'The Bisexual' Television Show
Desiree Akhavan unpackaged her most shameful fears about herself in a writers room and then the world with her debut TV show “The Bisexual.” Akhavan plays Leila, an Iranian-American woman living in London who has been with her girlfriend and business partner Sadie for 10 years. In an article from the NY Times, the author states, “The series is a different kind of coming out story, one that digs deep into the expectation surrounding female sexuality and the discomfort that can greet bisexuality from both gay and straight people.”
I am personally so excited to see this show because not only is a story about a bisexual woman, but a bisexual woman of color. This show is breaking down barriers and portraying diverse and well developed characters as they go through life, while unraveling sexuality. Akhavan also directed and co-wrote “The Miseducation of Cameron Post,” the acclaimed film about a gay conversion camp. The London-based Akhavan discussed why she knows the title will alienate some people, the importance of realistic sex scenes and what she hopes the #MeToo movement will achieve. This show is important and relates to the symbolic annihilation of certain groups in the media. It is important and imperative that the media represent all groups of people so that audiences can learn about themselves and others as well.
I am glad Akhavan has introduced this show to the world because there definitely does need to be more representation in terms of bisexuality. Not only is she breaking barriers because she is a woman of color, but she is taking on this show and role as a woman through lived experience. There is a certain stigma centered around bisexuality that causes animosity from both the hetero and gay communities. It is so important to give bisexual people a platform to dismiss the misconceptions, stereotypes, and lack of solidarity within the community, and this show is a great step in the direction of representation.
ReplyDeleteI am also excited for this, it is outside of typical Hollywood coming out narratives. Bisexual people (especially bisexual people of color) are symbolically erased in media. It will be nice to see characters that aren't developed thru a heteronormative lens.
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