Conclusions

Abstract

The concluding chapter argues that there are generational differences in how bisexuality is experienced, and that it is the social zeitgeist of the culture in which men experienced their adolescence that is the fundamental reason for these generational differences. Without rejecting the idea that individuals have unique experiences, few negative coming out experiences among the younger generation existed. The positive changes documented are thus attributable both to social progress (today’s bisexual male youth have profited from the coalitional identity politics of the LGBT movement over the past several decades) and improved sampling procedures. These effects are situated within inclusive masculinity theory, which emerged inductively to understand the ways in which a softening of men’s behaviors is linked to decreasing homophobia. Issues of generalizability are discussed, and the recruitment procedure is evaluated. Recommendations for future research and social policy implications are highlighted. Finally, the research presented in this book calls for an approach that seeks to develop a proactive progressive politics in which advances are recognized as a way to contest the inequalities that persist for sexual minorities.