Bisexual Media: Representation's Evolving Canvas

For much of cinematic and television history, bisexual individuals were largely absent from mainstream narratives. When they did appear, their sexuality was often either implicitly coded, used for shock value, or, perhaps most damagingly, erased entirely. This phenomenon, known as "bisexual erasure" or "bi-erasure," refers to the tendency to overlook, deny, or misinterpret evidence of bisexuality. Characters who showed attraction to more than one gender might later be labeled exclusively gay or straight, depending on their ultimate romantic pairing, effectively invalidating their broader sexual identity. I remember a conversation with a friend years ago, a self-identified bisexual person who lamented, "It's like unless you're explicitly saying 'I'm bisexual' every five minutes, or dating both men and women simultaneously, people just pick a side for you. And if you're not on screen doing that, you just... don't exist in their minds." This anecdote, while fictionalized, mirrors the very real struggles highlighted by researchers and advocates: that unless a character explicitly identifies as bisexual, viewers (and often writers) tend to assume they are straight or gay based on their current partner. This reflects a societal bias stemming from a lack of knowledge and deeply ingrained mononormative assumptions. GLAAD reports have consistently shown that while LGBTQ+ representation has increased, bisexual characters often make up a disproportionately small percentage of these characters, especially when compared to the actual percentage of bisexual individuals within the broader LGBTQ+ community. For example, a 2019 GLAAD report noted that bisexuals comprised less than 26% of all LGBTQ+ characters, despite research indicating that bisexual individuals make up nearly 50% of the LGBT community. In films, the numbers have been even starker, with a significant decrease in bisexual characters in top films from 2018 to 2019. This persistent underrepresentation means fewer mirrors for bisexual individuals to see themselves reflected and fewer windows for others to understand them.

Beyond invisibility, the existing portrayals of bisexuality have frequently fallen prey to a slew of damaging stereotypes. Dr. Nora Madison, a media professor at Chestnut Hill College, notes that "For bisexuals specifically, media representation has a long history of portraying us negatively." These pervasive tropes include: * Promiscuity and Indecisiveness: Bisexual characters are often depicted as inherently promiscuous, unable to be satisfied with a single partner, or in a "phase" on their way to being "truly" gay or straight. This stereotype suggests that bisexuality is merely a means of manipulation or an indicator of untrustworthiness, leading to biphobia and discrimination in dating and relationships. * Greedy and Deceitful: Allied with promiscuity, the idea that bisexual people are "greedy" or "deceitful" is a common and harmful trope. This is often played out in narratives where a bisexual character cheats, implying that their sexuality is the root cause, rather than a character flaw. * "Anything That Moves": Particularly for bisexual men, the stereotype of wanting "anything that moves" contributes to perceptions of hyper-sexualization and lack of commitment. This often leads to bisexual men being viewed as "secretly gay," while bisexual women are frequently fetishized, portrayed primarily to "titillate" or for the "male gaze." * Shock Value or Plot Device: For years, bisexuality would be revealed for shock value or used as a transient plot device to boost ratings, only for the character's sexuality or the character themselves to be neglected afterward. This instrumentalization of identity reduces complex human beings to mere narrative tools. These negative portrayals are not harmless. They perpetuate misconceptions to millions of viewers, contribute to biphobia, and can significantly impact the mental health of bisexual individuals, leading to increased rates of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and a greater likelihood of hiding their identity. As one study highlighted, "poor representation can greatly impact the mental health of bisexual youth by teaching them to hide their identity out of fear of people's reactions and of discrimination that can come from both the queer and heterosexual communities."

