‘Stranger Things’ Star Shannon Purser Comes Out as Bisexual After Twitter Debate

The actress, who also stars on “Riverdale,” discussed her sexuality on Tuesday night

Shannon Purser Stranger Things
Netlflix

After a heated exchange with “Riverdale” fans, star Shannon Purser — also known as Barb from “Stranger Things” — came out as bisexual.

Purser posted a note to Twitter Tuesday night coming out to the public. She said she already came out to friends and family and didn’t want to talk much about it, but wanted to share to make a point and to apologize for previous remarks about fans.

“I don’t normally do this, but I figure now is just as good a time as any to get personal. 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,” she wrote in part.

https://twitter.com/shannonpurser/status/854538329546780678

Betty (Lili Reinhart) and Veronica (Camila Mendes) shared a kiss on a recent episode of “Riverdale,” sparking a conversation online about the sexualities of Archie’s two main love interests.

Purser, who plays Ethel on the show, tweeted at Cole Sprouse (Jughead) about “angry Beronica stans” in a since-deleted tweet. For those not caught up on internet fan slang, “Beronica” is the name given to the Veronica/Betty relationship. A “stan” is another name for a crazy fan.

This caused Purser to call out what she called “hateful people” in a series of tweets. In fandom communities, a “ship” is another name for a relationship — and “to ship” means you want two or more characters to get together.

https://twitter.com/shannonpurser/status/854476496299335680

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Some fans responded to Purser, clarifying their frustrations about the show, which they feel will most likely not let Betty and Veronica get together in a queer relationship. This is referred to as “queerbaiting.”

“beronica fans are frustrated because they were blatantly, undeniably queerbaited into watching the show,” wrote one user.

Later on in her note, Purser explained that terms like “queerbaiting” were new to her and that she wasn’t trying to insult any “Riverdale” fans or discount their frustrations.

“I’m very very new to the LGBT community,” she continued. “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… It wasn’t a wise or kind thing to say and I’m disappointed in myself, especially as a Christian who has always been taught to speak love to others.”

The news comes a week after Purser tweeted vague but reassuring statements about discovering your sexuality.

“Getting comfortable with your sexuality is a process. It’s going to be ok. I wish I’d known that sooner,” she wrote.

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In both cases, fans reached out with messages of support.

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