Culture

Nextflix show Big Mouth accused of biphobia and transphobia after controversial new scene

Viewers have criticised a Big Mouth scene that discusses the nature of pansexuality

Viewers have criticised a scene that discusses the nature of pansexuality

Animated comedy Big Mouth is facing criticism for a scene from its new season which tackles sexuality and gender identity. 

Viewers are accusing the Netflix show of being biphobic and transphobic following a scene featuring new girl, Ali, played by Ali Wong. 

Ali announces to the class that she is pansexual, that “bisexuality is so binary” and “being pansexual means my sexual preference isn’t limited by gender identity”. 

When questioned further Ali says: “Some of you like tacos and some of you like burritos and if you’re bisexual you like tacos and burritos… But I’m saying I like tacos and burritos, and I could be into a taco that was born a burrito… Or a burrito that is transitioning into a taco… And honey, anything else on the f*****g menu.” 

Many Big Mouth viewers are taking issue with this description of pansexuality and bisexuality. 

Viewers are accusing the scene of implying that transgender people do not belong to a real gender identity and that bisexual people cannot be attracted to transgender or non-binary people. 

One user wrote, “really, really not that hard to be like ‘Awh pansexual means I’m attracted to everyone regardless of their gender’ this just implies trans people are not real genders and that bisexuality is being transphobic.” 

Another wrote: “Stop spreading this false information. Bisexuality has never excluded anyone from the dating pool. Bisexuality includes ALL gender identities!” 

Others are defending the show, with one user posting that “Big Mouth is a dark satire that isn’t supposed to be taken seriously at all… the whole [thing] is a p**s take, chill”. 

But in response to the clip, actress and writer Mara Wilson said: “This is wrong and irresponsible. I get that it’s a comedy, but this is presented as truth within the show. Very disappointing.” 

In a separate tweet, Wilson responded to a user that said “I’m bi and this doesn’t bother me”.

She said: “Well good for you. But I don’t like misinformation being spread, or the implication that we are transphobic. There’s already a stigma. And as a ‘pop-culture’ nerd you should understand that people absorb lessons through pop-culture very easily.” 

The official Big Mouth Twitter account posted: “A lot of big feelings huh…” But are yet to address any specific backlash. 

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