Analysis Of Amy Zimmerman's It Aint Easy Being Bisexual On Television

It is rare in a movie or TV show that a gay character has a strong lead. Him or her usually are only represented by their sexuality. Amy Zimmerman is a writer for the Daily Beast, specializing in entertainment. In an article she wrote “It Ain’t Easy Being Bisexual on TV”, she critiques the media’s portrayal of bisexuals and bisexuality. She states that most homosexual male characters are reduced to the clueless definition of “a disco-dancing, Oscar Wilde-reading, Streisand ticket-holding friend of Dorothy,” a man whom gayness in an all- encompassing personality (561). Amy provides facts and prestigious resources persuading the audience that this is actually happening in the media and television. However, there have been many different TV shows
Anna Paquin is presently married to a man and has children; Larry King asks the young actress if she is a “non practicing bisexual (561).” This is a clear example of how someone’s sexuality isn’t taken seriously if you are not heterosexual. Being bisexual is looked at as a fad, just having fun because you cannot decide if you like men or women. Amy then mentions that being bisexual isn’t a button you can turn on and off, or a naughty habit that goes away once you find the right man (561). It is clear that television and film are not giving bisexual individuals the right exposure; considering all of the stereotypical roles given. Bisexuals are mostly portrayed as promiscuous, while female bisexuality is always shown to excite and satisfy men. This shows exactly why Larry King thought it was appropriate to ask Anna Paquin such a
She mentions Piper Chapman from Orange is the New Black who describes herself as a “former lesbian,” who has only ever been interested in one woman, to Kurt Hummel on Glee who smugly informs his boyfriend that “Bisexual’s a term that gay guys in high school use when they wanna hold hands with girls and feel like a normal person for a change,” she then mentions even a show like Glee which claims to recognize and empower all the freaks and underdogs, makes fun of the “myth” of bisexuality (565). Zimmerman uses emotional appeal when citing this fact about the TV show Glee. This show was put on air for anyone that feels like a freak to be able to feel comfortable and to be themselves but the show itself made it seem like being bisexual is not to be taken