Bisexual Representation in the Media (or Lack Thereof)

Welcome to the re-launch of QCity!

Last month we had Celebrate Bisexuality Day / Bisexual Visibility Day! As a proud bisexual woman, that day was so important, not only for celebrating my sexual identity, but also for speaking out about the marginalization that still exists both outside of and within the LGBTQIA+ community for bisexual individuals.

There are stigmas such as: we're on the fence between straight and gay and are just waiting to make a decision; we're promiscuous and disloyal; we're only seeking attention; we're incapable of committed relationships; etc. Some or all of these things can possibly be true varying from person to person but that has nothing to do with this identity and everything to do with individual personality. These stigmas, that are voiced especially when it isn't asked for ("Look Janet, I'm bisexual not 'temporarily gay'. Could I just have my latte please?"), make it increasingly difficult for people to 1. confidently identify as bisexual and 2. feel comfortable coming out as bisexual.

A lot of this can be attributed to lack of exposure--ignorance and misinformation are validated because there isn't anything substantial to combat it, like media representation. There is a severe lack of representation of bisexual people in mainstream media today. GLAAD's Where We Are On TV Report for 2016 does indicate a rise in representation for streaming from 20% to 26% but also notes a drop in cable networks from 35% to 32%, and these representations are still unfairly stereotypical portrayals of bisexuals.

The only truths that can be shared among every and all bisexual individual is the attraction to both males and females, and the increased probability of unironically using finger-guns. (Fact.)

Why is bisexual representation important?

• to disprove the negative stigmas surrounding the bisexuality
• to solidify bisexuality as a valid identity
• to educate the populous on bisexuality
• TO PROPERLY REFLECT AND CELEBRATE TODAY'S WORLD with a high percentage of bisexual individuals

This hetero-normative society we live in today has been cultivated by the lack of LGBTQIA+ in the media we consume. Had I grown up with a bisexual Sailor Moon or Sesame Street had celebrated bisexuality or even if Wonder Woman had been kicking butt while kissing men and women much earlier, perhaps I would have recognized and understood my identity sooner, and moreover, I wouldn't have had the mindset to automatically identify others as straight until proven otherwise, instead of people's identities existing on a spectrum that cannot and should not ever be assumed. So maybe if we can fight to establish this for the generation growing up today, we can create a more informed and accepting world for everyone tomorrow.

And in case you haven't seen it, I did a video singing about being bisexual and the stigmas we face to the tune of Popular from Wicked as my contribution for bisexual representation:

Media today is taking small steps towards more inclusive representation but we are miles away from where we should be for bisexuality to be more widely accepted as valid. This is our opportunity to open up discussions, showcase our work, and take those necessary steps to Celebrate Bisexuality!

Shine on my darlings,

~ Tilly ~