Bisexual Killjoy

Welcome to Bisexual Killjoy, where Bailey and Lynn talk all things bisexual (plus, pansexual, omnisexual, plurisexual, and overall bi+ness). Despite representing the majority of the LGBTQ+ community, bi+ folks have gotten the shorthand of the stick for too long. Now’s the time to have our voices heard. What is a Bisexual Killjoy? It’s the answer to the age-old question: Is bisexuality just a phase? To which we say: Bisexuality isn’t a phase; it’s a phenomenon.

Just in time for Bi+ Health Awareness month, Bailey and Lynn do a deep dive into the bafflingly mysterious world of bi+ health. Despite representing the majority of the LGBTQ+ community, little is known about bi+ folks and their health. We do know that bi+ women are more likely to experience mood disorders than their hetero- and homosexual counterparts. We do know that bi+ women are at a higher risk from violence from an intimate partner than their hetero- and homosexual counterparts. We don’t know much else, though, and that needs to change. In this episode, learn more about the state of bi+ healthcare in America, where we’ve been, and where we should be going.  Hosted by bi+ academics, writers, and advocates Bailey Merlin and Lynn Rios Rivera, Bisexual Killjoy talks all things bisexual (pansexual, omnisexual, plurisexual, and overall bi+ness) because bisexuality isn’t a phase; it’s a phenomenon.  Got a good/bad story about erasure in your life? We want to hear from you! Follow us on @bisexualkilljoy on Instagram or email us at bisexualkilljoy@gmail.com.  Resources: Bisexual Resource Center: https://biresource.org/find-bi-resources/ 

Bisexual Killjoy is back, and it’s time to talk about every bi+ person’s favorite topic: bi-erasure. Join us as we discuss how bisexuality often goes unnoticed or disregarded, both in mainstream society, social settings, relationships, politics, and within LGBTQ+ spaces themselves (the call was coming from inside the house), and WTF we can do about it.  Hosted by bi+ academics, writers, and advocates Bailey Merlin and Lynn Rios Rivera, Bisexual Killjoy talks all things bisexual (pansexual, omnisexual, plurisexual, and overall bi+ness) because bisexuality isn’t a phase; it’s a phenomenon.  Got a good/bad story about erasure in your life? We want to hear from you! Follow us on @bisexualkilljoy on Instagram or email us at bisexualkilljoy@gmail.com.  References Find Bi+/Queer Resources: https://biresource.org/find-bi-resources/  Yoshino, K. (2000). The Epistemic Contract of Bisexual Erasure. Stanford Law Review, 52(2), 353–461. JSTOR. https://doi.org/10.2307/1229482Alexander, J. & Anderlini-D’Onofrio, S. (Eds.). (2010). Bisexuality and Queer Theory: Intersections, Connections, and Challenges. Routledge.  Lingel, J. (2009). Adjusting The Borders: Bisexual Passing And Queer Theory. Journal of Bisexuality, 9 381-405. https://doi.org/ 10.1080/15299710903316646 Rodríguez, J. M. (2014). Queer politics, bisexual erasure: Sexuality at the nexus of race, gender, and statistics. Indiana University Press.  Rodríguez, J. M. (2014). Sexual Futures, Queer Gestures and Other Latina Longings. New York University Press. Feinstein, B.A., Dyar, C. Bisexuality, Minority Stress, and Health. Curr Sex Health Rep 9, 42–49 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-017-0096-3

