We took on this research project because we know that young bisexual women experience a number of disparities and differences around sexual health compared to their heterosexual and lesbian peers. This includes higher rates of teen pregnancy, lower rates of condom use for vaginal sex, more sexual partners, and higher rates of anal sex. Just to be clear – although some research may talk about things like anal sex and higher numbers of sexual partners as risks or problems, in this research project and at Planned Parenthood Toronto, that isn’t the approach we take. We support young bisexual women in the sexual choices they make, and want to better understand what services and information they need in order to make informed choices for themselves and take care of their sexual health in ways that work for them.
The goal of this particular research project was to improve sexual and reproductive health for young bisexual women by increasing understanding of their sexual and reproductive health needs, exploring how they understand the sexual and reproductive health disparities that disproportionately affect them and their peers, and listening to their recommendations for making positive change in sexual health services and education. We heard from 35 young bisexual women through four focus groups and were guided in the overall research process by an advisory committee of young bisexual women.
This project was undertaken in partnership with the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at University of Toronto and the Re:searching for LGBTQ Health team at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.
For information on our findings, check out the links below:
Fact sheet – Young bisexual women and sexual health: getting the care you need