Spaces with a bisexual appearance: re-conceptualizing bisexual space(s) through a study of bisexual practices in the Netherlands

Abstract

Current understandings of sexualized spaces do not encompass bisexuality. In response, I use Schatzki’s theory of practice to identify bisexual practices and bisexual spaces. On the basis of 31 interviews with bisexual people (18–35 years old) in Rotterdam and Amsterdam, both located in the Netherlands, I contend that creating bisexual displays is difficult for both bisexuals and others as understandings of bisexual doings, behaviour and actions are lacking. Furthermore, bisexual participants find it often not appropriate or relevant to disclose their bisexuality in everyday practices as teleoaffective structures of everyday practices often render sex, sexuality and relationships irrelevant. Nevertheless, people do disclose their bisexuality in conversations when they feel that it is appropriate and serves a purpose and therefore create spaces with a bisexual appearance. This conceptualization of bisexual spaces as based on bisexual appearances emphasizes the temporal and local character of these sexual(ized) spaces.