Okay, since it’s #BiWeek (September 16th-23rd, 2019) I, a bisexual (wow, who knew?), want to talk about something—shock, horror, surprise. Anyway… this week I want to talk about bisexual representation in the media.
In 2019 you wouldn’t think this is such a big issue but homophobia still exists en masse and, even among the LGBT+ community, biphobia is rife. I’m quite lucky not to have had much personal experience with this prejudice but I still see it, and it pains me to see people saying things like “I wouldn’t date a bi person because men have touched them”, “bi people are straight passing and don’t experience the same oppression”, “oh you’re bi? cool, threesomes” and “bi people are unfaithful”. All of these statements are ridiculous and that’s just one of the reasons why I think bisexual representation is so important. It's shocking to think that in 2019 there still needs to be steps taken towards normalising anyone’s sexuality but that’s the way it is.
When I was growing up the only person in TV shows or movies who remotely resembled a bisexual character was Li Shang from Mulan (all praise Shang, a true man, we stan). I am thankful to have not had a difficult time coming to terms with my sexuality because everyone in my friend group was open and questioning at that time, but I know that if it hadn’t been for those few friends of mine and the more relaxed environment in my own home I know things would have been very different for me. Even now, I am not fully out; I’m out to my friends, online and to my mother and sister but I’m hesitant to tell my dad’s side of the family as they are more traditional. But if I had grown up seeing queer people, I would have a different mentality surrounding my own sexuality. Gay people exist, as do bi people and various other sexualities, this is not a fact that can simply be refused, but it is only in the last few years that I have started seeing more openly bisexual characters in the media. As an author, I aim to make my writing as inclusive as possible, I want people to be able to read my books and feel validated in the same way that I do when I see a bisexual character on the big screen.
The problem, however, runs deeper than simply wanting representation. We do not want harmful representation; the type that portrays negative stereotypes about our sexuality. It’s the worst feeling when you see a bisexual character and get excited about their storyline only to find out that they are a cruel and comedic pale imitation of a real person. Want to know how to get a bisexual character right? There’s no hard and fast way, but let me tell you about two of my favourite bisexual characters.
Magnus Bane, the “freewheeling bisexual warlock” of Cassandra Clare’s Shadowhunters novels, he is also in the TV iteration Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments and the City of Bones movie. Magnus embodies the word fabulous; he is a fashionable, glitter-wielding, eyeliner warrior and above all that, he has magic in the form of blue flames. I won’t harp on too much about Magnus and his backstory—if he interests you, I highly recommend the Netflix series and Cassandra Clare’s The Mortal Instruments—but what I do want to talk about is his sexuality. Magnus has been out and proud for a very long time—try a couple hundred years: warlock—and I love that he is so comfortable and open with that part of himself. Yeah, he likes men and women, what about it? He loves who he’s gonna love and he does not care if people hate him for it. At the time The Mortal Instruments takes place, Magnus begins a relationship with Alec Lightwood—Alec is gay and we love them together. #Malec. The great thing about their relationship, aside from being a pioneering gay power couple, is Magnus’ commitment to Alec; bisexual people, since they are attracted to both men and women, are often viewed as unfaithful and non-committal but Magnus is the very opposite of that. In the show, there is a scene where, after an argument with Alec, Magnus is drinking with an old (female) friend and she goes in for a kiss. Magnus turns away, apologising and explaining that he’s a “one soul at a time kind of guy”. This means so much to me because it goes against the untrue stereotype that bisexuals are inherently adulterous and unable to be in a loving, committed relationship with one person. Yes, we are attracted to men and to women but that does not mean that we will be unhappy dating one person. A person’s commitment choices and their sexuality are completely unrelated. Magnus is a wonderful example of representation, take notes folks!
Rosa Diaz, the badass and reticent detective of Brooklyn Nine-Nine. One of the great things about Rosa Diaz is that she’s already established as a character and a person before her sexuality is revealed. She is portrayed by actress Stephanie Beatriz, who is, herself, openly bisexual, and I imagine she had some part in the decision to make her character bisexual on the show. Now, I have only seen up to the end of season five—Rosa comes out in early season five—because UK Netflix but I feel comfortable enough in my knowledge of the character to speak about it. Before Rosa’s sexuality is discovered by one of her co-workers, I became aware of Stephanie’s bisexuality which added to my suspicions that Rosa, too, was bisexual and that was how I viewed her before it was explicitly stated. I didn’t necessarily expect it to be covered in the show so I was very excited to find out that Rosa was dating a woman, even the simple stating of this fact, as confirmed by the show’s writers and producers reminded me of the gradual changes that are occurring in our society. It cannot be put better than the show’s own Raymond Holt (the very non-stereotypical gay captain) “every time someone steps up and says who they are, the world becomes a better and more interesting place.” This is true even of characters in books, movies and TV shows.
The show follows Rosa’s journey coming out to her friends and co-workers, her family and then her struggles with dating women. When coming out to her family, her oldest friend Jake Peralta—the show’s quote-unquote “star”—becomes the ideal supportive ally, he shows us how to behave when trying to help one of our friends and when things go south with Rosa’s family, he organises for the entire squad to come over to Rosa’s for their own family game night. Rosa’s struggle with her family is relatable to many others, it’s painful to hear when her family is okay with her sexuality because she still likes men and if she were to end up with anyone “it will be a man”, but that is something that many bisexual people hear from those close to them and it’s important to acknowledge. Another key point is that it is Rosa’s dad—played by the incredible Danny Trejo—who goes to her and says he will try to improve, while her mother “needs time”. As a bisexual person, all we really want to hear when we come out is that people will try to understand and accept us, we know that times are still changing and that nothing happens instantly, but we want you to try. It’s also nice that her dad was more accepting, as that is not often the way people portray it when someone comes out to their parents.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine is my favourite comedy show because it’s progressive; the jokes aren’t at anyone expense and it handles a variety of serious topics while still being funny and enjoyable. I love that Rosa’s friends are all immediately cool with her sexuality and even try to help her find the one, even if some of them don’t really know how to say it—looking at you Terry! Rosa reminds me of myself in many ways—or rather how I would like to imagine myself, because, let’s face it, I’ll never be as cool as her—so to see her grow into her sexuality means a lot. Thank you, Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
“But how do I write a bisexual character?” It’s simple, really. Just write them like you would any other character, but make them attracted to both men and women. And if you’re looking to write about their struggles with their sexuality, but you have had no such experience, please don’t. Include us, please, but let us tell our own stories—that’s not your place. Happy #BiWeek!