Tila Tequila & Myths About Bisexuals

One of the year's more talked about bisexuals, Tila Tequila, the star of MTV's A Shot At Love With Tila Tequila, will be back for more. The not so shocking news that the first shot didn't stick has paved the way for a second season.

Presumably, this season will also will follow the premise that Tila, a self-identified bisexual, is on a quest to find love from among both male and female contestants.

Now, whatever you think about Tila and A Shot At Love (a show which has been has been called everything from offensive to the worst reality TV show yet), you have to admit that it has prompted a discussion of bisexuality.

Here are two takes:

In an article originally published in American Sexuality Magazine, Nicole Kristal, a bisexual writer, says that despite the shows flaws,

"I've never had the opportunity before to watch a fellow bisexual woman struggle on national television with the disadvantages and advantages of dating both sexes, and for this reason alone, the show is truly groundbreaking."

Sheela Lambert, the founder of the Bi Writers Association, blogged about her concerns with the show on the Huffington Post:

"The bi community spends much of its time fighting stereotypes and myths that don't accurately reflect who we are. People tend to associate us solely with our sexuality and forget that, like everyone else, we have other aspects to our lives. We fear that this show is more likely to add fuel to the fire of bisexual stereotypes, than to put them out."

Not very many people would argue that Tila is a strong bisexual role model. But like many other bisexuals, she has had to face scrutiny over her sexual orientation, and the claim that she is not really bisexual.

You might argue that anyone who signs on for a reality TV show should be prepared for these types of accusations. But even if this is true, when people hear that, "Tila Tequila is actually straight," it can reinforce stereotypes they hold. And when it comes to bisexuals, there are plenty of those floating around.

Here are a few others that I've heard:

• Bisexuality is just a transitional phase on the way to being gay or lesbian.
• Bisexuals are promiscuous.
• Bisexuality doesn't exist.
• Bisexuals will never be happy with just one person.
• Women just say they are bisexual because it is trendy.
• Men just say they are bisexual because they don't want to admit they are gay.

Whether you appreciate the visibility given to bisexuals thanks to A Shot At Love, or cringe whenever you hear it mentioned, separating fact from fiction when it comes to sexual orientation is always a good idea.

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