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Gabrielle Gershoni, Psy.D., is a 2026 graduate of the Psy.D. Program in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University, New England

Dissertation Committee:

  • Monique Bowen, PhD, Chairperson
  • Rachel Chickerell, PhD, Committee Member
  • Shannon McIntyre, PhD, Committee Member

Keywords

bisexuality, bi+, belongingness, reflexive thematic analysis, YouTube

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2026

Abstract

This dissertation explored how bi+ individuals narrate identity, belonging, and community connection through personal storytelling on YouTube. Despite being a significant subset of the LGBTQIA+ population, bi+ individuals face unique challenges such as monosexism, bi-erasure, and binegativity. These systemic challenges contribute to health disparities and a pervasive lack of belongingness in both straight and queer communities. Using a narrative inquiry framework and reflexive thematic analysis, this study examined six publicly shared narratives of bi+ YouTube creators to investigate how digital spaces are utilized to construct and discus bi+ identities. Heteronormative socialization, “clicks” of identity recognition, relational negotiations, and misrecognition both online and offline were common themes that were identified in this study. Seeing oneself in others online to support identity development, bi+ joy, and storytelling as community care were also thematically significant. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA

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ORCID iD  0009-0005-4252-6515

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