Karina Longworth Explores Bisexuality in Old Hollywood

Karina Longworth, the acclaimed host of the "You Must Remember This" podcast, has launched the 18th season of her show, titled "The Bisexuals." This new season shifts focus from contemporary Hollywood, which Longworth admits she no longer closely follows, to the rich and often overlooked histories of old Hollywood. For eighteen seasons, Longworth has dedicated her podcast to unearthing and narrating the complex stories of the film industry's past, encompassing gossip, rivalries, scandals, and even criminal events. The podcast's approach is to delve into the historical context of these narratives, providing a detailed and often revisionist look at figures and events that have shaped cinematic history.

"The Bisexuals" season specifically aims to illuminate the experiences and representations of bisexual individuals within the historical Hollywood landscape. Longworth has noted that even within ostensibly progressive circles, the concept of bisexuality is frequently met with skepticism, with some dismissing it as a "myth." This perception highlights a persistent societal misunderstanding and erasure of bisexual identities, which Longworth intends to address through her detailed historical research. The podcast's format typically involves in-depth narrative storytelling, drawing on a wide array of archival materials, interviews, and historical accounts to reconstruct past events and understand the motivations and circumstances of the people involved.

Longworth's career began as a film critic before she transitioned to podcasting, where "You Must Remember This" gained significant traction for its meticulous research and engaging storytelling. The podcast has covered a diverse range of topics, from the lives of iconic stars and the machinations of studio systems to the darker undercurrents of fame and power. By focusing on "The Bisexuals," Longworth is engaging with a subject that has historically been marginalized or misrepresented in mainstream discourse and historical accounts. The season promises to bring to light the nuanced realities of bisexual identities and relationships in an era where such discussions were often taboo or distorted.

The launch of this season underscores Longworth's commitment to revisiting and re-examining Hollywood's past through a more inclusive and critical lens. Her work often challenges conventional narratives and brings attention to figures and stories that have been sidelined. "The Bisexuals" season is expected to offer a comprehensive exploration of how bisexuality was understood, experienced, and portrayed in Hollywood from its early days through various decades, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of both the industry and the societal attitudes of the time. The podcast's extensive run and consistent quality have established it as a significant voice in historical and cultural commentary.