Bi Now, Gay Later?-Negative Stereotypes on TV

[geminigirl]

I regularly watch the TV program "Brothers and Sisters" on ABC (in the US-I don't know what networks it's carried on elsewhere if at all.) And I quite enjoy the program-each of the characters enjoys his or her own sort of dysfunction, and the gay character seems no more or less dysfunctional than anyone else in his family. This afternoon, I had time to watch the episode that aired on Sunday evening.

The gay character (Kevin) meets a man at the gym, who seems to be interested in him. They have a few interactions, and Kevin seems unable to determine whether or not the object of his affection is gay or not. One of his sisters suggests that he might be bisexual, to which Kevin replies "No one is bisexual. Have you ever met a 70 year old bisexual? That's why the phrase is 'Bi now, gay later. Everyone chooses at some point." (Note: That may not be a precise quote, but it's as accurate as I can recall at the moment, and the sentiment is all there.)

The show continues, and Kevin becomes intimate with the character, after finding out he has a girlfriend-in fact the character says something to the effect of "She doesn't mind. I've seen her make out with tons of girls."

It's an infrequent thing to find bisexuality addressed on TV...and I'm frustrated by the negative stereotypes that are continually demonstrated for the mainstream TV audience.

(I've left a comment on the Writer's Blog which may or may not appear-the comments are moderated. Do be prepared, if you read the blog, that there are some people who object to the fact that the episode showed two men kissing in the first place. I'll try and update this post and let you know if my comment appears at all. ETA-the comment does now appear in the writer's blog.)

This entry crossposted to my journal and bisexual Apologies if you see it twice.

Comments

[whobunkyboo.livejournal.com]

Someone I went to theatre school with is appearing on that series I think. John Ferguson.

My favourite part of ANYTHING he's ever appeared in is watching him die a gruesome death. I particularly like his death scene in "Unforgiven". I think Clint killed him extra for the scenery chewing...

I'm sorry...got lost there.

Go YOU!!!

[geminigirl]

Thank you. :)
The comment has appeared on the website, by the way.

[wolfden.livejournal.com]

I knew a gay guy who said that no one was bisexual that people who went both ways just wanted sex. That's not an exact quote. But it was the gist of what he said. I said, "I don't believe that's true."

At the time, I didn't consider myself bisexual. There have to be 70 year old bisexuals just like there are 70 year old polygamists. I mean, why do you have to choose? I suppose some people commit to a single person but not everyone.

I agree with the negative portrayal by mainstream media being frustrating. I'm going to go look at the writer's blog in a minute. I don't understand why it is that way but it seems to be pretty common.

I'm struggling with words for this.

[rawness.livejournal.com]

I don't have a lot of words at the moment but that's annoying as hell :\

[fiona-fawkes.livejournal.com]

Completely random commenter here, but if you haven't had the chance to check out the BBC show Torchwood, I think you might really enjoy the way that they address sexuality.