It’s 2024, and bi+ folks need more than visibility; they need recognition. Welcome back to Bisexual Killjoy. This week, Lynn and Bailey are delving deep into the complexities of the bisexual agenda. We’re highlighting monosexual discomfort, sexual ambiguity, and all those sexy liminal spaces.  Hosted by bi+ academics, writers, and advocates Bailey Merlin and Lynn Rios Rivera, Bisexual Killjoy talks all things bisexual (pansexual, omnisexual, plurisexual, and overall bi+ness) because bisexuality isn’t a phase; it’s a phenomenon.  Were you a Bisexual Killjoy this week? We want to hear from you! Follow us on @bisexualkilljoy on Instagram or email us at bisexualkilljoy@gmail.com.    References Find Bi+/Queer Resources: https://biresource.org/find-bi-resources/  Karen L. Suyemoto, Alissa L. Hochman, Roxanne A. Donovan & Lizabeth Roemer (2021) BECOMING AND FOSTERING ALLIES AND ACCOMPLICES THROUGH AUTHENTIC RELATIONSHIPS: CHOOSING JUSTICE OVER COMFORT, Research in Human Development, 18:1-2, 1-28, DOI: 10.1080/15427609.2020.1825905

Join Bisexual Killjoy as we dissect the myth of "passing privilege” and challenge the notion that bi+ folks do not face discrimination or oppression. Learn how passing privilege ignores the complexities of bi+ identity and erases the unique challenges bi+ people encounter, and listen to how heated our BKJ hosts get as they critique the heteronormativity and homonormativity present in LGBTQ+ spaces. Hosted by bi+ academics, writers, and advocates Bailey Merlin and Lynn Rios Rivera, Bisexual Killjoy talks all things bisexual (pansexual, omnisexual, plurisexual, and overall bi+ness) because bisexuality isn’t a phase; it’s a phenomenon.  Were you a Bisexual Killjoy this week? We want to hear from you! Follow us on @bisexualkilljoy on Instagram or email us at bisexualkilljoy@gmail.com.  References Center for Disease Control. (2016). HIV Among Gay and Bisexual Men. Cornier, J.R. (2019). Hanky Panky: An Abridged History of the Hanky Code. The History Project. Feinstein, B. A., Benjamin, I., Dorrell, K. D., Foley, S. E., Blumenau, H. S., Cragun, R. T., & Manalastas, E. J. (2022). An Examination of Attitudes toward Bisexual People at the Intersections of Gender and Race/Ethnicity. Journal of Bisexuality, 22(4), 463–484. https://doi.org/10.1080/15299716.2022.2084485  Hartman, J. E. (2011). Finding a Needle in a Haystack: Methods for Sampling in the Bisexual Community. Journal of Bisexuality, 11(1), 64–74. https://doi.org/10.1080/15299716.2011.545306  Nelson, R. (2024). Deconstructing the Clinging Myth of ‘Straight-Passing Privilege’ for Bi+ People. Journal of Bisexuality, 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1080/15299716.2024.2332873TL;DR of the above: New study debunks common myth around bisexual privilege (msn.com) Even more simplified: Think Bisexual People Have Straight Passing Privilege? Here's Why You're Mistaken - Everyday Feminism Peoples, L. The Old, Secret Style Language of the LGBTQ+ Community. Refinery29.

Join Bisexual Killjoy as we delve into the complexities of signaling bisexuality within the queer community and society at large. Today, we’re discussing the challenges bisexuals face in being recognized and accepted due to the pervasive binary correlation between gender and sexuality. From TikTok suppression to a need for validation in queer spaces, we’re tossing out our hottest takes around on heterosexual and queer signaling. For some reason, Bailey pops off on the historical and cultural influences on gender presentation and the perpetuation of heteronormative standards. You won’t want to miss it. Hosted by bi+ academics, writers, and advocates Bailey Merlin and Lynn Rios Rivera, Bisexual Killjoy talks all things bisexual (pansexual, omnisexual, plurisexual, and overall bi+ness) because bisexuality isn’t a phase; it’s a phenomenon.  Were you a Bisexual Killjoy this week? We want to hear from you! Follow us on @bisexualkilljoy on Instagram or email us at bisexualkilljoy@gmail.com.  References #StillBisexual. https://stillbi.org/. @stillbisexual_official Barber, E. J. W. (1994). Womens Work: The First 20000 Years Women Cloth And Society In Early Times. WW Norton & Company. Hutson, D. J. (2010). Standing OUT/Fitting IN: Identity, Appearance, and Authenticity in Gay and Lesbian Communities. Symbolic Interaction, 33(2), 213–233. https://doi.org/10.1525/si.2010.33.2.213  Kelly, I. (2007). Beau Brummell: The Ultimate Man of Style. Atria Books.

