Contemporary bi representation at its finest
BY SOPHIE GRIFFITHS
Happy #BiVisibilityDay, folks! To celebrate, here’s our list of some of the best moments of bi representation in the media. #BiFive.
Yes, there’s still a long way to go in terms of representation for bi folk, but these beautiful slices of bi life on-screen have been both groundbreaking and radical, showing us a glorious glimpse of ourselves in a way that makes us feel truly visible in a world that still tries to erase bisexuality…
The Bisexual
Created by Desiree Akhavan, The Bisexual follows New Yorker Leila, who, after breaking up with her female partner of 10 years, begins exploring her bisexuality more fully. A brutally honest depiction of figuring out your sexuality that any bi person can relate to in some small way or another.
Dirty Computer
Dirty Computer, the album and its film accompaniment, both ooze bisexuality. This piece of queer art holds a love story at its core which it uses to explore various feminist themes. It’s striking, bold and doesn’t shy from the bi. Absolute bi-anthems on the album include: Pynk, Make Me Feel and I Got The Juice.
Black Mirror (San Junipero)
San Junipero follows the heart-warming story of Yorkie (Mackenzie Davis) and Kelly (Gugu Mbatha-Raw). The pair meet in 1987 at a bar called Tucker’s in San Junipero, where Kelly ditches the man she’s with to talk to Yorkie, who sadly declines her advances, revealing she’s engaged.
But don’t think it ends there, kids. We don’t want to spoil the (many) twists and turns in this beauty so, if you haven’t already, go and watch it now – it’s truly #biconic. Kelly and Yorkie are #bicouplegoals.
Frida
Frida is a 2002 biographical film that follows the life of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo (Salma Hayek). The film delves into the relationship that Kahlo had with the muralist Diego Rivera. Throughout their marriage, Rivera had affairs with a wide array of women whilst Kahlo had sexual encounters with both men and women – including the same woman as her husband.
#Bicon? We think so.
Call Me By Your Name
One for the bi guys, CMBYN shows bisexuality in a beautiful, authentic light. In the Oscar winning film, Elio (Timothée Chalamet) falls in love with Oliver, his father’s intern for the summer (Armie Hammer). In their own utopia, their sexual discovery doesn’t even matter to the people around them – they are carefree and able to explore.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
When Rosa Diaz came out as bisexual in Brooklyn Nine-Nine it was a huge moment for bi representation – mainly as the moment itself, was anything but huge. There was plenty of input from Stephanie Beatriz who is bi herself, making the portrayal extra authentic (especially as it was followed by her own coming out via Twitter).
Speaking of the visibility the show gave to bisexual folk, Beatriz has said:
“As a woman of colour, and as a Latina, I have felt that exclusion my whole life. I would watch television and think, I wish my favourite show knew I existed.”
Happy #BiVisibilityDay, people.
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