Between The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, The Bachelor in Paradise, and others, we’ve all seen our fair share of reality TV dating shows. But we almost always see heterosexual-identifying people represented, and rarely get a look into the LGBTQ+ dating experience.
But that’s about to change.
E! U.K. announced it will be launching a reality TV dating show called The Bi Life in October. The show is the first in the U.K. to feature bisexual+, pansexual, fluid and questioning people looking for love.
“It’s high time there was a dating show for the large number of young people today, like me, who are attracted to more than one gender.” #CBB Winner and #RPDR finalist @CourtneyAct is ready! #TheBiLife. Coming this October on E!
Read More: https://t.co/adS4O5lO6c pic.twitter.com/9mMwVsBapz
— E! UK & IRELAND (@EOnlineUK) August 21, 2018
According to E!, The Bi Life is a ten-part reality dating series hosted by LGBTQ+ advocate and Australian drag queen Shane Jenek who performs under the stage name Courtney Act. In the show, contestants will explore love and dating in Barcelona.
“E! is bringing you a dating show which breaks all the norms.” @CourtneyAct is taking a group of British bisexual+ or questioning singletons on the ultimate adventure to find love. 💗💜💙 #TheBiLife. Coming this October on E!https://t.co/adS4O5lO6c
— E! UK & IRELAND (@EOnlineUK) August 21, 2018
“It’s high time there was a dating show for the large number of young people today, like me, who are attracted to more than one gender, ” Jenek said in an announcement. “In 2018 we know that sexuality is fluid and sharing the stories and experiences, the laughter and the love making, of young bi people is so important. So get ready to see the true stories of bisexual singles, who are the largest part of the LGBTQ+ community, but the least known.”
Kim Sanders, head of media engagement at Stonewall, told Mashable why The Bi Life is important for those who identify as bisexual.
“Representation is so important, especially for bi people who continue to be seriously underrepresented in mainstream media,” she stated.
“We hope this show will break down harmful stereotypes as well as exploring the unique challenges that bi people face when it comes to dating, whether that’s having to come out to their partner or using dating apps that force you to pick a gender.”
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The announcement of the inclusive reality TV show has also been met with praise on social media:
So happy I can finally talk about how excited I am for this show and to be working on a project which celebrates diversity in its many forms… #TheBiLife 🌈💙💜💖 https://t.co/hLTSYJprMs
— Emily Davies (@emilykerrin) August 21, 2018
So 👏🏽 here 👏🏽 for 👏🏽 this 👏🏽 !!! 💖💜💙💖💜💙💖💜💙
— Rachel Schwartz (@racheloschwartz) August 21, 2018
Thank you! #RepresentationMatters pic.twitter.com/a9Tainix5h
— authentic paint (@authenticpaint) August 21, 2018
https://twitter.com/babyactxo/status/1031880072360349697
😭 Represent!!!
“It's high time there was a dating show for the large number of young people today, like me, who are attracted to more than one gender” –@courtneyact #TheBiLife
— sammy ♥ (@sammylsheridan) August 21, 2018
Image via Getty
Link to the original article on A Plus found here.
