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 ~

Netflix Cancels 'Sense8' on the First Day of Pride Month?!

Some sad news rains down on the first day of Pride Month. Earlier today, Netflix announced the cancellation of The Wachowski's Sense8 after its two-season run.

The drama first premiered on Netflix in June 2015, introducing us to eight characters from around the world who are all mentally linked, dealing with their own and then each others' daily lives and the mysterious and dangerous company trying to track them down. It wasn't a perfect show, oftentimes very unstructured, but it was a strong leap towards representation with a diverse cast that even included a trans-actress (Jamie Clayton) playing a trans-character.

Netflix's VP of original content, Cindy Holland, issued a statement today about the cancellation:

"After 23 episodes, 16 cities and 13 countries, the story of the Sense8 cluster is coming to an end. It is everything we and the fans dreamed it would be: bold, emotional, stunning, kick ass, and outright unforgettable. Never has there been a more truly global show with an equally diverse and international cast and crew, which is only mirrored by the connected community of deeply passionate fans all around the world. We thank Lana, Lilly, Joe and Grant for their vision, and the entire cast and crew for their craftmanship and commitment."

No particular reason for its cancellation has been stated but with it being a largely expensive production there could be a multitude of reasons. It does come as a hurtful surprise, however, with it having a much stronger second season and the fact that today is the first day of Pride Month--it all feels like a slap to the face of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Fans are understandably outraged, calling foul on all fronts, making queries as to why other less-than-impacting shows are receiving renewals when Sense8 was just building momentum. Adding fuel to the fire is the cancellation of Baz Luhrmann's The Get Down (also featuring POC's and LGBT+ characters) that was announced just last week after only a single season.

Losing two popular shows that not only represented but celebrated diversity has made the beginning of Pride Month feel a little despairing. 

But all is not lost, be loud in your disappointment, make it known that shows like Sense8 and The Get Down, that celebrate love and acceptance despite vast differences, are so vital in moving the world forwards. And then support the shows: raise their numbers, keep them buzzing, let Netflix know that we're not letting go without a fight.

Stay happy my darlings,

~ Tilly ~

An Introduction: What Pride Means To Me

Hiya! My name is Tilly. I’m a 24 year old bisexual woman--

--and I’ve never been to Pride.

“Somewhere Over The Rainbow” plays in the background.

I was very lucky to grow up in a household where my parents embraced individuality and uniqueness and applied a parenting style that created a subconscious that never said my siblings and I couldn’t be anything but ourselves. They had no expectations of us other than to be happy and healthy. So coming out March of last year was actually very uneventful. I gathered my family and announced: “I am bisexual!” My mother told me she loved me no matter what... and then proceeded to ask if she could continue washing dishes. I mean, my brother also clapped but that was really it. No glitter or confetti or Gaga in the background.

Just: you’re still you… but gay sometimes.

Which is phenomenal. Not everyone is as lucky to be accepted as instantly and wholeheartedly as I am, whoever I am. And I’m so grateful.

I’m still very new to the LGBTQIA+ community; still delving into the history, still hearing about other people’s experiences, and still trying to figure out what my place is. I have a few queer friends but really my only experiences with discovering the LGBTQIA+ community have only been through the media: TV shows, movies, books, Tumblr, etc. And for some people, that’s their only available connection because maybe it’s not safe for them to come out or they don’t have any queer friends or family or they’re still trying to discover who they are.

I’ve never been to Pride and I don't quite know what it means to me yet, it's the same for a lot of people in those situations above. So I think that’s a part of why representation in media is so important. Not only to resemble and accept a more realistic world full of diversity but also to reach as many people on this Earth as possible and give them something to connect and relate to.

That’s why I’m starting this blog.

I want you to think of it as a place for us both to help discover Pride and representation through reviews and news of television, movies, books, manga, comics/graphic novels, and video games that have LGBTQIA+ themes. I also want us to find a safe space here for all.

Maybe along the way, I can help someone discover what Pride means to them, find out what Pride means to me, and make my way to finally celebrating Pride next year!

Stay happy my darlings,

~ Tilly ~