Homosexuality and stereotypes

There is something I've noticed quite a bit in our American culture. Being completely gay, lesbian, or heterosexual is almost more acceptable and taken seriously than bisexuality. I've also noticed that bisexuality is often trendy among younger teens, making those who are actually bisexual fade into the crowd. Now, I'm not saying that those who claim to be bisexual aren't, but I've noticed that many young girls will call themselves bisexual even though they have no interest in the same sex. Basically they are just faking it because their favorite celebrity claims to be. Celebrities such as Megan Fox, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry claim to be bisexual, but are they really? Or are they saying so just for a publicity stunt? A female friend I have has had a steady girlfriend for three years and has had boyfriends as well. She is actually attracted to men and women, even if she tends to prefer women over men. She always complains to me how the trendiness of bisexuality in the media makes her relationships look like stunts for attention. Now I see the glamorization of homosexuality in media to have good and bad points. Some good points would be the exposure and acceptance that homosexuality has now in media. It is okay to be gay in Hollywood, which is quite a span since the 20's and 30's where being gay was seen as completely nuts and often portrayed in extremely camp fashions. As we enter 2012, I see more portrayal of gays and lesbians in sitcoms, television and literature. It is great! But, there are downsides to this glamorization. Some negatives would be how those who are indifferent to homosexuality views homosexuals based on what is presented to them through movies. Now those who accept homosexuality view the outrageous and hilarious ways gays are presented in movies as a way of mocking gay stereotypes from the old days of Hollywood. It is all for fun and not to be taken seriously. But, those who really have no opinion of gay culture see these outlandish stereotypes and take it as backup for their hatred of homosexuals. Many see these ways that the media interprets homosexuals as truth for every gay and lesbian. This is often seen with bisexuality. Since homophobic individuals see bisexual celebs and see it as a trend, they will not take those who are actually bisexual seriously. Perhaps we should take sexual orientation a little more seriously and not just throw around therms that don't apply to a certain individual.

Bisexuality hasn't just been seen in today's culture either. In the 70's, bisexuality was brought to light with the glam rock era. Musicians such as Marc Bolan, David Bowie and even Mick Jagger were all accused of having same sex relationships or affairs. 

I guess my point is that sexual orientations should be taken with more seriousness than it seem to be. The lightheartedness can still leave gays and lesbians in a place where they aren't taken as seriously and heterosexuals because of the trend label thrown on them.