Evan Rachel Wood warns about bisexual discrimination: 'Erasure is causing people harm'

'You're totally looked down upon in and out of the LGBT community,' actress says

Evan Rachel Wood (Getty)

Evan Rachel Wood has spoken about the “negative connotations” surrounding bisexuality and said while dismissing labels categorising sexuality is a good idea, labels can be a source of comfort with those who identify a certain way.

The Thirteen actress came out as bisexual in 2012 and has continually spoken out about the prejudices which face those who identify as bisexual. Last year, Wood sought to educate those who fail to understand the sexual orientation and warned of bisexual erasure which the LGBT organisation Glaad define as when “the existence or legitimacy of bisexuality is questioned or denied outright”.

Wood says there continues to be “negative connotations” associated with bisexuality largely because people don’t understand it.

“I think because we’re usually erased, people just don’t have the information,” she told Time. “There’s so many negative connotations with that label.”

The 28-year old also said that while dropping labels which categorise sexualities is a “great idea” being able to identify with the bisexuality category helped her.

“I understand the argument abut labels and the desire to do away with them altogether,” she said. “I think that’s a great idea. But before that we have to give people a chance to identify with somebody or a group in some way. That helped me. It’s so confusing, especially when there’s not a lot of information out there… Erasure is causing people harm and diminishing self-esteem and putting people in harm’s way.”

Wood, who has previously attracted media attention for her high-profile relationships with Marilyn Manson and Jamie Bell, said she used to feel “ashamed” about her sexuality but now believes speaking out is one of the best way to combat prejudices against bisexuality which she says come from both gay and straight people.

“You’re dealing with the shame that the world has imposed upon you and then on top of that the shame of identifying that way, You’re totally looked down upon in and out of the LGBT community. A good way to combat that and the stereotypes is to be vocal,” she said.

A number of high-profile individuals have shunned the idea of labelling their sexuality and instead lauded a more fluid approach to sexuality and dating such as Kristen Stewart who has continuously spoken of her desire not to have her sexuality categorised.

In May, the Twilight actress said: “Me not defining it right now its the whole basis of what I’m about. If you don’t get it, I don’t have time for you.”

A week before, Pretty Little Liars actress Shay Mitchell said she was “never” going to label her sexuality.

“Right now I’m dating a guy. I don’t know what I’ll be doing in three years […] I’m never going to label myself.