Happy Pride! Join Bisexual Killjoy as we explore the fluidity of sexuality and gender. Dive into discussions on liminal spaces, gender fluidity, and the misconceptions about bisexuality. We’re challenging the myth of bisexuals and trans-exclusion, looking at the unique intersection of bisexuality and gender fluidity, and unpacking the limited research on the subject we could find. Since it’s Pride, remember to celebrate your identity and give back to your community! Hosted by bi+ academics, writers, and advocates Bailey Merlin and Lynn Rios Rivera, Bisexual Killjoy talks all things bisexual (pansexual, omnisexual, plurisexual, and overall bi+ness) because bisexuality isn’t a phase; it’s a phenomenon.  Were you a Bisexual Killjoy this week? We want to hear from you! Follow us on @bisexualkilljoy on Instagram or email us at bisexualkilljoy@gmail.com.    References Cipriano, A. E., Nguyen, D., & Holland, K. J. (2022). "Bisexuality Isn't Exclusionary": A Qualitative Examination of Bisexual Definitions and Gender Inclusivity Concerns among Plurisexual Women. Journal of Bisexuality, 22(4), 557–579. https://doi.org/10.1080/15299716.2022.2060892  Ghabrial, M. A. (2019). "We can Shapeshift and Build Bridges": Bisexual Women and Gender Diverse People of Color on Invisibility and Embracing the Borderlands. Journal of Bisexuality, 19(2), 169–197. https://doi.org/10.1080/15299716.2019.1617526 Nelson, R. (2020). 'What do bisexuals look like?: I don't know!' visibility, gender, and safety among plurisexuals. Journal of Sociology (Melbourne, Vic.), 56(4), 591–607. https://doi.org/10.1177/1440783320911455 

We’re winding down Pride and Season 1! Bisexual Killjoy cordially invites you to discuss intimacy, sex, and relationship dynamics for all of us bi+ folks. We’re talking monogamy, polyamory, and how biphobic stereotypes hurt us all. Let’s get serious and laugh the whole time. Hosted by bi+ academics, writers, and advocates Bailey Merlin and Lynn Rios Rivera, Bisexual Killjoy talks all things bisexual (pansexual, omnisexual, plurisexual, and overall bi+ness) because bisexuality isn’t a phase; it’s a phenomenon.  Were you a Bisexual Killjoy this week? We want to hear from you! Follow us on @bisexualkilljoy on Instagram or email us at bisexualkilljoy@gmail.com.  Some stories with bi+ relationship (platonic, romantic, and erotic) representation: A Lot of People Live in This House, Bailey Merlin Foul Play, Cassandra Medcalf Friendsgiving with Benefits, Lizzie B. Brown

That’s a wrap on Season 1! We’ve talked about so much in the last few months: gender, invisibility, relationships, health, and what it means to be a Bisexual Killjoy. Join us one last time before the summer really heats up to reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re going next.  Hosted by bi+ academics, writers, and advocates Bailey Merlin and Lynn Rios Rivera, Bisexual Killjoy talks all things bisexual (pansexual, omnisexual, plurisexual, and overall bi+ness) because bisexuality isn’t a phase; it’s a phenomenon.  Were you a Bisexual Killjoy this week? We want to hear from you! Follow us on @bisexualkilljoy on Instagram or email us at bisexualkilljoy@gmail.com.  Resources Ahmed, Sarah. Feminist Killjoy Handbook. 2023. Angelides, Steven. A History of Bisexuality. 2001. Hayfield, Nikki. Bisexual and Pansexual Identities: Exploring and Challenging Invisibility and Invalidation. 2020. Ka’ahumanu, Lani and Hutchins, Lorraine. Bi Any Other Name. 1991. Shaw, Julia. Bi: The Hidden Culture, History and Science of Bisexuality. 2022. Winston, Jen. Greedy: Notes from a Bisexual Who Wants Too Much. 2021.

