Let’s talk about the “b-word”…no, not the one you’re thinking…I mean bisexual.
Studies show that more Gen Yers are identifying as bisexual than ever before. Some articles even call us “the most bisexual generation of all time” and similar titles. What’s that about?
It could be an issue with data collection, being that sexuality hasn’t always been something so thoroughly researched and when it was, most focused on the “L” and the “G” in LGBT. It could also be that just as many people in other generations were bisexual, but they didn’t feel comfortable identifying as such openly.
What would make people feel more or less comfortable about identifying as bisexual?
Let’s start with the media. The older generations may remember a few times when bisexuality showed up on the big screen, such as with the character Celie in The Color Purple (and even more so if you read the book). However, it seems that there are more mass media touch points involving bisexuality nowadays. For example, in music there is an artist who showcases sexual desires toward both males and females through her stage name and many of her song lyrics— Nicki Minaj. Another came out with a song that boasted about kissing a girl and liking it—Katy Perry. Whether or not these ladies truly identify as bisexual in their personal lives outside of the limelight, it is clear that they are comfortable putting these ideas out there. Also, quite a few other celebrities of today have come out about their bisexual experiences across various industries, from Angelina Jolie to Amber Rose to Frank Ocean. Moreover, there are many television shows that now have bisexual characters.
Perhaps I will delve even deeper into this topic in my next post by exploring other potential factors. I am not afraid to repeat the “b – word.”
