display attitudes to bisexual men, including attitudes towards relationships with them?c.How do partners of bisexual people display prejudicial attitudes towards their partners?
Organisations
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES/P000681/1 | 01/10/2017 | 30/09/2027 | |||
| 1972004 | Studentship | ES/P000681/1 | 01/10/2017 | 31/01/2021 | Samuel Lawton |
| Description | I wrote up the themes from my literature review in to an article for The Conversation, relating themes in media about bisexuality to themes occurring in my literature review. I also contributed to a LGBT+ healthcare expert consultation by NHS Scotland as an expert on bisexuality. I contributed my findings and expertise to a panel discussion hosted by Goldsmiths University, which was the largest LGBTQ History month event the institution had hosted. |
| Sector | Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Education,Healthcare,Other |
| Impact Types | Cultural,Policy & public services |
| Description | NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and NHS Lothian Health Needs Assessment of People who are LGBT+ |
| Geographic Reach | Local/Municipal/Regional |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Description | The Bisexual Research Group |
| Organisation | La Trobe University |
| Country | Australia |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Contributed a personal profile to the research network's website, participated in the establishment of the network, providing information on future availability of contributions. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Established a network of researchers working on bisexuality in order to in future apply for an award or grant in order to conduct a large scale survey of bisexuality in the United Kingdom. |
| Impact | Established a website and forum for the network of researchers, including professional profiles of each member of this multi-disciplinary (social psychology, sociology, gender studies, health) research team. |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Description | The Bisexual Research Group |
| Organisation | Northwestern University |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Contributed a personal profile to the research network's website, participated in the establishment of the network, providing information on future availability of contributions. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Established a network of researchers working on bisexuality in order to in future apply for an award or grant in order to conduct a large scale survey of bisexuality in the United Kingdom. |
| Impact | Established a website and forum for the network of researchers, including professional profiles of each member of this multi-disciplinary (social psychology, sociology, gender studies, health) research team. |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Description | The Bisexual Research Group |
| Organisation | Open University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Contributed a personal profile to the research network's website, participated in the establishment of the network, providing information on future availability of contributions. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Established a network of researchers working on bisexuality in order to in future apply for an award or grant in order to conduct a large scale survey of bisexuality in the United Kingdom. |
| Impact | Established a website and forum for the network of researchers, including professional profiles of each member of this multi-disciplinary (social psychology, sociology, gender studies, health) research team. |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Description | The Bisexual Research Group |
| Organisation | University College London |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Contributed a personal profile to the research network's website, participated in the establishment of the network, providing information on future availability of contributions. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Established a network of researchers working on bisexuality in order to in future apply for an award or grant in order to conduct a large scale survey of bisexuality in the United Kingdom. |
| Impact | Established a website and forum for the network of researchers, including professional profiles of each member of this multi-disciplinary (social psychology, sociology, gender studies, health) research team. |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Description | The Bisexual Research Group |
| Organisation | University of Lincoln |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Contributed a personal profile to the research network's website, participated in the establishment of the network, providing information on future availability of contributions. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Established a network of researchers working on bisexuality in order to in future apply for an award or grant in order to conduct a large scale survey of bisexuality in the United Kingdom. |
| Impact | Established a website and forum for the network of researchers, including professional profiles of each member of this multi-disciplinary (social psychology, sociology, gender studies, health) research team. |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Description | The Bisexual Research Group |
| Organisation | University of Western Australia |
| Country | Australia |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Contributed a personal profile to the research network's website, participated in the establishment of the network, providing information on future availability of contributions. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Established a network of researchers working on bisexuality in order to in future apply for an award or grant in order to conduct a large scale survey of bisexuality in the United Kingdom. |
| Impact | Established a website and forum for the network of researchers, including professional profiles of each member of this multi-disciplinary (social psychology, sociology, gender studies, health) research team. |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Description | Article for The Conversation |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | I wrote an article for The Conversation (an online new and analysis website) about bisexuality and my research project, mainly linking theory with popular culture. The article was then republished by other media outlets, commented on by website users, retweeted and shared on Facebook. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | https://theconversation.com/eastenders-arrival-of-a-bisexual-character-is-welcome-if-the-stereotypes... |
| Description | Created a Facebook Account |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | This page was set up to gather participants for the research project associated with the award. A post regarding information about this project had a reach of over 2.7 thousand people. It led to direct participation in the research project. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | https://www.facebook.com/bimenresearch |
| Description | Created a Twitter Account |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
| Results and Impact | I created and maintained a Twitter account initially in order to gather participants and start a dialogue with third sector organisations to disseminate recruitment information. After data collection ended, I used the account to engage with professionals working in a similar area to me, and for other networking opportunities. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | https://twitter.com/BiMenResearch |
| Description | Demystifying Bisexuality: Exploring New Research |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | A panel discussion hosted by Goldsmiths University as part of LGBT+ History Month, and in conjuction with Goldmsith's Staff Network and in aid of the Metro Charity. The panel examined research on attraction to multiple genders from various perspectives - including history, psychology, sociology, and film studies. Translating research into practice, we will also discuss how we can build more bi-inclusive workplaces and educational spaces. 500+ people streamed the event via YouTube, and 700+ have subsequently seen the recording. My research group's website and my personal twitter had increased requests for more information about our research from the general public. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mE4luQC8D3U&ab_channel=METROCharity |
| Description | Facilitating Holistic Wellbeing in the Research Process: A BSA Postgraduate Forum Regional Event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | I participated in this event the most directly during the Postgraduate Researcher Panel where I shared my experiences and advice regarding fieldwork during the data collection period of my PhD, to which my award relates. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| URL | https://www.britsoc.co.uk/events/key-bsa-events/bsa-postgraduate-forum-regional-event-facilitating-h... |
| Description | Presentation at the British Psychological Society's Psychology of Sexualities Annual Conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | I presented a PechaKucha style presentation to a conference delegation of around 100 people, mostly international academics working in the field of sexuality studies. The presentation was based on my first literature review, which was theory focused. Subsequently I was asked to revise it and publish it in the conference organisers journal, Psychology of Sexualities Review. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| URL | https://www.psychreg.org/bps-psychology-sexualities/ |
| Description | Sociology Seminar Series: Bisexuality+: Identities, Relationships and Experiences. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | I gave a presentation to the University of Glasgow Sociology Seminar Series, explaining and summarising the core themes of my doctoral research around bisexuality. We then hosted a live Q&A session afterwards via zoom. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |