Youth's Lives Every Day
Despite being the largest group within the LGBTQ+ community — with 24% of queer youth identifying as bisexual — bisexual, pansexual, and queer youth continue to face systemic biphobia, discrimination, and bi-erasure. Bisexual youth often report higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide risk compared to their monosexual peers, driven in large part by stereotyping and persistent misunderstandings of their identity, like the idea that bisexual attraction has to be “50/50” or excludes trans and nonbinary people. That’s why days like Bisexual Visibility Day matter! They give us a chance to challenge misconceptions, and remind young people that their identities are real and worthy of support.
Visibility and affirming media representation plays a critical role in supporting the mental health and well-being of bisexual and multisexual youth, while combatting isolation and distress. Without visibility, young people can feel like they need to “perform” their identity rather than simply being and feeling at home in it. And because bisexual people so often face erasure on screen, explicit and positive portrayals can help challenge the harmful myth that bisexuality is just a “phase” or transition point.
So, to honor this day, we asked LGBTQ+ young people and Trevor supporters what media made them feel most seen as a bisexual person. Together, we put together a list of movies, books, music, and more* that reflect real bisexual stories and experiences in our media today.
*Media in this list is curated to highlight Bi+ representation and does not constitute an endorsement from The Trevor Project. Be advised, some selections may include adult themes.
Bi+ Characters Seen On Screen
Over the years, bi+ representation on screen, while still lacking in numbers, has made some great strides. In Dana Terrace’s animated series “The Owl House,” Luz Noceda makes history as Disney’s first bisexual lead character. After accidentally stumbling into the demon realm, Luz decides to stay, train as a witch, and build a life on her own terms. She gets to be bisexual, awkward, funny, brave, and fully herself. For queer kids waiting to see themselves at the center of fantasy, Luz delivers.
- In FX’s “Adults,” join Paul Baker in a shared house in Queens with his friends as he navigates attraction and early adulthood on his own terms.
- Look into the life of Nick Nelson in “Heartstopper: Forever” while he figures out what happens when the teenage love bubble starts giving away to adulthood.
- And have a laugh with Jay Jurden in his debut comedy special “Yes Ma’am” as he turns his experiences being Black, Southern, and queer into sharp, hilarious punchlines.
Page Turning Bi+ Stories
Stories are one place where queer characters get to be fully themselves. For young adult fantasy fans, “The Sunbearer Trials” is an embrace of the power of queer imagination. Aiden Thomas, the first trans author to make the “New York Times” Young Adult bestseller list, creates a vibrant Latinx world filled with magic, mythology, and competition. Bisexual and broader queer representation is at the heart of the story and integrated into every page.
- For something more romantic, Rachel Reid’s “Heated Rivalry” puts bisexuality at the heart of a complicated love story.
- While Jen Winston’s “Greedy” takes a candid, funny look at what it means to navigate bisexuality in real life.
- Physician trained public health researcher and founder of Fluid Health Varuna Srinivasan hosted Allure’s sex column “Doing It,” which explored the deep intersections between sex and emotions.
Bi+ Folk Flooding Our Earways
And music can be just the thing you need if you want something loud, honest, and unapologetically queer. Rebecca Black has come a long way since “Friday,” and “Age of the Exhibitionist” makes that evolution impossible to miss. Calling the album “made by gay people for gay people,” Black leans heavily into raw, playful bisexual energy while exploring dating, desire, and gendered relationships. It’s witty, liberated, and unapologetically queer.
- In the lead up to “ESTRUS,” Tove Lo has been incredibly vocal about her challenges with the perception of her identity and bi-erasure.
- Tinashe’s work, including her upcoming album “Popstar,” is a reminder that you don’t have to choose one lane just because someone else says you do.
We hope this list gives you something new to enjoy, because visibility matters. Also consider sharing this list with your friends and family and tell them your favorite piece of bisexual media as a way to celebrate Bi+ Visibility Day.