Welcome back, Bisexual Killjoys. Did you miss us? We missed you! In this episode, we’re getting on the same page, sweeping out the cobwebs, spilling the tea, and pumping ourselves up for our best season yet. So, if you don’t remember what a Bisexual Killjoy is, don’t worry; Bailey makes Lynn take us all back to school. Hosted by bi+ academics, writers, and advocates Bailey Merlin and Lynn Rios Rivera, Bisexual Killjoy talks all things bisexual (pansexual, omnisexual, plurisexual, and overall bi+ness) because bisexuality isn’t a phase; it’s a phenomenon.  Were you a Bisexual Killjoy this week? We want to hear from you! Follow us on @bisexualkilljoy on Instagram/Threads or email us at bisexualkilljoy@gmail.com.  Resources Ahmed, Sarah. Feminist Killjoy Handbook. 2023. Sullivan, Elizabeth. “Godmother of SexEd: Maggi Rubenstein.” FoundSF. 1997.

Bisexual Killjoy is back to talk about the intersection of gender and sexuality, this time with an expert opinion. This week we welcome the iconic Dr. Rosie Nelson into the fray to help us wrestle with what gender means for bi+ people, what it means to be Sexual Renegades and Sexual Outsiders, and the bi+ worldview. Dr. Rosie Nelson is a Senior Lecturer in Gender at the University of Bristol, England. Their work revolves around queer theory, bisexual identities, LGBTQ+ politics, and qualitative research methodologies. They recently published Making Space for Bi+ Identities: Explorations of Genders, Identities, and Relationships, published by Routledge, and are currently in the process of completing a SAGE textbook entitled Queer and Feminist Approaches to Qualitative Research Methods. You can find them on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @rosie_they  Hosted by bi+ academics, writers, and advocates Bailey Merlin and Lynn Rios Rivera, Bisexual Killjoy talks all things bisexual (pansexual, omnisexual, plurisexual, and overall bi+ness) because bisexuality isn’t a phase; it’s a phenomenon.  Were you a Bisexual Killjoy this week? We want to hear from you! Follow us on @bisexualkilljoy on Instagram or email us at bisexualkilljoy@gmail.com.  References Muñoz, José Esteban. Cruising Utopia: The Then and There of Queer Futurity. NYU Press. 2009. Nelson, Rosie. Making Space for Bi+ Identities: Explorations of Genders, Identities, and Relationships. Routledge. 2023. Nelson, Rosie, et al. Social media use among bisexuals and pansexuals: connection, harassment and mental health, Culture, Health & Sexuality, 25:6, 711-727. 2023. https://doi.org/10.1080/13691058.2022.2092213  Odell, Jenny. How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy. Penguin Random House. 2020. Yoshino, Kenji. The Epistemic Contract of Bisexual Erasure. Stanford Law Review, 52(353); 2000. https://openyls.law.yale.edu/handle/20.500.13051/3871 

