Media Representation of Bisexuality: Does It Help or Harm?

By Linda Athanasiadou

Media representation of bisexuality has evolved over the years, yet it remains a complex and often problematic area. As a bisexual woman who has navigated my own identity amidst various portrayals of bisexuality in film, television, and other forms of media, I’ve often found myself questioning whether these representations help or harm the way bisexual individuals are perceived in real life. Bisexuality is still frequently misrepresented or overlooked entirely, both in mainstream media and even within the LGBTQ+ sphere. In this article, I will critically analyse how bisexuality is portrayed in popular culture, exploring both the positive and negative aspects of this visibility, and how these representations impact real-life experiences.

Harmful Stereotypes in Media
Historically, bisexuality has been subjected to negative stereotypes in media, which have contributed to harmful misconceptions about bisexual individuals. In movies and TV shows, bisexual characters are often depicted as indecisive, promiscuous, or untrustworthy. These portrayals reinforce the idea that bisexuality is either a phase or an indicator of moral ambiguity. For example, bisexual women are frequently portrayed as hypersexual, using their bisexuality as a tool to seduce others, while bisexual men are often framed as either secretly gay or unable to commit.

These stereotypes are not only damaging on-screen but also have a ripple effect in real life. As someone who identifies as bisexual, I’ve encountered the assumption that my sexuality is temporary, or worse, that I’m inherently unfaithful because of it. These depictions feed into the larger problem of bisexual erasure, where the existence and validity of bisexuality are consistently undermined.

The Impact of Bisexual Erasure
One of the most significant issues in media representation is bisexual erasure—the tendency to either ignore bisexuality or collapse it into binary categories of straight or gay. Characters who are initially portrayed as bisexual are often “straightened out” or presented as fully gay by the end of a narrative. This not only diminishes the visibility of bisexual individuals but also perpetuates the myth that bisexuality is a temporary or transitional phase.

For instance, in many films and TV series, bisexual characters end up in relationships with people of only one gender, leading viewers to believe that bisexuality was just a stepping stone to a “final” sexual identity. In my experience, this can be deeply frustrating. It erases the fluidity of bisexuality and fails to acknowledge that attraction to more than one gender is a valid and enduring part of who we are.

A study published by GLAAD found that bisexual characters are underrepresented in media and, when they do appear, are often portrayed inaccurately. The lack of nuanced bisexual characters contributes to a culture where bisexuality is misunderstood, and as someone who has spent years advocating for bisexual rights, I see firsthand how media plays a crucial role in shaping public perceptions.

Positive Shifts in Representation
Despite the challenges, there have been some promising changes in recent years. Certain shows and films have started to offer more authentic and nuanced portrayals of bisexual characters. For example, the TV series Brooklyn Nine-Nine introduced Rosa Diaz, a bisexual Latina woman whose storyline reflects the complexity of coming out and maintaining her bisexual identity in different relationships. Rosa’s character is not defined by her bisexuality, but it is an important part of her identity that is treated with respect and depth.

Similarly, shows like Schitt's Creek and The Bisexual have begun to depict bisexual characters in a more realistic and compassionate light. These portrayals allow viewers to see bisexuality as a legitimate sexual orientation, rather than a source of confusion or promiscuity. As a bisexual woman, seeing characters like these has helped me feel more understood and less isolated in my experiences.

While there is still a long way to go, the progress made in recent years gives me hope. Positive representation of bisexuality in the media can help challenge the misconceptions and prejudices that bisexual individuals face daily, both within the LGBTQ+ community and in broader society.

The Real-World Impact of Media Representation
Media has a profound influence on how society views bisexuality, and these portrayals directly affect bisexual individuals’ real-life experiences. Negative representations can exacerbate internalized biphobia, create friction in relationships, and contribute to the marginalization of bisexual people within both LGBTQ+ and straight communities. Conversely, positive representations have the potential to foster acceptance, self-love, and understanding.

For instance, a 2019 study by Pew Research Center found that LGBTQ+ individuals, especially bisexuals, were more likely to experience mental health issues related to feelings of isolation and erasure. When bisexuality is poorly represented in the media, it reinforces these feelings and makes it harder for bisexual individuals to feel validated in their identities.

In my own life, I’ve experienced the effects of poor media representation. It took me years to accept my bisexuality fully, in part because the media gave me so few examples of people like me who were portrayed as healthy, happy, and stable. Now, as more positive representations emerge, I see the importance of accurate and thoughtful media portrayals, both for myself and for younger bisexual individuals who are just beginning to navigate their own identities.

Conclusion: Moving Forward
The media plays a pivotal role in shaping society's understanding of bisexuality, and while there have been positive developments in recent years, there is still much work to be done. The harmful stereotypes and bisexual erasure that persist in many forms of media have real-world consequences, contributing to the marginalization of bisexual individuals and complicating their journey towards self-acceptance.

At the same time, positive and nuanced representations of bisexuality have the power to educate, inspire, and heal. It’s crucial that filmmakers, writers, and creators continue to challenge the old tropes and stereotypes, offering stories that reflect the full spectrum of bisexual experiences. As bisexual individuals, we deserve to see ourselves represented in ways that are authentic, affirming, and human.

By advocating for more accurate media portrayals, we can help create a world where bisexuality is understood, respected, and celebrated, both on-screen and in real life.