Arts & Entertainment
‘Stranger Things’ star Shannon Purser comes out as bisexual
the actress revealed her sexuality after a “Riverdale” fandom spat
(Shannon Purser as Barb in ‘Stranger Things.’ Screenshot via YouTube.)
Shannon Purser, best known for her roles as Barb on “Stranger Things” and Ethel Muggs on “Riverdale,” has come out as bisexual.
The 19-year-old actress revealed her sexuality on Twitter after fans of “Riverdale” accused the show of queerbaiting. Two of the main characters, Betty and Veronica, share a kiss in an earlier episode of the show. Nothing romantic has been explored between the two characters since and fans of the relationship, known as “Beronica”, have taken to social media to tweet their disappointment.
In a now deleted tweet Purser mentioned, “angry Beronica stans” which caused “Riverdale” fans to share their issues with the kissing scene. Purser addressed the fighting in the fandom saying she was “disappointed with hateful people.”
Ships are great, being horrible to people who don’t ship your ship is not.
— Shannon Purser (@shannonpurser) April 18, 2017
Lemme clarify, not angry at beronica stans. Not even angry at rightfully upset beronica stans. Disappointed with hateful people. Peace ✌?
— Shannon Purser (@shannonpurser) April 18, 2017
She eventually opened up about her own sexuality in a note posted on Twitter.
“I don’t normally do this, but I figure now is just as good a time as any to get personal,” she wrote. “I’ve only just recently come out as bisexual to my family and friends. It’s something I am still processing and trying to understand and I don’t like talking about it too much,” Purser writes.
“I’m very very new to the LGBT community. I have never heard the term ‘queer-baiting’ in my life until today. That being said, I have never ever wanted to alienate anyone and my tweet was thoughtless. I wasn’t referring to all the Beronica shippers, just the ones who had been particularly cruel to me personally,” Purser continues.
— Shannon Purser (@shannonpurser) April 19, 2017
Earlier this month, Purser revealed she had been experiencing anxiety reconciling her faith and her sexuality.
“Getting comfortable with your sexuality is a process. It’s going to be ok. I wish I’d known that sooner,” Purser tweeted,
“Riverdale” airs on Thursdays at 9 p.m. on CW.
2025 D.C. Trans Pride was held at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library on Saturday, May 17. The day was filled with panel discussions, art, social events, speakers, a resource fair and the Engendered Spirit Awards. Awardees included Lyra McMillan, Pip Baitinger, Steph Niaupari and Hayden Gise. The keynote address was delivered by athlete and advocate Schuyler Bailar.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
Washington Blade’s unique archives chronicle highs, lows of our movement
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of LGBTQ Pride in Washington, D.C., the Washington Blade team combed our archives and put together a glossy magazine showcasing five decades of celebrations in the city. Below is a sampling of images from the magazine but be sure to find a print copy starting this week.
The magazine is being distributed now and is complimentary. You can find copies at LGBTQ bars and restaurants across the city. Or visit the Blade booth at the Pride festival on June 7 and 8 where we will distribute copies.
Thank you to our advertisers and sponsors, whose support has enabled us to distribute the magazine free of charge. And thanks to our dedicated team at the Blade, especially Photo Editor Michael Key, who spent many hours searching the archives for the best images, many of which are unique to the Blade and cannot be found elsewhere. And thanks to our dynamic production team of Meaghan Juba, who designed the magazine, and Phil Rockstroh who managed the process. Stephen Rutgers and Brian Pitts handled sales and marketing and staff writers Lou Chibbaro Jr., Christopher Kane, Michael K. Lavers, Joe Reberkenny along with freelancer and former Blade staffer Joey DiGuglielmo wrote the essays.
The magazine represents more than 50 years of hard work by countless reporters, editors, advertising sales reps, photographers, and other media professionals who have brought you the Washington Blade since 1969.
We hope you enjoy the magazine and keep it as a reminder of all the many ups and downs our local LGBTQ community has experienced over the past 50 years.
I hope you will consider supporting our vital mission by becoming a Blade member today. At a time when reliable, accurate LGBTQ news is more essential than ever, your contribution helps make it possible. With a monthly gift starting at just $7, you’ll ensure that the Blade remains a trusted, free resource for the community — now and for years to come. Click here to help fund LGBTQ journalism.
The fourth annual Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 17.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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