Bisexual Killjoy is back to talk about our least favorite and most persistent myth: Bi+ men don’t exist! To help us navigate the double erasure of bi+ men, relationship navigation, monogamy, polyamory, and the radical act of being out, Rob Brooks Cohen joins us for a funny but informative episode.  Robert Brooks Cohen is a writer, creator, and life coach living in Los Angeles. He spent seven seasons writing and producing for Law & Order: SVU, among other shows. In 2019, he created Two Bi Guys, a podcast about sexual fluidity, masculinity, and the gender spectrum, and his first book, Bisexual Married Men: Stories of Relationships, Acceptance, and Authenticity, an oral history/memoir, was published by Routledge in 2023. Hosted by bi+ academics, writers, and advocates Bailey Merlin and Lynn Rios Rivera, Bisexual Killjoy talks all things bisexual (pansexual, omnisexual, plurisexual, and overall bi+ness) because bisexuality isn’t a phase; it’s a phenomenon.  Were you a Bisexual Killjoy this week? We want to hear from you! Follow us on @bisexualkilljoy on Instagram or email us at bisexualkilljoy@gmail.com.  References Cohen, Robert Brooks. Bisexual Married Men: Stories of Relationships, Acceptance, and Authenticity. Routledge. 2024.  Cohen, Robert Brooks. Two Bi Guys (By One Bi Guy) Podcast. Fern, Jessica. Polysecure: Attachment, Trauma and Consensual Nonmonogamy. Thornapple Press. 2020. Mangino, Kate. Equal Partners: Improving Gender Equality at Home Hardcover. St. Martin's Press. 2022. Where to Find Rob Website: www.RobertBrooksCohen.com Personal Instagram: @robertbrookscohen Project Instagram: @twobiguys Personal TikTok: @robertbrookscohen Project YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@twobiguys  Project Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TwoBiGuys/

Bisexual Killjoy is back to sit down with Poly Philia founder Leanne Yau to explore the intersections of polyamory and plurisexuality, diving into the challenges and stigmas that come with embracing these identities in a monogamous society. Leanne shares insights on how to practice polyamory in a healthy way, red flags to look out for, and whether polyamory belongs in the LGBTQ+ community. We debunk misconceptions of hypersexuality often projected onto bi+ and polyamorous folks and discuss how intimacy and visibility can help break down stigma. We challenge listeners to question normative relationships and embrace the radical nature of living authentically. Leanne Yau is a British award-winning polyamory educator, sex-positive advocate, speaker, writer, and queer sex therapist in training. She creates and curates daily bite-size multimedia content @polyphiliablog on non-monogamy, queerness, sex positivity, and neurodivergence, drawing from her lived experiences as a bisexual, autistic and ADHD, Asian agender femme. Leanne was named one of the ‘15 LGBTQ+ Educators Who Took Instagram Infotainment To The Next Level’ by Buzzfeed in 2021, one of Cosmopolitan's '10 Polyamory Experts to Follow on TikTok' in 2022, and one of Men’s Health’s ‘60 Top Influencers Who Are Actually Worth the Follow’ in 2023. Hosted by bi+ academics, writers, and advocates Bailey Merlin and Jace Rios Rivera, Bisexual Killjoy talks all things bisexual (pansexual, omnisexual, plurisexual, and overall bi+ness) because bisexuality isn’t a phase; it’s a phenomenon.  Were you a Bisexual Killjoy this week? We want to hear from you! Follow us on @bisexualkilljoy on Instagram or email us at bisexualkilljoy@gmail.com.  References Bi Survivors Network. http://bisurvivorsnetwork.org/ Fern, Jessica. Polysecure: Attachment, Trauma and Consensual Nonmonogamy. Thornapple Press. 2020. Hardy, Janet. The Ethical Slut, Third Edition: A Practical Guide to Polyamory, Open Relationships, and Other Freedoms in Sex and Love. Celestial Arts. 2017. OPEN (Organization for Polyamory and Ethical Non-monogamy). https://www.open-love.org/  Where to Find Leanne Yau Upcoming workshop on November 10, 2024: "Bisexuality and Non-Monogamy, feat. Leanne Yau and Zachary Zane": https://eventbrite.co.uk/e/bisexuality-and-non-monogamy-tickets-1012904724297?aff=Leanne Website: https://www.polyphilia.blog/  Peer Support: https://www.polyphilia.blog/peer-support Swag/Shop: https://polyphiliablog.threadless.com/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/polyphiliablog  Facebook: @polyphiliablog Instagram: @polyphiliablog Threads: @polyphiliablog TikTok: @polyphiliablog YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@polyphiliablog/videos

