Bi Bi Bi: The Rise of Bisexual Anthems
Art by Elizabeth Apple
Bisexuality is often portrayed in the media with negative stereotypes, perpetuating a damaging illusion of the community. There’s the myth that you’ll eventually “grow out of it,” or the misconception that bisexual people are just confused about being gay or straight. There’s also the false claim that if you are dating a bisexual, they’re more likely to cheat on you.
The community is ridiculed, shamed, and seemingly always a hot topic of debate; it’s only fair that the recent rise in bisexual anthems has come to save the day.
Bisexual anthems are celebrating the fact that bisexuality is real, not something that will fade with age or interest. There’s a sense of pride within the lyrics, reminding those listening that you don’t have to be ashamed of who you are, regardless of your orientation.
The trend of including people of all genders in songs has led to more inclusivity and deepened the conversation of what it means to be LGBTQ+ in some form or another. You don’t have to put a label on your sexuality and fit into a neat little category, which is appealing to many.
Harry Styles, for example, has always been mysterious when it comes to his romantic life. He claimed in past interviews that he doesn’t feel the need to define his sexuality. Still, many label his new single “Lights Up” a coming out song, despite the fact he has not exactly confirmed it as such. The song dropping at midnight on National Coming Out Day might be a bit of a clue. Surrounded by men and women in the music video, Styles sings about “stepping into the light” and “never going back.”
Styles’ fans glowed over the song and praised him for writing something that felt like it was theirs—lyrics that specifically applied to those struggling to come to terms with their sexuality.
That may be the best part about these bisexual anthems; they not only give artists an outlet to sing about who they are, but they become a beacon of light to fans who have yet to be seen in this particular way before.
Not all songs about bisexuality receive the same praise, and rightfully so. Last year, Rita Ora came out with a song titled “Girls,” in which her, Charli XCX, and Bebe Rexha sing about their desire to (sometimes) kiss girls. However, the song was widely criticized for portraying bisexual women with negative stereotypes. The song included lyrics such as, “And last night, yeah, we got with the dude,” reinforcing the stereotype that bisexual women are motivated by the attention of men. She sings, “Red wine, I just wanna kiss girls, girls, girls,” claiming she only wants to be with girls when she’s drunk.
Lauren Bjella ‘22 recalls feeling upset about the song and how it portrayed her community. “It did much more harm than good. It played into the idea that women are fetishized when in a queer relationship, and I personally felt really invalidated. When bisexual women are only portrayed in one way to the public, it can be super harmful.”
Bjella is not alone. Hayley Kiyoko and Kehlani, both members of the LGBTQ+ community, expressed their distaste for the song, claiming it was extremely harmful to the community. Hundreds of others online also voiced their disapproval over the lyrics. So much so, in fact, that Rita Ora apologized for the harm the song caused. While this may not fix the damages done, it certainly sent a message about how songs should handle the topic of bisexuality in the future.
On a much smaller scale, up-and-coming singer Clairo came out as bisexual last year. Her recent album Immunity shows her singing about different genders, specifically about women in “Sofia” and “Bags.” While these songs are not as outwardly anthems as, say, “Bad at Love” by Halsey, it is increasingly important to have openly bisexual artists writing lyrics that the community can relate to.
As we continue to encourage love and acceptance in all forms, we cannot leave the bisexual commuinity behind. They deserve their own sliver of music that celebrates who they are. With household names like Harry Styles creating these powerful anthems, it’s safe to say they’re not going anywhere anytime soon.