New GLAAD report reveals more bisexuals on TV

"Grey's Anatomy" has lead bisexual character Dr. Torres

The annual media report by GLAAD shows some improvements on depicting bisexuals on television—and some major breakthroughs.

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation has issued a report card for the networks and cable channels showing inclusivity for bisexual, gay, lesbian and transgendered characters on their shows. They also grade the networks.

You can see the full report by clicking here.

But of course, I'm looking at it with a "Bi Eye," and I'll give you the bi-lights.

The report uses the U.S. Census projections that an estimated 6.8 percent of Americans older than 18 (about 15.3 million)—and who identify as LGBT—are watching TV at any one time.

HBO and The CW did pretty well, but here is what they said about bi characters:

• Alan Ball's "True Blood" on HBO is a thinly-disguised allegory for the trouble of GLBT people in the mainstream world, trying to gain acceptance. They point out one episode where a gay vampire is kidnapped by a female mortal who is addicted to vampire blood.

• They credited CW for having bisexual and transgender contestants on "America's Next Top Model" which also featured bisexual model, Elina Ivanova.

• Fox dropped in its depiction of gay men, but their number of bisexuals increased to 39 percent, mostly because of bi characters on "House" and "Bones." The well-rounded bisexual characters Thirteen in "House" and Angela in "Bones" were touted as positive bisexual representations.

• "Brothers & Sisters" on ABC was noted for having an older guy Saul come out later in life.

• They pointed out the bisexuality of "Grey's Anatomy" lead character Dr. Callie Torres.

Dr. Callie Torres became the most prominent bisexual character on network television as she explored her relationship with Dr. Erica Hahn while also remaining attracted to Dr. Mark Sloan. Though her relationship with Erica fizzled, Callie has found happiness with new character Dr. Arizona Robbins

• Showtime showed a 25 percent rating for bisexuals.

• MTV featured 31% bisexual representation. The reality show "The Real World: Brooklyn" broke ground by featuring the series’ first ever transgender cast member, Katelynn. Alongside Katelynn were gay dolphin trainer JD and bisexual art therapist Sarah. As in all seasons of The Real World, the roommates were frequently at odds with each other. However, through Katelynn, the season offered an insightful narrative as her roommates (and viewers) came to a greater understanding of trans and bi issues.

• The FX network had 25% bisexual representations in its total programming 

• On "Nip/Tuck" the character of Dylan McNamara has an ex-wife Julia who develops a relationship with a girl, Olivia.

• The ABC medical drama, "Private Practice," featured an episode with new parents grappling over whether to perform surgery on their intersex newborn.

• They pointed out the CBS reality series "The Amazing Race, " which featured gay Rev. Mel White and his bisexual screenwriter son, Mike.

• "The New Adventures of Old Christine" was mentioned for the CBS show depicting the wedding of two female characters who weren't actually gay, but featured out bi actress Megan Mullally as a comfortable lesbian.

• Like the controversial bisexual MySpace celebrity Tila Tequila, bisexual twins Rikki & Vikki searched for their one true love among a pool of 12 straight men and 12 lesbian women on "A Double Shot at Love" on MTV.

• Bravo had bi supermodel Jenny Shimizu as a judge on "Make Me a Supermodel" and "Top Chef" and included bisexual contestants.

• "The Cho Show" on Logo features openly bi comedienne Margaret Cho.

• On the upcoming "Stargate Universe (SGU)" on the SyFy Channel, actress Ming-Na will play a character who comes out and finds a female partner.

• In "My Boys" on TBS, a gay African-American guy was set up with the lead female character, which allowed for a short discussion of bisexual potential. 

• Of course, the coolest bi character is in "Torchwood," a spin-off of the supernatural series "Doctor Who," (who is also bi). The show on BBC America features openly bisexual Captain Jack Harkness and his boyfriend Ianto.

Then, there are negatives.

• On the bad side, a series "Sit Down, Shut Up" featured a character named Andrew who perpetuated problematic misconceptions about bisexual people. The series was thankfully short lived.

• Another show where two straight me were trying to convince family and friends they were gay for a cash prize was thought up by Fox, but yanked before it aired.

Obviously, we have a long way to go for the media to include bi characters on TV (and make them sensible), but it's a start.

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