Thursday, June 02, 2016

#ImWithAmber because biphobia is real

FAITH'S PERSONAL THOUGHTS ON #AmberHeard FACING DOWN BIPHOBIA EVERYWHERE

Image caption: Image is of bisexual identified actress Amber Heard appearing as a bi character in "Magic Mike XXL". 
Image Credit: ETOnline.com/MagicMikeXXL

Amber Heard is one of the top celebs to speak on bisexuality in a hella appropriate way. I'm surprised that more folks aren't stepping up to remind each other of her long history of being an open and out advocate for us. To that end some important previous quotes:

2010 (when Heard came out):
"I hate the idea of a label just as much as anyone else but I’m with who I’m with, I love who I love and I’m if not a better actress than I was yesterday and my personal life should have no effect on that. I think that the injustice of people staying in the closet is more than I can bear with a clear conscience and I couldn’t sleep at night if I was a part of that problem, if I was part of the lies. I personally think that if you deny something or if you hide something you’re inadvertently admitting it’s wrong. I don’t feel like I’m wrong. I don’t feel like millions of people are wrong because they love who they love or they were born how they were born. I’m proud to be on the right side of history and I can do nothing more than encourage people to look at their lives and ask “What side of history am I on?" - http://www.afterellen.com/movies/81884-exclusive-amber-heard-talks-about-being-out-in-hollywood
 2011:
On making her bisexuality known to the public:
"You can't respect yourself if you're afraid to be who you are. It requires bravery to do something no one else around you is doing. But the risk was outweighed by the possibility of playing into this horribly detrimental lie that some in Hollywood perpetuate." -http://www.gossipcenter.com/amber-heard/amber-heard-covers-womens-health-december-2011-562472#b5oB7r2F6IBPLtUl.99
 2013:
"In the Elle interview, Amber says she will never regret coming out as bisexual when she was in a relationship with Tasya van Ree. She told the mag: “I didn’t want to look like I was hiding anything. I’m not, and wasn’t ever, ashamed.” - http://www.afterellen.com/people/193876-amber-heard-will-never-regret-coming-out-as-bisexual
 ALSO 2013:
"In the Company interview, Heard says, “[Angelina Jolie] is an incredible example – just an incredible force in terms of challenging the status quo. I think she talked about [being bisexual] honestly, which I love her for. Honesty is best – staying quiet can be so detrimental.”  - http://www.pride.com/lifestyle/2013/11/11/amber-heard-cites-angelina-jolie-inspiration-embracing-her-bisexuality
2015 (years after being with Depp on not wanting her bisexuality to define her):
"I don't want to have to deny my sexuality in order to be me. But I don't want to have to be defined by it," she continued. "I'm fundamentally opposed to trying to edit myself to be palatable or popular. I don't give a f---. I fight, but I shouldn't have to." Heard also told the publication she had a part in rewriting her lines for the Magic Mike sequel to suggest that her character was bisexual and that she appreciated the film's "reversed gender roles."
http://www.people.com/article/amber-heard-times-bisexuality-hollywood

I'm grateful Still Bisexual founder Nicole Kristal has begun a sign on campaign (#ImWithAmber) focusing on ending the biphobic slant that many in mainstream and LGBT media are taking with this story. Let us work toward a world where we see everyone healed and healthy, with no one disposed or disposable.

To sign on:
http://binetusa.blogspot.com/2016/06/imwithamber.html