'Bachelor in Paradise' star responds to criticism over bisexuality: 'Segregation based on sexuality needs to die'
The trailer of Bachelor in Paradise’s latest season premiered on Monday night, featuring the usual drama that plague’s the show’s hopeless romantics. But it’s an unprecedented piece of the narrative that’s drawing some criticism to the show’s sixth season — a same-sex hookup with a former Bachelor contestant, Demi Burnett.
“I don’t care who sees this,” Burnett is heard saying in a clip before making out with another female cast member. “I know that I love this girl and I’m so happy that I found her.”
And although the trailer didn’t spoil who Burnett’s romantic interest is, she took to her Twitter to announce, “Spoiler alert: I’m a queer queen.”
Spoiler alert: I’m a queer queen 👸🏼💕🌈 #BachelorInParadise
— Demi Burnett (@demi_burnett) July 23, 2019
Thousands of people reacted to the news with messages of love and support for the 24-year-old, who is the franchise’s first cast member to be openly bisexual.
and we all, bow down. i love you always and forever. https://t.co/zMWXwQ5sII
— Hannah Brown (@AlabamaHannah) July 23, 2019
You are an absolute queen and I love you so freaking much ??
— Caelynn Miller-Keyes (@caelynnmk) July 23, 2019
This is what I’ve been waiting for.
— B (@breedapra) July 23, 2019
THANK U SO MUCH FOR BRINGING US SOME REPRESENTATION IN THE BACHELOR FRANCHISE THIS IS SO IMPORTANT
— jen 🤠 SEOUL TOWN ROAD (@liIacpjm) July 23, 2019
BISEXUAL DEMI BACHELOR IN PARADISE IS GONNA RULE
— Trent (@BarstoolTrent) July 23, 2019
Thank you for your bravery and putting yourself out there and bringing queer representation to #bachelornation this means so much to me 😭😭😭😭 we Stan so hard
— Mike for Bachelor (@bachel0rette) July 23, 2019
DEMI AND A GIRL ON PARADISE! FINALLY! WE GET SOME BISEXUAL REP ON THIS SHOW WITH A COUPLE. ??🧡💛💚💙💜#MenTellAll #TheBachelorette #BachelorInParadise
— Elana Rubin (@elanarubin) July 23, 2019
as a young queer girl, this makes me so happy to see rep in such heteronormative spaces. In conclusion, we have no choice but to stan. Can’t wait to see u living it up in paradise!!!
— katie (@katastrophe404) July 23, 2019
Still, the Texas-native received some backlash from Bachelor viewers who said that supporting this narrative has “ruined” the show.
This is the first season I WILL NOT watch BIP due to the same sex disgusting behavior on screen. I have nothing against their choice of lifestyle but I don’t like to have it shoved down my throat on TV . you ruined your show for me and 300 others,
— Judith Taylor (@JudithT70259263) July 24, 2019
if #theBachelorette #BachelorInParadise was going to realize bisexual/queer/gay people exist you sure as fuck know it was going to be a bottled blonde woman
— U can survive anything if u survive blackness (@Bleentastic) July 25, 2019
Twitter do your thing pic.twitter.com/GRMumqc7N5
— Demi Burnett (@demi_burnett) July 24, 2019
Now, both current and former Bachelor and Bachelorette contestants are coming to Burnett’s defense against the hateful messages that she’s received — including fan-favorite Kaitlyn Bristowe who wrote, “This makes me sick to my stomach.”
This makes me sick to my stomach. I hate bringing attention to this, but I love that we can all stand up against it. I’m proud of you Demi. And I’m proud of the show for evolving. https://t.co/7aTxuDugTn
— Kaitlyn Bristowe (@kaitlynbristowe) July 24, 2019
The hate below is absolutely abominable! Bravo to Demi for breaking barriers in The Bachelor Franchise and on a National Network in the pursuit of love and happiness. Regardless of your sexual preference, love is love is love. I support LGBTQ today and every damn day! 🌈 #pride https://t.co/z57jw3BWPb
— Jason Tartick (@Jason_Tartick) July 24, 2019
I can’t even begin to comprehend nor fathom this disgusting message. As a brother of a sister who’s lesbian, just know Demi, there’s nothing more beautiful than supporting those who get judged because of their gender preference. Demi we love you ?? https://t.co/6fAK9g2zYA
— Chris Randone (@ChrisRandone) July 25, 2019
Sorry you have to put up with this shit D.... Respect the hell out of you. https://t.co/fX39N2mP95
— Garrett Powell (@RgarrettP) July 24, 2019
Burnett personally responded to a couple of the messages where she even called one critic out for being homophobic. In one response to a since-deleted tweet the reality star wrote, “We are all humans. Segregation based on sexuality needs to die.”
I know you’re trying to mean well, however, the goal is for the LGBTQ+ community to not be viewed as separate. Saying they need a “rainbow bachelor” is a bit homophobic. We are all humans. Segregation based on sexuality needs to die. Coexist motha fucka https://t.co/JPpg1E7dDb
— Demi Burnett (@demi_burnett) July 23, 2019
Representatives for Bachelor in Paradise didn’t immediately respond to Yahoo Lifestyle’s request for comment.
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