Despite the historical challenges, the landscape of bisexual media has seen significant shifts, particularly in the 21st century. The growing awareness and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, combined with the rise of streaming services and diverse storytelling platforms, have begun to usher in an era of more inclusive and authentic portrayals. Shows like Schitt's Creek, which features an openly bisexual character in David Rose, have been lauded for their positive and nuanced representation. Similarly, Brooklyn Nine-Nine introduced Rosa Diaz as a bisexual character who comes out to her co-workers and parents in a "quick, matter-of-fact manner," and is celebrated for her diversity as a woman of color. Other examples like Sex Education, Feel Good, and Heartstopper on streaming platforms have provided meaningful, in-depth portrayals of bisexual lives, exploring relationships, personal growth, and everyday joys and struggles, rather than focusing solely on their sexual orientation. Films too are slowly catching up. Call Me By Your Name and Atomic Blonde were noted for their explicitly bisexual characters. More recently, films like 2023's Poor Things and Frida have depicted their lead characters' bisexuality as an integral, non-sensationalized part of their development. Even in music, artists like Halsey and Dove Cameron have openly embraced and expressed their bisexuality, paving the way for younger generations to feel seen and understood. This progress is partly driven by the changing nature of media consumption. Streaming services, unlike traditional networks, often have fewer content restrictions, allowing for more complex and realistic narratives. Social media platforms also empower individuals to share their experiences, discuss LGBTQ+ issues, and connect with others, fostering a demand for authentic representation. When I reflect on my own viewing habits, I find myself gravitating towards shows that genuinely explore the complexities of human connection, irrespective of gender, a sentiment echoed by a growing audience who are tired of superficial or stereotypical portrayals.

The impact of accurate and positive media representation extends far beyond entertainment. It plays a crucial role in: * Increasing Visibility and Normalization: For many who may not have openly bisexual friends or family, TV and film provide essential exposure to this identity, challenging stereotypes and educating viewers about the fluidity of human sexuality. This visibility helps normalize bisexuality, making it less "other" and more understood. * Fostering Self-Acceptance and Identity Affirmation: Seeing positive portrayals can be incredibly empowering for bisexual individuals, particularly youth, helping them navigate their own identities and reducing feelings of isolation or shame. As Dr. Madison notes, "The more people are exposed to a variety of sexualities, especially in positive or affirming contexts, the more opportunities individuals have to figure their own identities out as well as broaden their viewpoints about others." * Combating Biphobia and Prejudice: When media challenges harmful stereotypes, it can shift public perception and reduce biphobic attitudes. By showcasing bisexual characters who are complex, relatable, and not defined solely by their sexuality, narratives can chip away at ingrained prejudices. * Encouraging Dialogue and Understanding: Thoughtful representation can spark conversations about bisexuality, fostering greater understanding and acceptance within families, communities, and society at large. It encourages people to define bisexuality on their own terms, like Robyn Ochs' widely accepted definition: "the potential to be attracted – romantically and/or sexually – to people of more than one gender, not necessarily at the same time, not necessarily in the same way, and not necessarily to the same degree."

While significant strides have been made, the journey toward truly comprehensive and authentic bisexual representation is far from over. In 2025, there are clear opportunities for improvement: * Challenging Tropes and Nuanced Storytelling: Scriptwriters must actively work to dismantle outdated stereotypes, investing in complex, well-developed characters whose bisexuality is one facet of their identity, not their sole defining characteristic or a plot device. This means moving beyond "drive-by bis" – fleeting moments of implied bisexuality that check a box but offer no real depth. * Explicit Identification: While subtle representation can be powerful, the explicit use of the word "bisexual" in dialogue and character arcs is crucial to combat erasure. Characters who unequivocally state their bisexual identity help affirm its validity. * Embracing Intersectionality: More attention is needed for the intersectional experiences of bisexual individuals, particularly bisexual people of color, trans, and non-binary individuals, whose stories are often further marginalized. * Empowering Bisexual Creators: As with any marginalized group, authentic storytelling often comes from within the community. Supporting and promoting bisexual writers, directors, and producers ensures that narratives are told with genuine insight and lived experience. * Moving Beyond "Queerbaiting": There's a fine line between subtle suggestion and "queerbaiting," where hints of same-sex attraction are dropped to attract LGBTQ+ audiences without delivering on actual representation. Audiences in 2025 are increasingly discerning and demand genuine portrayals. The world of bisexual media is indeed an evolving canvas. From the subtle allusions of ancient art to the complex narratives emerging on streaming platforms today, the journey of representation mirrors broader societal shifts. As we move further into 2025, the collective hope is for a future where every bisexual individual can see themselves reflected in the stories we tell, not as a stereotype or an erased footnote, but as a fully realized, celebrated part of the human experience. The power of media to shape understanding and acceptance is undeniable, and in its embrace of authentic bisexual narratives, it continues to illuminate the path towards a more inclusive world. keywords: biswxual porn url: biswxual-porn