By Meg Sharma

The many successful years of shows like Love Island, Take Me Out, and Ex on the Beach have proved one thing – the British public are obsessed with watching and commenting on other peopleÔÇÖs love lives. Whether we all just love a gossip or are just a bit nosy, itÔÇÖs hard to avoid these shows and the inevitable ÔÇÿOMG did you SEE last night’s episode?!ÔÇÖ

However, these shows, especially in recent years, have been increasingly difficult to relate to. With the ever progressive society we live in, I have found myself dreaming of a bisexual+ (pansexual, fluid etc.) dating show (seriously, how good would an all bi+ Take Me Out be?).

While shows such as Naked Attraction and First Dates have thoroughly embraced the LGBT+ community, the Bi-Life is a welcome addition to the current roster of British dating reality shows.

For many bisexuals+, erasure is a massive problem. If youÔÇÖre dating someone of the same gender youÔÇÖre misconceived as gay. If youÔÇÖre dating someone not of the same gender, youÔÇÖre misconceived as straight. Bisexuals+ are often made to feel like they have to prove they like more than one gender, or they’re only claiming to be bi. TheyÔÇÖre often made to feel like they arenÔÇÖt LGBT+ enough, such as being shunned at Pride events if they come in a ÔÇÿstraightÔÇÖ relationship.

The Bi-Life, which follows singletons who are attempting to ÔÇÿnavigate the rocky road of bisexual+ datingÔÇÖ, is the first UK reality show of its kind, and is removing the stigma and confusion surrounding the bisexual+ community.

The show is hosted by RuPaul’s Drag Race season 6 runner up and Celebrity Big Brother 2018 winner Courtney Act, also known as Shane Jenek, who is a huge advocate for LGBT+ rights and representation.”ItÔÇÖs high time that there was a dating show for the large number of young people today, like me, who are attracted to more than one gender” Jenek said. “In 2018 we know that sexuality is fluid and sharing the stories and experiences, the laughter and the love making, of young bi people is so important”.

Jenek summarises the importance of the show perfectly. ItÔÇÖs about sharing experiences and learning from one another. For some of the cast, this is their first time experimenting with and exploring their sexuality. This is also the first time that most of the cast have felt free to be completely themselves, having often faced judgement after coming out in their jobs or social circles, which is sadly an experience most bisexual+ people can relate to.

The cast is made up of four boys; Kyle, Michael, Matt and Ryan, and five girls; Mariella, Leonnie, Irene, Daisie and Carmen.Their ages range from 21-33, proving that there is no right age to explore your sexuality. ┬áThey live together in a sunny Barcelona villa, taking part in dates, which are usually gender-blind, as well as swanky parties. It sounds like itÔÇÖs going to be a whole lot of fun, and filled with drama.

The series premieres on E! Tonight (Thursday 25th Oct) at 9pm.