Larry King Doesn't Get Anna Paquin's Simple Explanation of Bisexuality

C'mon, Larry!

Anna Paquin Husband
(Image credit: Archives)

Society has come a long way over the past few decades in terms of understanding sexuality, but then there are those moments where we're reminded that it hasn't come far enough. During an interview with Larry King on HuffPostLive, Paquin and King strayed from the upcoming final season of True Blood to the topic of her bisexuality, which was a difficult topic for King to wrap his head around. Paquin, a self-identifying bisexual, is currently married to True Blood co-star Stephen Moyer. King then claimed that because Paquin is currently in a heterosexual relationship, she must no longer identify as a bisexual. Paquin tried to shut him down pretty quickly (and in very simple terms), telling him that sexuality "isn't a past tense thing"

"Are you still straight if you are with somebody, and if you were to break up with them or if they were to die, it doesn't prevent your sexuality from existing," she told him. "It doesn't really work like that." Um, duh. Larry King, what century are you living in? Bisexuals don't flip flop from heterosexual to homosexual based on their current relationship. That's the entire reason why the term bisexualeven exists: Because they're attracted to two sexes. After that statement, King says something about "wishful thinking" (again, seriously?!) and then quickly switches to discussing the growing acceptance of the LGBT community today. Things may be getting better, but Larry King is proof that there's still some educating that needs to be done in the future.

Check out the full interview below, or if you'd like to tune into the slamdown, fast forward to 11:04.

Diana Pearl
Editor

I'm an Associate Editor at the Business of Fashion, where I edit and write stories about the fashion and beauty industries. Previously, I was the brand editor at Adweek, where I was the lead editor for Adweek's brand and retail coverage. Before my switch to business journalism, I was a writer/reporter at PEOPLE.com, where I wrote news posts, galleries and articles for PEOPLE magazine's website. My work has been published on TheAtlantic.com, ELLE.com, MarieClaire.com, PEOPLE.com, GoodHousekeeping.com and in Every Day with Rachael Ray. It has been syndicated by Cosmopolitan.com, TIME.com, TravelandLeisure.com and GoodHousekeeping.com, among other publications. Previously, I've worked at VOGUE.com, ELLE.com, and MarieClaire.com.