There has been an unusual number of bi-related news stories of late. Many have been positive portrayals of bi communities and individuals, while others remain more controversial. Here are some highlights that have received attention from mainstream media:
Rapper Nicki Minaj is coming out with more than her debut album: she has, in a recent interview, come out as bisexual. She acknowledges the homo/biphobia that permeates the hip-hop industry, while saying she is optimistic about the future. She believes it won’t be too long before more hip-hop artists are able to publicly identify as other-than-straight.
In other pop culture news, singer Lady GaGa came out as bisexual, saying her hit song “Poker face” was about bisexuality. She openly self-identifies as both “boy-crazy” and “girl-crazy,” despite not having much time in her life for relationships now. Her lyrics suggest that her “poker face” allows her to be with a man while fantasizing about a woman, and she appears to be quite comfortable discussing her sexuality, which her fan base greatly appreciates and admires.
Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie has been open about her own bisexuality, but it recently made headlines again due to her newlywed status, and the subsequent analysis of her orientation on The View. Unfortunately, the ladies of The View spent time discussing ideas of “cheating” more than anything else, and seemed to promote the notion that bisexuality and infidelity go hand-in-hand.
And actress Anna Paquin whose credits include The Piano (1993), and who is currently co-starring in HBO’s “True Blood” vampire series, came out while taping a public service announcement for the True Colors Fund, an advocacy group dedicated to LGBT equality. “I’m Anna Paquin. I’m bisexual, and I give a damn,” she says into the camera.
But for a more accurate portrayal, one can catch Bi-Licious, a show by, for, and about bisexuals, and a part of the National Queer Arts Festival. Bisexual comedy, history, music, film, dance, and poetry are followed by a panel discussion with the performers. The show takes place June 4 at San Francisco’s LGBT Center. More information can be found at www.biliciousproductions.com.
And speaking of bi visibility, where was it at the GLAAD awards? No one discussed or mentioned bisexuality, including celebrities like Wanda Sykes who previously identified as bisexual. The only real nod to bi folks during the event was from Adam Lambert, who said, “We need to celebrate diversity within the gay and lesbian community, too.”
Finally, three bisexual men from the San Francisco area have filed a lawsuit claiming they were discriminated against during the Gay Softball World Series in the Seattle area two years ago, in violation of Washington state laws barring discrimination. The three men allege that after another team complained, the alliance ruled the three men were “nongay,” and took away the team’s second-place finish. Apparently, the alliance has no category or definition for bisexual or transgender people in its rules. The National Center for Lesbian Rights is representing the three men.
Many of these stories, and much more, can be found at the Bisexual Examiner website: www.examiner.com/x-3366-Bisexuality-Examiner