Halloween is coming! But there is plenty of time to come up with costume if you haven’t already. With bisexual representation on the up, but still not quite registering with the masses, why not use the season of costumery to give your favourite bisexual characters some visibility.
Here we offer six starter characters to choose from, with costumes to varying degree of complexity, all the way from last minute to cosplay.
1. Wonder Woman
The number one superhero movie is still making her presence known. She’s the powerful hero that we all really deserved, the only worthwhile part of Batman Vs Superman (aka Martha’s Son Vs Martha’s Son), and will next be seen in the highly, but cautiously, anticipated, Justice League.
Comic book fans of Diana Prince will know that Wonder Woman is canonically bisexual but has yet to be explicitly portrayed as such on screen. Costumes will be readily available but you can always give it a bi twist with a cape in bi colours, or making a shield with some of her panels that discuss her sexuality. Or just be Wonder Woman because, when in doubt, be Wonder Woman.
2. Magnus Bane
Another Halloween costume that pivots only slightly from the super is the fan favourite from supernatural series Shadowhunters. Magnus, portrayed by Harry Shum Jr, also known as Glee’s Mike Chang, seems to exist in an outfit made for the spooky season. Its vampiric-eque hipster with numerous rings, a few piercings, a signature streak of pink of blue in black hair and, of course, lots of eyeliner.
For book purists, there are more descriptions of Magnus is brighter garb, including glitter hair and lips, as well as rainbow leather pants — these might be harder to get ahold of last minute though.
3. Karen Walker
You may have heard that Will & Grace has returned this year. After 10 years and a short reunion special, the core four have returned. Karen Walker is one of the show’s standout characters of questionable morals and with a barbed word for all. Karen is also one of the most fun and ridiculous characters, which makes her the ideal Halloween costume.
Try to imagine how impressed and offended Karen would be at having anyone attempt to copy her look, especially in affordable high street fabrics and a shake-and-go wig! One of the bonuses of this look is that it MUST be accompanied by a drink at all times, preferably a martini.
4. Darryl Whitefeather
Crazy Ex Girlfriend is back for a third season, and what better tribute than to get your Halloween style from, potentially, the only nice person in all of West Covina, California. The look for a Darryl costume could easily pull from his “Getting Bi” song. A white suit, half popped collar, purple shirt and signature moustache. Complete the look with bi flag to really represent with pride.
Darryl also works as a couples costume. Simply accessorise with a White Josh of your very own. For this, you partner in crime will need a tank top, shorts and an adorable smirk-smile. Big gym going arms are considered a bonus. Alternatives to White Josh are Daryl’s co-worker and fellow bisexual, Maya, who prefers a more admin assistant business look.
5. Korra
The Legend of Korra was a hugely popular anime series, and now a new continuation graphic novel, about the next legendary hero: The Avatar. Over four seasons, the water tribe warrior traversed lands, saved the world and battled various enemies. Though she had fleeting romances, the TV show left her as she walked hand in hand with Asami to a new world of adventures.
Korra wears a blue snow suit, though of the more native fashion with fur trim. If you’re worried about overheating at your Halloween bash, you’ll be relieved to know that the outfit comes sleeveless as standard. Asami and Korra works as a great couple costume, or if you’re going with a couple of friends, Korra’s allies Bolin and Mako can be substituted.
6. Prodigy
One of the lesser known mutants of the X-Men Universe, a de-powered Prodigy showed up in the (impressively diverse) Young Avengers to tell readers that he is bisexual. We all know how rare it is for a character to actually say those words. Prodigy’s look isn’t complicated so it’s perfect for those who aren’t cosplay level good at sewing. His main look involves a yellow and black jacket, yellow tinted glasses and black trousers.
There aren’t many bisexual characters to choose from, but there are probably more than you think. Comic book characters especially have quite a few known bisexual characters, from popular MCU figures like Loki, to up and coming young heroes like America Chavez (if you want a stars and stripes look that isn’t Captain America, this is the one for you).
Are you going to a Halloween party? Are you dressing up as a bi or pan character? Let us know!
