TV shows are finally making vital storylines for bisexual characters and this is a big win for us. “For a long time, people who identify as bisexual or pansexual didn’t have a whole lot of visible role models — particularly on television. But as our understanding of the LGBTQ spectrum has become more diverse and nuanced over time, there’s been a blossoming of bi- and pansexual representation,” says Jenna Scherer of “Rolling Stone.” From Piper Chapman to Marceline the Vampire Queen, these fictional characters are making bisexuals feel seen and appreciated on TV. Many bisexuals choose to stay in the closet and even if they did come out, some of us still feel ignored by the community. But these characters are acknowledging bisexuals and the fact that they are not just going through a “phase.” Bisexuality is valid and we exist—it’s called LGBTQ for a reason.
As someone who also identifies as bi, I must admit that it is very refreshing to see the representation of bisexuality in TV shows. I remember what it felt like when Piper from “Orange Is The New Black” finally mentioned she’s bisexual. I felt validated—and I know that people felt that too. Stephanie Beatriz, who is also bisexual, said in 2016 that she would “watch television and think, ‘I wish my show knew I existed.’” And now she’s portraying a bisexual character in “Brooklyn Nine-Nine!” It’s very inspiring to see them get the recognition they deserve. It took the media a long time, but it has been great and I’m still hoping for more positive representations.
Piper Chapman – “Orange Is the New Black”
Even though it was clear for “OINTB” fans right from the start that Piper’s bisexual, she only acknowledged it in the last season and it was one of the best things that happened in the show. It’s very rare for characters to mention that they are bisexual and Piper finally did it! Even before marrying her ex-husband Larry, she was in love with Alex Vausse. And no, it isn’t just a phase because Piper and Alex still got together in the end. Love wins!
Piper's mom called her bisexual. We can finally rest. #OITNB pic.twitter.com/hDH3f4Xl4o
— Jamie Jirak (@JamieCinematics) July 27, 2019
Emily Fields – “Pretty Little Liars”
Emily in the book was bisexual but in the TV series, she was portrayed as a lesbian. The show was considered as one of the shows that represented the LGBTQ community and was also rated “excellent” by the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), because of how it spoke about coming out to friends and family. Emily described how hard it was to come out to your parents, especially traditional ones.
https://twitter.com/IshaYvetteBae/status/653394721818021888?s=20
Marceline the Vampire Queen – “Adventure Time”
The relationship between Marceline and Princess Bubblegum was only confirmed in the show’s finale, where the two shared a kiss in one scene. What I like about these two is that their relationship grew naturally because of their strong bond. It never felt like it was forced, giving off a vibe that you don’t get to choose who you fall in love with; it just happens.
https://twitter.com/tzuyujline/status/1036753147782258688?s=20
Brittany Pierce – “Glee”
One of my favorite lines of Brittany that depicts bisexuality is in her wedding vows to Santana: “The world seemed so scary and confusing. It was just too fast. It made me feel dumb, just because my brain worked differently. I would’ve suffered it all just for the tiny chance to be standing up here marrying you.” This is the perfect way to conclude their relationship because Brittany’s coming-out storyline isn’t really perfect. Even if Brittany dated someone of the opposite gender, she remained confident about who she is and that relates to many audiences. It showed that Brittany wasn’t just experimenting with girls in her high school and that what she feels about women isn’t just a phase, because in the end, she gets to marry Santana.
✨today’s last bisexual of the day is brittany pierce from glee!✨ (requested by @rasputinsword) pic.twitter.com/n1kv0hBJCl
— bisexual of the day / blm and acab (@bioftheday) September 4, 2019
Rosa Diaz – “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”
Rosa coming out as bisexual was a huge moment because Stephanie Beatriz, who plays Rosa, is also bisexual in real life. It felt good to see a bisexual actress portray a role that’s very true to herself. What’s good with Rosa coming out is that she didn’t make a huge deal out of it, or even her friends. She came out very naturally and the show producers didn’t have to make a complicated storyline for it. Rosa also didn’t want to announce it because she didn’t think it was anyone’s business. That is the Rosa Diaz that we all know and love.
still can’t believe this scene exists. we never really see characters saying the word “bisexual,” let alone them using it multiple times in an episode/s. this scene just means so much to me. i love miss rosa diaz so much pic.twitter.com/851RFcn8TY
— ً (@wIwbrooke) June 1, 2018
Annalise Keating – “How To Get Away With Murder”
A strong Black female who is bisexual rarely lands a leading role, and fans were shocked at the show’s bisexual twist. Although Annalise’s sexuality was very ambiguous, she did say that she lived her life “straight or gay, whatever you want to call it.” The show never really confirmed if she was bisexual or not and it seems like she is a character who doesn’t want to label herself. Despite that fact, the show still recognized bisexuality by revealing that Annalise had a romantic past with a girl.
annalise keating : strong and powerful black bisexual woman, 20/20 best character pic.twitter.com/gbGG6hNn8s
— julie (@helencftroy) October 1, 2016
Casey Gardner – “Atypical”
This was a shock for all “Atypical” fans. We all know that Casey has a boyfriend, but when she met a friend in her new school, Luisa, her sexuality was tested. She didn’t know that she could be attracted to a woman and it felt very new to her. But whenever she’s around Luisa, she just can’t seem to control her feelings. I like this storyline a lot because this is the most relatable to bisexuals who are still struggling to find themselves.
https://twitter.com/starfairylisa/status/1045460721113260032?s=20
Photo courtesy of Liz Grey’s Instagram account
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