I really want to talk about B99’s bi representation
Because I’m literally in tears.
—They actually use the word “bi.” Like, a bi character actually said the word “bisexual” to describe their own sexuality. On tv. And in front of multiple other characters. Multiple times. In multiple episodes.
—Stephanie Beatriz is openly bi, and the producers actually consulted with her about making Rosa openly bi.
—A big theme of the episode when Rosa comes out is that she’s still the same person. Being bi is an important part of who she is, but it’s a part. And the show lives up to it. Rosa’s storylines aren’t suddenly consumed by her sexuality, or relationship with her girlfriend. Nor is it a one-off side plot that’s dropped and never mentioned again. The squad treats her exactly the same.
—There were no smug “I knew it” or “OmG lYkE nO wAy!!11” comments from the team. The “it’s just a phase”, “you’ll settle down with a man, eventually,” comments are, not only contextually framed as bad, they are stated to be bad by multiple characters. There’s no middle ground/“showing everyone’s side equally”/devils advocating going on. The show blatantly states that bisexuality is a real thing, and openly shows people thinking other wise as the “bad guys”.
—There’s never any “ur fmly will luv u kno mattr wat sweaty :)” comments when Rosa admits she’s nervous to come out to her family. When she asks Jake for advice he just… gives her the advice she asked for. When she asks him to go to dinner for emotional support he just… goes with her. When she changes her mind, and says she’s not ready to come out, he nods and says “okay” and just… goes to back to dinner and rolls with it. When her parents put a pin in game night, the team just… makes their own game night. Rosa’s feelings are acknowledged and normalized.
—Holt’s and Rosa’s coming out experiences are never pitted against each other in a “who had it worse” type of deal.
—Rosa’s coming out is, every time, on HER terms. She doesn’t get caught on a date. She’s not outed by another character. She chooses when and how to tell Boyle. She chooses when and how to tell the whole squad. She chooses when and how to tell her parents.
—Rosa didn’t just “become” bi after breaking up with Adrian. It was something that she’s known about herself for years.
ifesbob 