In a world where sexuality is considered fluid, we operate in a dichotomy where the gay men reside here and the lesbians there. But where, oh where, do the bisexuals fit into this puzzle of pairs? For some, bisexuality is a mere transitional period before adopting the identity of a lesbian/gay or heterosexual; for others, it is simply who they are. Regardless, bisexuality is not a myth but a reality about finding love with the person not the gender.
On Saturday, ABC News ran the article, A Shot at Love Explores (and Exploits Bisexuality), which discusses Tila Tequila’s signing of a second season for one of MTV’s hottest reality shows, A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila. The reality dating show features 16 straight men and 16 lesbians vying for Tila’s love and affection. The show debuted at No. 1 and captured 6.2 million viewers during the season finale. What is it about the show that captured the hearts of so many Americans? Maybe it’s sex; maybe it’s bisexuality, or maybe it’s just Tila. The fact is, we’re all talking about it.
I must admit, I watched the show (for conversational purposes, of course). After each episode, I was repulsed yet hopeful. "A Shot at Love" impacts such a young audience, from ages 12–34. This show has the power to shape perceptions of the LGBT community, specifically bisexuals and lesbians, and Asian Americans. Negatively speaking, the series diminishes the seriousness of sexuality and sexual orientation, in exchange for pure sexual voyeurism and exploitation. Perpetuating stereotypes, "A Shot at Love" depicts the Vietnamese former model and Myspace queen as an exotic seductress and sexual plaything.
However, we could also argue that the show brings visibility to the topic of sexual orientation. Bisexuality is often an unspoken topic for both the straight and LGBT community. The show started a much needed conversation about sexual orientation and the topic of sexuality’s fluidity. She sparked a dialogue in our households about sexual exploration. Tila’s visibility as a bisexual icon brought a tangible element to an invisible group of people.
For me, I hold an optimistic perspective and remain hopeful that the series will open new doors to LGBT content and a shot at accurate LGBT representation. This door, however, may not be in Tila’s second season.
What are your thoughts?
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Great post. It seems common to see methods of exclusion (or what some would consider distinctions) develop in subcultures, so it makes sense that even among sexual orientations and gender identities that fall outside of the cultural norm, a heirarchy develops with Gay and Lesbian at the top.
I have to wonder if bisexuality is more likely to be widely accepted among heterosexuals than the gay and lesbian community, and when transgender individuals will be accepted to the extent that the gay and lesbian communities currently are in society.
Thoughts?