If there's one thing bi+ folks struggle with, it's not seeing themselves in media. Why is that a big deal? Because our identities are informed by the world around us; and when we do not find ourselves in that world, we can view that as a lack in ourselves. To help us explore the role of bi+ representation, we talk to the talented Patricia Silva.  Patricia Silva is a queer (bi/pan) nonbinary artist working with available light, cameras, words, research, and educational modules to facilitate a deeper understanding of the contours of identities, queer inquiry, and relationships between diaspora and place(s). They experiment through making photographs, photo books, videos and short films, as well as through conversation series that are live or in podcast form. Their photographs and short films have been exhibited, screened, and awarded internationally since 2013; and their writing has been featured in The LGBT Review, Cult Bytes, among others. Hosted by bi+ academics, writers, and advocates Bailey Merlin and Lynn Rios Rivera, Bisexual Killjoy talks all things bisexual (pansexual, omnisexual, plurisexual, and overall bi+ness) because bisexuality isn’t a phase; it’s a phenomenon.  Were you a Bisexual Killjoy this week? We want to hear from you! Follow us on @bisexualkilljoy on Instagram/Threads or email us at bisexualkilljoy@gmail.com.  Resources Film: Savage Nights (Les Nuits fauves), directed by Cyril Collard. 1992. Filmmaker: Pier Paolo Pasolini TV Show: The Bisexual, created by Desiree Akhavan and Rowan Riley. 2018. TV Show: The Magicians, created by Sera Gamble and John McNamara. 2015-2020. Patricia Silva  Appearance: Twink Time at Barbizon in New York City at the Hot Festival, Mx Media Program Appearance: Super Shorts Film Festival Publication: Silva, Patricia. "Outsmarting the City—How Queer Subcultures in Queensborough." The Physical and the Digital City, Invisible Forces, Data and Manifestations. Intellect Books, University of Chicago Press. 2024. Website: https://patriciasilva.com   Website: https://www.latentstudies.net 

In this episode of Bisexual Killjoy, we sit down for our first-ever in-person interview with Alicia Ortiz. Alicia shares insights on using songwriting to inspire social action, drawing from her extensive experience in organizing campaigns for LGBTQ+ equality, workers' rights, immigration reform, reproductive justice, and racial equity. Her work emphasizes coalition building and the transformative power of uniting diverse communities—a core principle in her anti-oppression programs and her teachings on empowerment, healthy relationships, and self-defense. Together, we explore how bi+ folks can strengthen their voices and find allies across different communities, even amidst erasure and rejection. Alicia’s passion for coalition building shines through as we discuss ways to sustain ourselves in activism, foster resilience, and recruit allies. Join us for an inspiring conversation on lifting up bi+ identities and the communities we support. Activist, educator, and musician Alicia Ortiz (pronounced a.LEE.cee.a) uses songwriting as a vehicle for uplifting people and inspiring social action. With a community organizing background, Alicia has led campaigns for queer and transgender equality, workers' rights, immigration reform, reproductive justice, and racial equity. Currently based out of Boston, MA, Alicia facilitates anti-oppression programs with students and professionals and teaches empowerment self-defense, healthy relationship skills, and sex education. She believes that coalition building is a virtue. Hosted by bi+ academics, writers, and advocates Bailey Merlin and Lynn Rios Rivera, Bisexual Killjoy talks all things bisexual (pansexual, omnisexual, plurisexual, and overall bi+ness) because bisexuality isn’t a phase; it’s a phenomenon.  Were you a Bisexual Killjoy this week? We want to hear from you! Follow us on @bisexualkilljoy on Instagram/Threads or email us at bisexualkilljoy@gmail.com.  Resources Galop. “Tackling biphobia.” Right To Be. “How to Respond to Public Harassment.” IMPACT Boston Alicia Ortiz  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alicia.vida.ortiz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alicia_vida_ortiz/

