Bisexual Killjoy

S2E2: Bisexuality & Gender Fluidity, pt. 2 with Rosie Nelson

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 

S2E3: The Double Erasure of Bi+ Men with Rob Brooks Cohen

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/

S2E4: Plurisexuality & Polyamory with Leanne Yau

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

S2E5: Bi-Visibility in Media with Patricia Silva

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 

S2E6: Resisting Bi+ Oppression with Alicia Ortiz

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/

S2E7: Preserving Bi+ Stories in Comics with Kat Calamia

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 

S2E8: The Protective Role of Biposivity with Allison Cipriano

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

S2E9: Bisexuality Is My Resistance

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/ 

S3E1: Bisexual Killjoys at the Intersections

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/

S3E2: Bi+ Minds Matter with Mimi Hoang

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