Thora Birch, the prolific actress whose career spans over three decades with iconic roles in Hocus Pocus, Now and Then, and American Beauty, has publicly identified as bisexual. The announcement was made during the 35th-anniversary celebration of The Abbey, a cornerstone LGBTQ+ establishment in West Hollywood. Birch, a Los Angeles native, utilized the event to express her long-standing connection to the queer community and to clarify her personal identity. Speaking at the event, Birch noted that the community has been instrumental in shaping her identity and that she felt it was important to show her support as a bisexual person. This public declaration marks a significant moment in the actress’s public life, aligning her personal identity with a professional legacy that has often intersected with themes of youth, rebellion, and social exploration.
The Context of the Announcement: The Abbey’s 35th Anniversary
The venue for Birch’s announcement, The Abbey Food & Bar, holds a storied position in American LGBTQ+ history. Founded in 1991 by David Cooley, it evolved from a small coffee shop into one of the most famous gay bars in the world. The 35th-anniversary event served as a focal point for the West Hollywood community, attracting various public figures and activists. For Birch, choosing this specific location to share her identity was a deliberate nod to her roots as an LA native.
Historically, coming-out narratives in Hollywood have shifted from high-stakes "exposés" to more integrated, community-focused declarations. Birch’s approach reflects a modern trend where established actors affirm their identities within the context of advocacy and community celebration rather than through curated tabloid exclusives. Her statement emphasized that her identity as a "bi person" is not a new development but a fundamental part of who she is, shaped by the environment in which she was raised.
A Retrospective of Birch’s Career and Cultural Resonance
Thora Birch’s career began in the late 1980s, but she became a household name in the 1990s. Her role as Dani Dennison in the 1993 Disney film Hocus Pocus remains a seasonal staple for millions. Following this, the 1995 coming-of-age drama Now and Then solidified her status as a generational talent. In that film, Birch played Teeny, a character defined by her glamour and aspirations, alongside a cast that included Gaby Hoffmann, Christina Ricci, and Demi Moore.
While Birch’s filmography has largely featured her in heterosexual roles, her work has frequently been adopted by LGBTQ+ audiences. Now and Then, in particular, has been retrospectively analyzed by film critics and queer theorists for its exploration of female bonds and subtextual queer energy. More recently, Birch participated in The Chronology of Water, a project directed by Kristen Stewart and based on the memoir by Lidia Yuknavitch. In that film, Birch played the sister of a bisexual character, marking one of her closest professional brushes with queer-centric storytelling to date.
Industry analysts suggest that Birch’s public identification may lead to a shift in her casting opportunities. During her appearance at The Abbey, Birch expressed an openness to revisiting past characters, including Enid from the cult classic Ghost World (2001) or participating in a potential sequel to Now and Then. While she did not appear in the 2022 sequel Hocus Pocus 2 due to scheduling conflicts, rumors of a third installment have led to speculation that her character, Dani, could return with a more developed narrative arc that reflects Birch’s own identity.
Trends in Bisexual Visibility and Industry Data
Birch’s announcement comes at a time when bisexual visibility in the media is under increased scrutiny. According to the 2023-2024 GLAAD "Where We Are on TV" report, bisexual+ characters make up a significant portion of LGBTQ+ representation, yet they often face unique challenges in storytelling, such as the "erasure" of their identity in favor of binary labels.
In film, the GLAAD "Studio Responsibility Index" has noted a slow but steady increase in the number of LGBTQ+ characters in major studio releases. However, bisexual women are often hyper-sexualized or portrayed as untrustworthy—tropes that advocacy groups are working to dismantle. By publicly identifying as bisexual, high-profile figures like Birch contribute to a more nuanced public understanding of the identity, moving beyond stereotypes and toward authentic representation.
Broader Developments in the Entertainment Industry
The news of Birch’s announcement coincides with several other major developments across the entertainment landscape, highlighting a period of transition and diverse storytelling in Hollywood.
