From infamous writers to the Empress of the Blues, these sapphics were true bi-cons
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGES BY FLICKR
Bisexuality has always existed in every corner of history, with fierce women challenging society’s boundaries and embracing their desires unapologetically. From groundbreaking artists to fearless performers, these five bisexual icons made their mark — and left the world forever changed.
Virginia Woolf
Let’s start with a literary powerhouse: Virginia Woolf. Known for classics like Mrs Dalloway and Orlando, Woolf’s bisexuality shaped her iconic works. Though married to Leonard Woolf, Virginia carried on a passionate affair with fellow writer Vita Sackville-West. Their relationship was the inspiration behind Orlando, one of literature’s first openly queer characters.
Woolf’s navigation of love, gender, and sexuality in her writing still resonates today. A pioneer of modernist literature, she boldly explored complex identities when few dared to. Woolf’s influence on LGBTQIA representation in literature cannot be overstated.
Josephine Baker
Paris in the 1920s was a whirlwind of art, culture, and a certain someone shimmying her way to fame — Josephine Baker. The legendary performer rose to prominence through her provocative dance routines and incredible voice, captivating audiences with her sensuality and charm. But beyond the stage, Baker was also an outspoken advocate for civil rights and a proud bisexual woman. Her affairs with men and women were no secret — she lived her truth in a time when doing so was an act of rebellion. Baker, with her unapologetic flamboyance and activism, remains a symbol of liberation, not only for Black women but also for the LGBTQIA community.
Tallulah Bankhead
“Only good girls keep diaries. Bad girls don’t have time.” Tallulah Bankhead, the Hollywood starlet, was the ultimate bad girl. Known for her larger-than-life persona, Bankhead was open about her bisexuality in the roaring 1920s and ‘30s. Though she often sparked controversy, she couldn’t have cared less. Bankhead’s love life included relationships with both men and women, making her one of the most sexually fluid actresses of her time. A true firecracker, she never conformed to societal expectations and carved her own path through the Golden Age of cinema.
Greta Garbo
Greta Garbo, the enigmatic Hollywood star, was as famous for her mysterious private life as for her breathtaking beauty on screen. Though she never publicly confirmed her bisexuality, Garbo is known to have had intimate relationships with both men and women, including fellow actress Mercedes de Acosta. Garbo’s allure was her refusal to be defined by anyone or anything. She thrived in an industry that tried to control her, and she kept the details of her romantic life under wraps, adding to her irresistible mystique. In a world that demanded conformity, Garbo remained a queer icon by staying true to herself.
Bessie Smith
Known as the “Empress of the Blues,” Bessie Smith revolutionised American music with her powerful voice and unfiltered lyrics. But Bessie was just as bold in her personal life as she was on stage. While she was married to Jack Gee, Smith was also romantically involved with several women throughout her life, living loudly and proudly. Smith’s defiance of societal norms extended beyond her music — her bisexuality, raw talent, and confidence cemented her as one of history’s greatest performers.
These women — fearless, passionate, and unapologetic — paved the way for generations to come. Their bisexuality was not a footnote, but a part of what made them iconic. They’re not just historical figures, but bi-cons in every sense.
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