Bisexual Killjoy returns with a deep dive into the world of comics as a transformative medium for storytelling, particularly for bi+ narratives. This week, we’re joined by Kat Calamia, co-writer and co-creator of The Witches of Oz, The Beast & Snow, Nightmare in Wonderland, and Bi Visibility: A Bisexual Comic Book Anthology. Together, we explore how comics empower bi+ individuals to share nuanced, multi-layered stories that embrace the beauty and complexity of bi+ identities. Kat discusses her journey as a comic creator, the demand for bi+ representation as seen in her wildly successful Kickstarter campaigns, and how preserving bi+ stories through anthologies is a radical act of resistance. From crafting inclusive narratives to building community through storytelling, this episode showcases the power of comics to reflect and affirm bi+ experiences. Hosted by bi+ academics, writers, and advocates Bailey Merlin and Lynn Rios Rivera, Bisexual Killjoy talks all things bisexual (pansexual, omnisexual, plurisexual, and overall bi+ness) because bisexuality isn’t a phase; it’s a phenomenon.  Were you a Bisexual Killjoy this week? We want to hear from you! Follow us on @bisexualkilljoy on Instagram/Threads or email us at bisexualkilljoy@gmail.com.    Resources Bi Visibility: A Bisexual Anthology "Still Bi" Where to find Kat Calamia Twitter / X: https://x.com/ComicUno YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@haydenclaireheroes 

Bisexual Killjoy is back with a much-needed dose of bi-positivity! This week, Bailey and Lynn dive into the concept of bipositivity—what it means, why it matters, and how it can profoundly impact the well-being of bi+ individuals. Joining us is Dr. Allison Cipriano, a newly minted PhD, assistant professor of social psychology at Ball State University, and co-author of “The Nature and Perceived Effects of Bipositivity Among Plurisexual Women,” published in the Journal of Bisexuality. Together, we explore how bipositivity fosters resilience, strengthens community bonds, and enhances mental health for bi+ folks, all while navigating a world that often erases or invalidates our experiences. From the joy of “me too” moments to the challenges of finding support from monosexual allies, this episode is a testament to the power of connection, representation, and unapologetic celebration of bi+ identities. Allison Cipriano is a bisexual woman, intersectional feminist, recently minted PhD, and new assistant professor of social psychology at Ball State University. She has been researching the intersections of stigmatized identities (particularly gender and sexuality), multi-gender attraction, sexual violence, and well-being since 2018. She teaches about gender, sexuality, sexual health, diversity, prejudice, and discrimination in addition to applied and feminist social psychology, research methods, and pedagogy. Her research focuses on understanding the identity-related experiences—including challenges and joys—among women and others with multi-gender attraction, with the aim to better understand our communities and improve our lived realities. Hosted by bi+ academics, writers, and advocates Bailey Merlin and Lynn Rios Rivera, Bisexual Killjoy talks all things bisexual (pansexual, omnisexual, plurisexual, and overall bi+ness) because bisexuality isn’t a phase; it’s a phenomenon.  Were you a Bisexual Killjoy this week? We want to hear from you! Follow us on @bisexualkilljoy on Instagram/Threads or email us at bisexualkilljoy@gmail.com.    Resources Allison E. Cipriano & Kathryn J. Holland (2024) The Nature and Perceived Effects of Bipositivity Among Plurisexual Women, Journal of Bisexuality, 24:2, 111-149, DOI: 10.1080/15299716.2024.2309406  Where to find Allison Cipriano Research: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Allison-Cipriano-2  Twitter: @aecipriano

That’s a wrap on Season 2! In our season finale, Bailey and Jace reflect on their journey through a season packed with bi+ insights, activism, and community building. From personal growth to political resistance, this episode dives deep into what it means to center bi+ness in your life, research, politics, and activism. Join us as we discuss the power of solidarity, the importance of preserving bi+ history, and the transformative potential of bisexuality as a form of resistance. Plus, we share tangible actions to stay engaged, safe, and empowered as we navigate uncertain political times. Hosted by bi+ academics, writers, and advocates Bailey Merlin and Jace Rios Rivera, Bisexual Killjoy talks all things bisexual (pansexual, omnisexual, plurisexual, and overall bi+ness) because bisexuality isn’t a phase; it’s a phenomenon.  Were you a Bisexual Killjoy this week? We want to hear from you! Follow us on @bisexualkilljoy on Instagram or email us at bisexualkilljoy@gmail.com.    Resources Change.org. “Community power: How to get involved in local politics.” 2024 Oct 9. Find a mutual aid network near you: https://www.mutualaidhub.org/ 

