Female characters, particularly bisexual ones, have an unfortunate history of being hyper-sexualized and promiscuous while acting as the stereotypical femme fatale. Thankfully, we’ve seen changes in representation recently, and I want to highlight five female bi-cons who’ve helped me and others with representation.
1. Sara Lance
The CW superhero series “Arrow” pleasantly surprised me in season 2, when superheroine Sara Lance came out as bi. I hadn’t come out myself then, but I was questioning my identity and felt an affinity toward Sara, who I already liked as a character. She got to be a complex character, full of strengths, flaws, and layers like every well-written character. Sarah shot very quickly on my favorite character list, and her being bi and female just made it better.
I especially love how the show never erased her sexuality. She firmly stated that she was bi, even when some made biphobic comments about how she was always flirting and hooking up with women, so she was “basically” a lesbian. Sara showed us that bi characters are human, like everyone else, and she was badass. I couldn’t have more respect for her!
2. Mystique
I can’t talk about amazing bi female characters without mentioning Mystique from the “X-Men” comic book series. Also known as Raven Darkholme, she was one of the most prominent bisexual characters in the comics, even when people censored queer representation more severely than they do now. Though the 2000s film adaptation and follow-ups didn’t make her explicitly bi, she was in the comics; one of her most well-known relationships is with Destiny, whom she eventually married and raised their adopted daughter, Rouge, with.
As her name implies, there’s a lot of mystery surrounding Mystique—you’ll see different depictions of her as Magento’s right hand, leading her mutant revolution, or even working with the X-Men themselves. She’s afforded a complexity in her morally gray portrayal that makes her a fascinating character—and a great representation of how all great characters are complicated, regardless of who they love.
3. Brenna Carver
The Freeform (previously ABC Family) series Chasing Life mainly focused on protagonist April Carver navigating her cancer diagnosis and everyday life—but it also focused on her friends and family members. Her younger sister, Brenna, got several subplots, including exploring her sexuality. After working through her feelings with her female classmate Greer, Brenna realizes she’s bi and fully embraces it. Throughout the show, Brenna stays firm on her bisexual identity, dispelling any misconceptions her family and classmates have about her sexuality.
I was finishing high school when the show first aired, and it was one of the first times I saw a bisexual character on screen. It made an impact on me that stands to this day. I love how they handled the storyline and how Brenna’s sexuality didn’t define who she was—it was simply a part of her, like any other aspect of her identity.
4. Paige Michalchuk
I didn’t watch Degrassi until adulthood, but the show still impacted me—and so did Miss Paige Michalchuk. Originally a mean girl, Paige matured throughout the series and became independent while retaining her sass, fashion sense, and confidence. In season five, she explores her sexuality, falling for classmate Alex Nunez after her previous relationships with male characters.
Though the two didn’t last (which still breaks my heart), the fact that Paige got to explore her sexuality in the 2000s was a huge deal. Even when others made biphobic comments or questions about Paige’s sexuality, she never denied her attraction to Alex—and neither did the show. It impacted my coming-out journey, even to this day.
5. Kat Edison
The Bold Type is a fabulous show for several reasons (hello, sex positivity, and everyday feminism!), but social media director Kat Edison was an enjoyable character to watch. Her vivacious attitude, frank discussions of issues like being biracial, and her coming out story are just a few ones I loved her. However, what makes Kat’s coming out different from the other examples is how subdued it is. She didn’t freak out when attracted to photographer Adena El-Amin and wasn’t afraid to tell her friends (who were completely accepting!).
The fact that the show treats Kat’s sexuality as a nonissue and just another part of discovering herself is rare, and it was executed perfectly. Everyone’s coming out looks different, and as someone who didn’t have to worry about losing friends for coming out, I related to that. Plus, having a Black bisexual female character (and one who gets in a relationship with a Persian Muslim woman) showed just how progressive the show was.
Who are some of your favorite bisexual female characters? Let us know in the comments below!
Image via screenshot on YouTube
