Bi the Way (2022) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

The Roadtrip Begins

The documentary creators set out on a roadtrip across America to meet five young people confronting issues relating to bisexuality. The journey serves as the framework connecting each personal story. Along the way, the film sets out to explore themes of sexual ambiguity from multiple perspectives.

Meet Pam, the Former Cheerleader

The filmmakers introduce Pam, a former cheerleader from Memphis who is navigating her bisexuality. She moves between two very different worlds: the tolerance and sexual openness of her friendship group and the conservatism of her southern Catholic family. This tension shapes much of her personal journey.

Where

Memphis, Tennessee

Pam Torn Between Friends and Family

Pam continues to balance the acceptance she finds among her open-minded friends against the traditional expectations of her southern Catholic upbringing. Her story illustrates the stark contrast between religious conservatism and the progressive attitudes of her peer circle. The filmmakers capture her struggle to live authentically in both environments.

Where

Memphis, Tennessee

Meet Tahj, the Hip-Hop Dancer

The roadtrip introduces Tahj, a Black hip-hop dancer who has enjoyed little success with girls. His story explores the intersection of sexuality, race, and community expectations. He represents young people seeking love while facing pressure from the culture around them.

Tahj Connects With a Man on MySpace

Tahj forms a relationship with a man he meets on the social networking site MySpace. This connection marks a turning point in his understanding of his own sexuality. What begins as an online encounter grows into a meaningful new romance.

Tahj Weighs Love Against Rejection

Tahj must weigh the potential rejection from his community against his newfound love. His dilemma highlights the pressures faced by young Black men exploring bisexuality. The filmmakers document his emotional journey as he decides what matters most to him.

Meet Taryn, Contemplating Marriage

The documentary introduces Taryn, a 28-year-old woman contemplating marriage to her boyfriend. At the same time, she embarks on a new romance with a woman. Her situation immediately tests the limits of monogamy and the boundaries of gender roles.

Taryn Questions Monogamy and Identity

As her two relationships develop, Taryn confronts difficult questions about commitment and identity. Her story challenges conventional ideas about what relationships are supposed to look like. The filmmakers follow her as she navigates this emotional crossroads.

Meet David, Defying Expectations

The roadtrip introduces David, a 24-year-old who defies the expectations of his parents and ex-girlfriends to assert his bisexuality. His openness puts him at odds with people closest to him. His story demonstrates the courage required to live openly about one's identity.

David Reconciles Tradition and Openness

David works to reconcile his traditional values with his open-minded views on sexuality. He seeks a way to honor his upbringing while staying true to himself. His journey shows that bisexuality and traditional values can coexist in one person's life.

Meet Josh, the Youngest Voice

In San Antonio, the filmmakers meet Josh, an 11-year-old boy with a gay father. Josh is beginning to notice a growing interest in girls. He is the youngest of the five participants and brings a unique generational perspective to the film.

Where

San Antonio, Texas

Josh Fears His Father's Rejection

Josh worries that his gay father will reject him if he pursues his growing interest in girls. His fear reveals how children of LGBTQ parents can face their own anxieties about acceptance. The film treats his story with sensitivity, capturing the innocence of his concerns.

Where

San Antonio, Texas

Evolutionary Biologists Weigh In

Interwoven with the personal stories, evolutionary biologists offer scientific perspectives on bisexuality. They discuss how sexual ambiguity may fit into broader patterns of human behavior and evolution. Their insights give the film an academic foundation alongside the emotional narratives.

Psychologists and Anthropologists Add Context

Psychologists and anthropologists contribute their perspectives on bisexuality and human sexuality. They explore the social and cultural dimensions of the themes raised by the five participants. Their commentary connects individual experiences to universal questions about identity and desire.

The Roadtrip Concludes

The journey draws to a close, having followed five young Americans through their personal struggles with bisexuality. Each participant's story contributes to a larger portrait of sexual ambiguity in America. The film ends with a richer understanding of tolerance, identity, and love.