S2E8: The Protective Role of Biposivity with Allison Cipriano

Bisexual Killjoy

Bisexual Killjoy is back with a much-needed dose of bi-positivity! This week, Bailey and Lynn dive into the concept of bipositivity—what it means, why it matters, and how it can profoundly impact the well-being of bi+ individuals. Joining us is Dr. Allison Cipriano, a newly minted PhD, assistant professor of social psychology at Ball State University, and co-author of “The Nature and Perceived Effects of Bipositivity Among Plurisexual Women,” published in the Journal of Bisexuality.

Together, we explore how bipositivity fosters resilience, strengthens community bonds, and enhances mental health for bi+ folks, all while navigating a world that often erases or invalidates our experiences. From the joy of “me too” moments to the challenges of finding support from monosexual allies, this episode is a testament to the power of connection, representation, and unapologetic celebration of bi+ identities.

Allison Cipriano is a bisexual woman, intersectional feminist, recently minted PhD, and new assistant professor of social psychology at Ball State University. She has been researching the intersections of stigmatized identities (particularly gender and sexuality), multi-gender attraction, sexual violence, and well-being since 2018. She teaches about gender, sexuality, sexual health, diversity, prejudice, and discrimination in addition to applied and feminist social psychology, research methods, and pedagogy. Her research focuses on understanding the identity-related experiences—including challenges and joys—among women and others with multi-gender attraction, with the aim to better understand our communities and improve our lived realities.

Hosted by bi+ academics, writers, and advocates Bailey Merlin and Lynn Rios Rivera, Bisexual Killjoy talks all things bisexual (pansexual, omnisexual, plurisexual, and overall bi+ness) because bisexuality isn’t a phase; it’s a phenomenon.

Were you a Bisexual Killjoy this week? We want to hear from you! Follow us on @bisexualkilljoy on Instagram/Threads or email us at [e-mail].

Resources

• Allison E. Cipriano & Kathryn J. Holland (2024) The Nature and Perceived Effects of Bipositivity Among Plurisexual Women, Journal of Bisexuality, 24:2, 111-149, DOI: 10.1080/15299716.2024.2309406

Where to find Allison Cipriano

• Research: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Allison-Cipriano-2
• Twitter: @aecipriano