Double Identities: Lived Experiences and Religious Perspectives of South African Bisexual Women in Heterosexual Marriages

Evidence on homosexuality and bisexuality being perversions, un-African and against Biblical teachings abounds. These notions persist while some in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI+) community identify as Christians despite the bandied hegemonic notion of Christianity's invalidation of the fluidity of sexuality. Many South African families are Christians who believe homosexuality is a sin; so instead of disappointing parents by living as lesbians, some South African lesbians opt to marry heterosexual men to fulfil their parents' wishes, cultural expectations and religious values. The current study explored the lived experiences and religious perspectives of South African bisexual women in heterosexual marriages who subscribe to Christianity and the plurality of identities that influence their everyday experiences. A combination of Intersectionality and African feminism was used as a theoretical lens that recognises the intersecting identities of black South African women in heterosexual marriages. Guided by a phenomenological research design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with six (6) black bisexual South African women who were in heterosexual marriages. The data were analysed using interpretative phenomelogical analysis (IPA). The study found that some South African bisexual women submit to the hegemonic Christian values by concealing their authentic sexualities. Some South African Christians perpetuate heteronormativity; they are thus homophobic and consequently prompt black South African bisexual women to continue to 'mask' a heterosexual orientation while involved in secret relationships with lesbian partners.