STARK CASE ANALYSIS
Bisexual Media Representation
There’s no denying that LGBT representation in media has improved throughout the
years, but it’s certainly not as progressive as some would like to think. The “B” in LGBT is
often ignored and falsified, which eventually results in bisexual erasure and biphobia. People
who identify as bisexual are commonly viewed as promiscuous, confused, and in denial about
their true sexuality. Most bisexual females are accused of just “experimenting” or “going
through a phase”, while most bisexual males are seen as closeted homosexuals wishing to be
appear heterosexual. Within the LGBT community, there can be a tendency to erase bisexuality
because it’s not considered to have equal status. The LBGT community is frequently referred to
as the “gay and lesbian” community, ignoring bisexuals, transgender, asexuals, etc. There is also
criticism that bi, meaning two or both, implies that bisexuals are only attracted to males and
females, excluding people who identify as other genders. In addition to the continuous list of
negative stereotypes and ideas, bisexuals are often criticized for not being “gay enough.” In
reality, bisexuality does not mean 50% gay and 50% straight. It’s fluid and differs from
individual to individual. Bisexuals who engaged in male-female relationships are not any less
bisexual than those who engage in male-male and female-female relationships.
These damaging stereotypes play a huge role in the lack of bisexual representation in the
media. Because bisexuality is so frequently overlooked and viewed as irrelevant, it’s hardly
acknowledged in mass media and popular culture. According to a 2015 report by the GLAAD
organization, “of the 271 regular and recurring LGBT characters on scripted broadcast, cable,
and streaming programming, 76 (28%) are counted as bisexual. This group is made up for 53
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STARK CASE ANALYSIS
women and 23 men” (GLAAD, 2015). While that number has undoubtedly increased over the
years, the majority of those characters are still depicted in a negative light, and many of them are
only presumed to be bisexual, meaning the word is never actually used to identify them. For
example, in the popular Netflix series Orange is the New Black, the main character Piper
Chapman is shown having relationships with both males and females, however she expresses
confusion about her sexuality and even refers to herself a “former lesbian.” In fact, Orange is
the New Black displays a perfect example of bisexual erasure. Piper’s ex-finance refers to as a
lesbian, while her ex-girlfriend calls her straight, both of them erasing her actual sexual
orientation.
The “former lesbian” or “former straight” trope is very common on television. On the
popular television show Friends, Ross’ ex-wife “turned gay” while married to him, and in the
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