Challenges and Possibilities for Bisexual Picturebooks

Abstract

Since 1979, English-language picturebooks portraying lesbian, gay, and transgender characters have been published in increasing numbers, yet despite this growth bisexual people remain unrepresented within the medium. In this article, we explore the usefulness of naming and portraying bisexuality in picturebooks and argue that the present lack of bi representation constitutes a form of bisexual erasure. We develop a set of criteria for bisexual representation for future use in the picturebook format, the utility of which we test using a Spanish-language example with a bisexual character. Finally, in addition to offering much-needed representation for bi youth parallel to that which is available for lesbian, gay, and trans children, we contend that portraying bisexual characters holds liberatory potential for all children, as a means of challenging a system of attraction centered on gender.