The Future of the Wicked Franchise
Cynthia Erivo, who stars as Elphaba in the upcoming cinematic adaptation of the musical Wicked, recently addressed the possibility of future installments beyond the currently planned two-part release. In a feature for Variety, Erivo indicated that the physical and emotional demands of the production were immense, stating it would "take a lot" to return to the role for additional films. This highlights the grueling nature of modern tentpole filmmaking, even as studios look to maximize the longevity of successful intellectual properties.
Innovation in Adult Animation
Representation is also expanding in the realm of adult animation. Netflix’s Mating Season features lesbian actress Sabrina Jalees voicing a "nerdy lesbian fox," with Abbi Jacobson playing her hound dog ex-partner. This project represents a growing trend of utilizing animation to explore complex queer relationships and adult themes in a way that was previously reserved for live-action prestige dramas.
Genre Television and "Pure" Storytelling
In the realm of science fiction, the production team behind Star Trek: Strange New Worlds released a trailer for Season 4, promising a return to "pure storytelling." While the phrase remains ambiguous, it suggests a move away from hyper-serialized plots in favor of the episodic, character-driven narratives that defined the original Star Trek series. Simultaneously, HBO’s House of the Dragon is preparing for its third season, which is set to open with the "Battle of the Gullet," one of the most significant naval engagements in the source material’s history.
The Impact of Memoirs and Personal Histories
Laverne Cox is set to release her memoir, Transcendent, next month. The book details her traumatic childhood and her journey as a trailblazing transgender woman in Hollywood. Cox has stated that her goal is to provide a sense of community and visibility for others who have faced similar hardships. Memoirs like Cox’s serve as vital primary sources for understanding the intersection of identity and the arts.
The Intersection of Sports and Queer Media
One of the most anticipated upcoming projects in the queer cinematic space is Courtside, a sapphic romantic comedy centered on the WNBA. Directed and written by Brittani Nichols and Carly Usdin, the film is expected to feature actual WNBA players. This project arrives during a period of unprecedented growth for women’s professional basketball, with television ratings and attendance hitting record highs. The film aims to capitalize on this cultural moment by providing an authentic look at the lives of athletes through a queer lens.
In a similar vein, the Canadian medical drama SkyMed has returned for a new season, with critics noting that its lesbian characters are "thriving" in their relationships. The show has been praised for its matter-of-fact portrayal of queer life in high-stress professional environments, further normalizing LGBTQ+ narratives in mainstream international television.
Historical Perspectives and Allyship
The entertainment industry is also seeing a period of reflection from veteran performers. Margaret Cho recently spoke about the systemic barriers that forced her to turn down a role in Heated Rivalry, citing "horrible" reasons rooted in the industry’s past prejudices. Meanwhile, Mel C of the Spice Girls recently clarified her stance on her own sexuality, noting that while she is not a lesbian, she was offended by the historical assumption that her "Sporty Spice" persona—defined by athletic wear—automatically dictated her orientation. Her comments highlight the evolving understanding of gender expression versus sexual identity.
Additionally, Mara Wilson, the former child star of Matilda, has transitioned into a career as an audiobook narrator. Wilson, who is bisexual, has expressed that she does not foresee a return to traditional Hollywood screen acting, choosing instead to focus on literary work. Her trajectory mirrors that of many former child stars who seek more controlled, specialized careers away from the scrutiny of the film industry.
Conclusion and Future Implications
Thora Birch’s decision to come out as bisexual at this stage of her career is a testament to the changing social climate within the entertainment industry. It reflects a broader movement toward authenticity, where actors feel empowered to align their public personas with their private lives. As Birch looks toward the future, her involvement in projects like The Chronology of Water and her openness to reviving classic characters suggest a new chapter in her career—one that may be defined by a more explicit engagement with queer themes and narratives.
The collective updates from the world of film, television, and literature indicate a robust and diversifying media landscape. From the high-fantasy battles of House of the Dragon to the intimate memoirs of Laverne Cox and the groundbreaking representation in Courtside, the industry is increasingly reflecting the multifaceted nature of its audience. For Thora Birch, her announcement is not just a personal milestone but a contribution to the ongoing evolution of LGBTQ+ visibility in the global cultural conversation.
