By AfterEllen.com staff March 15, 2010
In our first annual Top 50 Lesbian and Bi Characters poll, we asked you to vote for your favorite characters from film, television, and internet shows.
You cast your votes, and now we have the results. Before we reveal the winners, let's take a look at some of the trends that emerged.
Almost all of the characters were from films and television shows that made their debut after the year 2000. A few of the exceptions include Kerry Weaver from ER, and the ass-kicking ladies from Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
While most of the characters were from US productions, a fair amount came from international shows, including our top two characters (from the UK show Skins).
Also notable was the fact that some of your favorite characters, the leads from Xena: Warrior Princess (which ran from 1995-2001) and Idgie Threadgood from the film Fried Green Tomatoes (1991), were never officially presented as lesbian or bisexual.
It's probably no coincidence that those characters emerged at a time when there was far less lesbian/bi visibility in the media, forcing viewers to make the most of the "subtext" provided to them by the studios and networks. As a result, these unofficially queer characters went on to become positive iconic figures in pop culture who are still beloved by their queer fans.
While our poll welcomed nominations from film, television and internet shows, only one web series was represented in the Top 50. Anyone But Me produced not one but two of the most popular characters, Aster and Vivian.
Finally, The L Word's strong ensemble cast made an impressive showing in our poll. Of the top ten characters, four were from the show, and nine L Word characters total made the top 50.
Congratulations Eden for making to top 50! We will miss You as Bianca.
Click Title for Picture of Eden as Bianca
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