Censor Biphobia, Not Bisexuals

The Issue

It is 2025, and the term “bisexual” continues to face censorship in various media outlets, highlighting ongoing challenges in the representation and discussion of sexual orientation in public discourse. This issue raises questions about media freedom, inclusivity, and societal attitudes towards bisexuality. In television shows and films, bisexuality is often depicted in a negative light. This portrayal frequently includes stereotypes such as being insatiable, engaging in infidelity, and being associated with the spread of diseases. The bisexual identities of characters are often subjected to intense scrutiny and debate among a predominantly monosexual audience that holds a strong aversion to bisexuality and in favor of converting bisexuality to monosexuality. This audience tends to challenge and dissect the authenticity of these characters' bisexuality, questioning their motivations and experiences. Such conversations frequently reveal underlying biases and misconceptions about bisexuality, illustrating the societal tendency to invalidate or dismiss the legitimacy of non-monosexual identities. As a result, these characters are often placed in a position where their identities are not only politicized but also misunderstood, leading to a complex dynamic that reflects broader societal attitudes toward bisexuality. 

The tendency to reduce bisexuality in favor of monosexual identities often leads to the marginalization of bisexual people. This viewpoint suggests that bisexual individuals should exclusively engage in relationships with partners of one gender, and arguing that true representation within the LGBTQIA community is contingent upon their involvement in same sex relationships instead of their bisexuality itself. Such beliefs not only diminish the rich, multifaceted nature of bisexuality but also contribute to significant visibility challenges. By insisting that bisexual characters conform to monosexual norms, we risk undermining the diverse and valid experiences that fall under the bisexual umbrella, ultimately hindering a more inclusive representation in media and society at large. Good representation for the bisexual community is often a challenge, as many screenwriters and directors tend to identify as monosexual. It's important to acknowledge the need for more diverse voices in storytelling to reflect the full spectrum of bisexual experiences better. One being bisexuals dating other bisexuals instead of only monosexuals. Another being an in-depth characterization of bisexual characters that surpass stories surrounding their dating life.

Bisexual is not a dirty word. It is as natural as heterosexual and homosexual. If adults are concerned about the “sex” aspect, then the character could simply identify as “bi” or “bis.” The term "bis" serves as a bisexual umbrella term encompassing all multisexual identities. In media, having a character say, “I’m bi” is much simpler and more acceptable than providing a lengthy explanation for why they “don’t want to label” their bisexuality. Also, the term "bisexual" is correctly written as a single word without a hyphen. It’s essential to recognize that stating “at least bisexual” can be disrespectful to the bisexual community. Bisexual individuals should never be seen as an afterthought within the LGBTQIA spectrum, nor should they be considered inferior to monosexuals. Every identity within this community deserves equal respect and validation. 

Depicting bisexual characters with greater complexity is essential in avoiding clichés such as infidelity, perpetual confusion regarding attraction to male or female partners, and the over-reliance on the HIV/AIDS narrative. Such approaches can be seen as a lack of creativity and depth in character development. Writers must explore the multifaceted nature of bisexuality, allowing for a more nuanced representation that reflects the diversity of real-life experiences. Bisexual characters don’t need to be flawless, but they mustn't be disproportionately portrayed as villains. We must demand balanced and diverse representations that truly reflect the complexity of identities. We will no longer tolerate lazy writing for bisexual characters or the censorship of bisexuality. It is important to ensure that bisexual individuals receive consistent and positive visibility in representation. Let’s shine a spotlight on bisexuality, embrace, and uplift the bisexual community going forward. 

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The Issue

It is 2025, and the term “bisexual” continues to face censorship in various media outlets, highlighting ongoing challenges in the representation and discussion of sexual orientation in public discourse. This issue raises questions about media freedom, inclusivity, and societal attitudes towards bisexuality. In television shows and films, bisexuality is often depicted in a negative light. This portrayal frequently includes stereotypes such as being insatiable, engaging in infidelity, and being associated with the spread of diseases. The bisexual identities of characters are often subjected to intense scrutiny and debate among a predominantly monosexual audience that holds a strong aversion to bisexuality and in favor of converting bisexuality to monosexuality. This audience tends to challenge and dissect the authenticity of these characters' bisexuality, questioning their motivations and experiences. Such conversations frequently reveal underlying biases and misconceptions about bisexuality, illustrating the societal tendency to invalidate or dismiss the legitimacy of non-monosexual identities. As a result, these characters are often placed in a position where their identities are not only politicized but also misunderstood, leading to a complex dynamic that reflects broader societal attitudes toward bisexuality. 

The tendency to reduce bisexuality in favor of monosexual identities often leads to the marginalization of bisexual people. This viewpoint suggests that bisexual individuals should exclusively engage in relationships with partners of one gender, and arguing that true representation within the LGBTQIA community is contingent upon their involvement in same sex relationships instead of their bisexuality itself. Such beliefs not only diminish the rich, multifaceted nature of bisexuality but also contribute to significant visibility challenges. By insisting that bisexual characters conform to monosexual norms, we risk undermining the diverse and valid experiences that fall under the bisexual umbrella, ultimately hindering a more inclusive representation in media and society at large. Good representation for the bisexual community is often a challenge, as many screenwriters and directors tend to identify as monosexual. It's important to acknowledge the need for more diverse voices in storytelling to reflect the full spectrum of bisexual experiences better. One being bisexuals dating other bisexuals instead of only monosexuals. Another being an in-depth characterization of bisexual characters that surpass stories surrounding their dating life.

Bisexual is not a dirty word. It is as natural as heterosexual and homosexual. If adults are concerned about the “sex” aspect, then the character could simply identify as “bi” or “bis.” The term "bis" serves as a bisexual umbrella term encompassing all multisexual identities. In media, having a character say, “I’m bi” is much simpler and more acceptable than providing a lengthy explanation for why they “don’t want to label” their bisexuality. Also, the term "bisexual" is correctly written as a single word without a hyphen. It’s essential to recognize that stating “at least bisexual” can be disrespectful to the bisexual community. Bisexual individuals should never be seen as an afterthought within the LGBTQIA spectrum, nor should they be considered inferior to monosexuals. Every identity within this community deserves equal respect and validation. 

Depicting bisexual characters with greater complexity is essential in avoiding clichés such as infidelity, perpetual confusion regarding attraction to male or female partners, and the over-reliance on the HIV/AIDS narrative. Such approaches can be seen as a lack of creativity and depth in character development. Writers must explore the multifaceted nature of bisexuality, allowing for a more nuanced representation that reflects the diversity of real-life experiences. Bisexual characters don’t need to be flawless, but they mustn't be disproportionately portrayed as villains. We must demand balanced and diverse representations that truly reflect the complexity of identities. We will no longer tolerate lazy writing for bisexual characters or the censorship of bisexuality. It is important to ensure that bisexual individuals receive consistent and positive visibility in representation. Let’s shine a spotlight on bisexuality, embrace, and uplift the bisexual community going forward. 

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Petition created on August 6, 2025