Identity Experiences, Group Consciousness, and Collective Action Among Bisexual Individuals: An Investigation of Identity-Based Pathways That Facilitate and Constrain Collective Action Through Multiple Levels of Influence

Social identity has been recognized as a central factor explaining participation in collective action. Previous studies have predominantly focused on collective action within sexual minority groups as a whole. However, there is a need to explore the specific experiences of bisexual individuals who face distinct challenges due to monosexism. Currently, limited research has been conducted to understand the underlying mechanism that connects bisexual identity experiences to engagement in collective action. The present study examined group consciousness at intrapersonal, interpersonal, and community levels as a mediating mechanism between various aspects of bisexual identity experiences and collective action among bisexual individuals.

A total of 162 individuals who identified as bisexual completed the questionnaire on bisexual identity experiences (i.e., illegitimacy of bisexuality, anticipated binegativity, internalized binegativity, and identity affirmation), group consciousness, and collective action.

The results revealed that anticipated binegativity and internalized binegativity were associated with collective action through commitment to social justice, whereas anticipated binegativity and identity affirmation were related to collective action through community connectedness. Moreover, illegitimacy of bisexuality was linked to different identity experiences, which in turn contributed to participation in collective action through group consciousness.

This study offers empirical evidence highlighting the significance of group consciousness as a fundamental process that mobilizes collective action within the bisexual community. These results have important implications for clinical, educational, and community practices aimed at fostering bisexual group consciousness and reducing stigma associated with bisexuality.