Bela Maholtra (played by Amrit Kaur) is a main character in the Max comedy series The Sex Lives of College Girls (2021-). She is an ambitious, sex-positive, and comedic presence at the fictional Essex College, with aspirations as a comedy writer looking to become a cast member or write for Saturday Night Live by first entering the prestigious Catullan, the college’s famous MAD-style comedy magazine.
Unlike her other roommates, Bela plunges directly into the dating scene and hookup culture at Essex, eagerly pursuing sexual experiences and romantic encounters. Although initially, her storylines are about her struggles in the male-dominated comedy scene at The Catullan and the sexism and harassment she experiences, by season 3, her arc has shifted toward personal growth and self-discovery, leading up to her realization and acceptance of being bi.
In the season 3 finale, Bela comes out to her roommates as bi, after realizing that she might have feelings for Haley, a friend and fellow comedian who works with her writing a stand-up piece. Compared to her ex-roommate Leighton’s experience, her coming-out is more subtle and nonchalant, reflecting the nuances of her sexual fluidity.
Throughout the show, her attraction to women is hinted at in small moments and interactions with other characters. While during the first 2 seasons, Bela primarily dates men, she constantly makes comments about liking and being attracted to women, jokingly, albeit with a subtle undertone of sincerity.
Bela’s arc adds much-needed bisexual representation to the show, especially as she is one of the main characters. Unlike other LGBT characters in The Sex Lives, Bela’s aha! moment comes gradually, and then all at once, reflecting a common experience for bi folk, especially those who may have only been in straight relationships. By allowing Bela’s realization to happen gradually, the show provides a refreshing take on bi experiences, reminding the audience that discovering your sexuality can be a gradual and evolving process.
You can find an entry about this show in our Bi Media section.