Global Journal of Human Social Science, C: Sociology and Culture, Volume 23 Issue 3

Table 2: Results: Taxonomy of Phenomena, Component Phenomena, and Examples of Intentions a) Phenomena 1 – Forming Sexual Identity i. Becoming Aware of Multiple Attractions The first step in the self-discovery happened internally. Many had not been in relationships while forming their sexual identities, but they were realizing that they were attracted to more than one gender . Some identified as straight or as lesbian and in recognizing their attractions to more than one gender, figured that there was more to their sexual orientations than previously thought. Several participants cited early experiences as being influential in their identity exploration; many reported that this process of self- discovery only came to the forefront after leaving home. In exploring multiple attractions, Emma (biracial, age 28) described that she misunderstood her feelings about women in this way: It was like I really gravitated towards certain females, and I just thought certain females were really pretty, or I just really enjoyed being around them even though we weren’t always close friends. And so, in retrospect, I know what it [my attraction to women] was Others, like Cassie (Black, age 20), thought that maybe they identified as lesbians. It took longer for Cassie to discover her attraction to men than to women: I didn’t really see myself with any of the guys at my school. There are so many pretty girls, but there’s not one attractive guy in here. And so that was my moment where I [thought], maybe I’m not bisexual, maybe I’m attracted to girls. Tori realized that she was attracted only to women and non-gender binary individuals, but still identified as bisexual because, “bisexuality just means two genders, whatever they may be, and that is my two.” Like Tori, Felicia felt that it took her some time to figure out her attractions. She self-identified as (and tells others that she is) bisexual, but more specifically she is attracted to an androgynous identity which, “tends to be men who are assumed to be gay because of how they present their gender or, I guess males, then females who present as males.” Some women reflected on specific early experiences as being integral to their lengthy and confusing identity formation processes. Tara (biracial, age 21) needed to process some early abuse before she could acknowledge her attraction to women. She explained, “You don’t wanna think, did my trauma make me this way? So, that’s why it took me so long to think about it, and . . . so this is a more recent-ish discovery.” Sue felt that cultural practices around gender, impacted the way she thought about men and women. She said, © 2023 Global Journals Volume XXIII Issue III Version I 19 ( ) Global Journal of Human Social Science - Year 2023 C “The In-Between Spaces of Those Labels”: Exploring the Challenges and Positives of Being a Bisexual Woman of Color The formation of sexual identity was a distinct process for these women. This process involved years of developing an understanding of themselves and their identities, exploring their relationships with others in the context of identity formation, and deciding how their identities fit with other aspects of their lives. This process was sometimes messy and confusing but was necessary for them to form their sexual identities. In forming their sexual identities , they were: (i) becoming aware of multiple attractions , (ii) testing the waters , and (iii) reconciling religion/religious beliefs with bisexuality. Phenomena Component Phenomena Example Intentions (a) Forming sexual identity (i) becoming aware of multiple attractions • liking women even if others did not • figuring out that I like men and women (ii) testing the waters • dating a girl • exploring that relationship with my friend (iii) reconciling religion/religious beliefs with bisexuality • doing research on bisexual Muslims • not going to church (b) Making decisions about how to share personal information (i) avoiding the consequences of sharing personal information • not coming out because they would be disappointed • not looking forward to a weird conversation (ii) sharing in the face of uncertainty • living what I feel and being authentic • being able to be around people like me (c) Acknowledging the positive consequences of identities (i) reveling in the uniqueness of being • feeling fulfilled • being a POC and bisexual woman is making me stronger (ii) educating others • providing my experience as someone who has felt racism • speaking for a broader community (iii) understanding others’ marginalized positions • seeing other people who are marginalized • feeling for a lot of sides more than other people