Welcome back to Bisexual Killjoy! We’re kicking off Season 3 with a deep dive into intersectionality—what it actually means, how it’s been co-opted, and why it’s essential for bi+ folks navigating multiple forms of marginalization. Originally coined by legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw, intersectionality is not just about personal identity—it’s a framework that reveals systemic gaps where people are most vulnerable. In this episode, Bailey and Jace break down how overlapping systems of oppression impact bi+ people and why single-issue solutions will never be enough. This season is all about resistance. As political attacks on queer and trans rights escalate, we need tools to fight back. We discuss why bi+ folks have always existed in the margins, how systemic failures disproportionately harm those at multiple intersections, and what we can do to build a stronger, community-driven movement. From staying informed to supporting bi+ activists and creating sustainable activism, we’re focused on real actions, not just talking points. Hosted by bi+ academics, writers, and advocates Bailey Merlin and Jace Rios Rivera, Bisexual Killjoy talks all things bisexual (pansexual, omnisexual, plurisexual, and overall bi+ness) because bisexuality isn’t a phase; it’s a phenomenon.  Were you a Bisexual Killjoy this week (or since we saw you last)? We want to hear from you! Follow us on @bisexualkilljoy on Instagram or email us at bisexualkilljoy@gmail.com.  Resources Crenshaw, Kimberlé. “Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory and Antiracist Politics," University of Chicago Legal Forum: Vol. 1989: Iss. 1, Article 8. Available at: http://chicagounbound.uchicago.edu/uclf/vol1989/iss1/8  Serano, Julia. Excluded: Making Feminist and Queer Movements More Inclusive. Seal Press, 2013. Find a mutual aid network near you: https://www.mutualaidhub.org/

Welcome back to Bisexual Killjoy! This week, we’re diving into bi+ mental health with a very special guest: Dr. Mimi Hoang. In honor of Bi+ Health Awareness Month, we discuss the mental health disparities bi+ folks face, the lack of research on bi+ BIPOC communities, and why it’s critical to have bi+ affirming mental health professionals. We also explore the role of community as a protective factor, how bi+ activism has shaped national advocacy efforts, and practical steps bi+ folks can take to access care and support. Dr. Mimi Hoang is an internationally recognized psychologist, life coach, public speaker, and community organizer specializing in the LGBTQ+ and Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Since the 1990s, she has co-founded three organizations for bisexual, pansexual, and fluid ("bi+" if you’re nasty) individuals - the Los Angeles Bi+ Task Force (LABTF), amBi Los Angeles, and Fluid at UCLA. Dr. Mimi has authored multiple publications and earned a seat at the landmark 2013 White House Bisexual Community Roundtable, which sparked her focus on bi+ affirmative counseling and mental health. Her steadfast leadership has earned her multiple awards and recognitions, including being one of Go Magazine's "100 Women We Love" and being named “One of the Most Significant Women in the Bisexual Movement.”  Hosted by bi+ academics, writers, and advocates Bailey Merlin and Jace Rios Rivera, Bisexual Killjoy talks all things bisexual (pansexual, omnisexual, plurisexual, and overall bi+ness) because bisexuality isn’t a phase; it’s a phenomenon.  Were you a Bisexual Killjoy this week? We want to hear from you! Follow us on @bisexualkilljoy on Instagram or email us at bisexualkilljoy@gmail.com.  Resources Living in Color Therapy: https://www.livingincolortherapy.com  B+ Well Conference 2025: https://labitaskforce.org/b%2B-well-conference  Where to find Mimi Hoang Website: https://drmimihoang.com/index.html  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMimiHoang/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmimihoang