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Oliver Stark Celebrates Bisexual Day of Visibility with Steamy Workout Video
READ TIME: 13 MIN.
In celebration of Bisexual Day of Visibility on September 23, British actor Oliver Stark took to social media to share a sweaty, heartfelt workout video. Stark, known for his portrayal of Evan "Buck" Buckley on the hit ABC drama series 9-1-1, used the occasion to reaffirm his commitment to authentic and positive representation of bisexuality on television. In his post, Stark expressed pride in playing a character whose journey mirrors the real-life experiences of many bisexual people still navigating their identities, and he highlighted the need for diverse and nuanced LGBTQ+ stories in mainstream media .
Bisexual Day of Visibility, observed annually on September 23, aims to raise awareness of the unique challenges faced by bisexual individuals and celebrate their contributions to the LGBTQ+ community. Stark’s public acknowledgement and celebration come at a pivotal time, as discussions around bisexual visibility and representation in entertainment continue to gain momentum.
In his now-expired story, Stark appeared post-workout and spoke directly to fans, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to play Buck—a character whose bisexuality has been gradually revealed and explored on 9-1-1. Stark stated, “I feel proud to play a man still figuring out his bisexuality. It’s important that people see themselves on TV and know they’re not alone,” underscoring the necessity of representation for those who may not yet feel seen .
Since its debut in 2018, 9-1-1 has garnered praise for its diverse cast and willingness to tackle complex issues, including sexuality, mental health, and identity. Stark’s character, Buck, has become a fan favorite for his vulnerability and authenticity, particularly as the show’s writers have delicately explored his bisexuality in recent seasons.
The storyline has resonated deeply with viewers, many of whom have expressed appreciation on social media for seeing a bisexual man portrayed with nuance and empathy . Stark himself has previously spoken about consulting with LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and working closely with showrunners to ensure Buck’s journey reflects real bisexual experiences .
In interviews, Stark has emphasized the importance of moving beyond stereotypes, saying, “There’s a history of bisexual characters being depicted as confused or untrustworthy. What we’re doing with Buck is showing that figuring out your sexuality is a normal part of life—and it’s not something to be ashamed of” .
Stark’s Bisexual Day of Visibility post quickly garnered thousands of likes and supportive comments from fans and fellow actors. Notable LGBTQ+ organizations such as Stonewall and Human Rights Campaign applauded Stark for his transparency and advocacy, noting that media representation remains a crucial factor in combating stigma and isolation among bisexual people .
According to research from GLAAD, bisexual individuals often feel marginalized both within and outside the LGBTQ+ community, and seeing relatable, multidimensional characters onscreen can foster greater understanding and acceptance .
Fans expressed gratitude for Stark’s openness, with one Twitter user writing, “Thank you for being so genuine and showing the world that bisexual men deserve love and respect, too.” Another commented, “Buck’s journey helped me come out to my family. Representation truly matters” .
While portrayals of gay and lesbian characters have increased significantly in recent years, bisexual visibility continues to lag behind. A 2024 report from GLAAD found that only 28% of LGBTQ+ characters on primetime television identified as bisexual, and fewer still had storylines focused on their unique experiences . Stark’s performance and vocal support for the community are seen as steps forward in addressing this disparity.
Industry experts suggest that having high-profile actors like Stark champion bisexual storylines can shift public perception and encourage networks to invest in more inclusive programming. “It’s invaluable to have someone with Oliver’s platform speak openly about these issues. It sends a message to both viewers and creators that bisexuality is valid and worthy of thoughtful storytelling,” said Alex Schmider, Director of Transgender Representation at GLAAD .
Beyond his role on 9-1-1, Stark has been a vocal ally for LGBTQ+ rights, participating in Pride events and supporting campaigns for mental health awareness within the community . In recent interviews, he has reiterated his desire to see more stories about bisexuality and intersectional identities across all genres of television and film .
Stark concluded his Bisexual Day of Visibility message by encouraging others to embrace their authentic selves: “To anyone out there still figuring things out, know that you’re seen and celebrated. Your story matters, and I’m honored to help share it—both on screen and off” .
Oliver Stark’s public celebration of Bisexual Day of Visibility and his continued advocacy for inclusive storytelling mark a significant moment in the ongoing push for greater LGBTQ+ representation in entertainment. With Buck’s evolving journey on 9-1-1 and Stark’s willingness to use his platform for positive change, viewers are reminded of the power of visibility—and the enduring importance of seeing oneself reflected in the media.
