What Do They Mean By ‘Bisexual People Sit Weird’?
In the vast realm of internet humor, a peculiar stereotype has emerged, suggesting that bisexual individuals possess an uncanny inability to sit properly. For those who do not frequent online spaces, this notion may appear utterly confounding. After all, it is a remarkably specific trope seemingly unrelated to bisexuality, which itself is defined as attraction to people of both the same and opposite gender.
The stereotype insinuates that for some inexplicable reason, bisexual individuals are incapable of adhering to conventional sitting norms. They might drape one leg over the arm of a chair, perch halfway off the seat with legs raised, or cross their legs in unconventional ways. In essence, they eschew the norm of sitting upright with their backs comfortably aligned with the chair’s backrest.
The Origin Of The ‘Bisexual Sitting Disorder’ Meme
While the exact genesis of this meme remains shrouded in internet lore, one theory posits that it stems from the notion that since bisexuals do not conform to societal norms of sexual orientation, they are equally unconventional in other aspects, including the way they sit. Some credit Twitter user @eIektranatchi with popularizing the meme when they wrote “bi culture is not sitting properly” back in 2017. Since then, it has gained traction, with various individuals sharing their first-hand experiences of sitting unconventionally.
In the r/bisexual subreddit, users exchanged anecdotes, affirming the relatability of the meme. One user shared, “I spend half my time trying to sit better and invariably find that whatever way I find is worse.” Another quipped, “The bisexual creed – ‘Our puns are as bad as our posture.'”
The Bisexual Chair
The meme became so ingrained in the bisexual community that a father went to extraordinary lengths to accommodate his bisexual daughter’s unique sitting preferences. Inspired by a design sketch posted by Brazilian artist Má Matiazi, the “bi-chair” was conceived to cater to those who couldn’t sit conventionally. Starbucks barista and Air Force veteran Israel Walker took up the challenge, crafting a chair with adjustments to better suit the bisexual sitting pose.
Using Humor As A Coping Mechanism: A Bisexual Trait
The “bisexual sitting in chairs” meme is but one of several eccentric stereotypes and memes associated with the bisexual community. Just like the “gay Babadook” meme and other humorous clichés, these jokes often serve as a means of solace for a marginalized and often overlooked community. They spring from the shared experience of bi erasure and double discrimination, both within heterosexual and LGBTQ+ spaces.
Bisexual individuals frequently contend with negative stereotypes, such as being labeled as greedy, promiscuous, or indecisive. These stereotypes often lead to reduced satisfaction, self-worth, and happiness, as well as heightened anxiety. A study by the National Center for Health Statistics even found that bisexual women encounter more sleep difficulties compared to their heterosexual, gay, and lesbian counterparts.
The Bottom Line
While the “bisexuals can’t sit straight” meme may elicit laughter and appear harmless on the surface, it serves as a window into deeper issues plaguing the bisexual community. Battling the negative stereotypes and discrimination they face both from the heterosexual majority and even within the LGBTQ+ community itself, bisexual individuals employ humor as a coping mechanism in their ongoing journey for acceptance and understanding.