R.K. Russell: Debunking the Myths of Bisexuality

R.K. Russell (former professional NFL football player, author, advocate) breaks down what it was like to be the first active NFL player to come out of the closet, the complexity around bisexuality, and compartmentalization as a survival mechanism. He reflects on his football beginnings, his close relationship with his single mother, and his struggles with internalizing society’s flaws and feeling “othered.” Russ opens up about his watershed moment when he first realized he was bisexual and his internal battle that ensued, juggling both his masculine and feminine tendencies, and how society’s incorrect views about sexuality impacted the conversation around his own within the football world. He explains why he strives to debunk myths around bisexuality, the intersectionality of being a queer person and a person of color, curation vs creation, and the importance of representation and inclusivity in sports. Russ reveals why he finally decided to make himself and his happiness a priority over football and his advice to those holding big secrets.
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R.K. Russell's book, The Yards Between Us: books.disney.com/book/the-yar...
Theme Song Written, Produced, and Performed by Ed Robertson. Mixed by Kenny Luong.
#MayimBialik​​​ #BialikBreakdown #RKRussell #NFL #bisexuality #LGBTQ

[@m_brokenleg]

The dedication of Rusell’s book to all “those still reluctant to come out” read by an emotional Mayim with almost a broken voice, put tears on my face remembering all my gay friends who died in the eighties from the AIDS epidemic not even been able to come out.. Said that, Mayim’s phrase here “We all have a story that leads to what we’re today” deserves to be in next MBB Mantra Prints Collection.

[@elissa3188]

As someone in the LGBTQIA+ -- I really appreciate the way he is talking about it, especially the part about the 50/50 for bisexual and how it just isn't that way. It is very hard to float in this "between."

[@nicolewilliams2468]

Russ sounds like a phenomenal human being. I just want to sit & chat with him in an indie coffeehouse about all the things, & then hear some of his poetry. ❤

[@marisamartinezolivera]

What a great episode about one of the most misunderstood, frequently denigrated and sometimes denied specters of queer sexuality!! How admirable he’s been and is beeing coming out in his “small world” of sometimes bad understood hipermasculinity! Bowing myself at R. K. Rusell! And as always at Mayim and Jonathan for this fabulous podcast I enjoy and love so much!

[@JulieWineReason]

What a beautiful person! I have to read "The Yards Between Us" now. I know my next comment is very parasocial, but I always feel uplifted when talented people in the public eye come out.

[@markjlabella8869]

This really makes me feel alive and seen and heard as my life truly parallels RK’s. I’m so thankful for this beautiful show, Mayim.

[@MayimBialik]

We are thankful to have you here, Mark! 🫶🧠

[@KamisKisses]

Yes!!! R.K, thank you for sharing your story. I can't believe that Bi erasure is still happening. I just came out to myself and am working on internalised bi-phobia. We need more representation so thank you💖 ✨

[@JulieWineReason]

I remember dealing with internalized bi/homophobia. It's so hard. If it helps, I can tell you it only gets better. Once you can accept yourself and love yourself for who you are, everything else in your life will be better because you'll approach everything on solid ground. Much love to you while you go through this important journey of self-discovery!

[@kayyylaaa___]

I just came out as bi earlier this year! So happy for you and immensely proud for working through the internalized biphobia (as well as all the outwards biphobia/erasure which is so exhausting). I am so happy to have you at the table

[@MayimBialik]

Huge congrats, Kamis!!! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈

[@leticiaperez243]

You guys never seize to amaze me in all these guests for us. Literally 2 of my favorite things in one episode. Football and Mayim. It's odd to me that football wasn't his big dream from his childhood. People do not expect a football player to be so well spoken, and to write as well as he does. His relationship with his mom is so sweet, I am so glad he talks about how much it meant to him. I have those conversations with my girls when I am tired etc and I always wondered if they noticed - hearing Russ talk about what is meant to him was so special. I am so glad to hear him say this isn't new and giving equal rights doesn't take away from you. Thank you for sharing Russ, For such a eloquent way to speak and to use your platform to help others - The Dedication totally made me tear up! He is such a "Fucking Bad Ass" as Mayim said.

[@orland0110]

Thank you so much for this awesome episode with R.K. Russell. Much love to you Mayim! ❤

[@tabbsjennings6884]

I grew up thinking I was Gay and being raised in Church DIDN'T WANT TO BE/ COULDN'T BE THIS WAY. Then I FINALLY ACCEPTED MYSELF I thought oh ok so maybe I am Bi , and now at 62 about a year and a half ago , I learned about Such terms as Demisexual and while I HATE LABELS GENERALLY I have Realized I am attracted to a person's Heart, Soul Energy not their Gender

[@MayimBialik]

🫶🌈👏

[@pilanemorake9375]

''Yes, I will play you in the movie" I love Mayim

[@iwnunn7999]

Didn't know much about this guy but thoroughly enjoyed your conversation with this very bright man.

[@firstlight7419]

When the compartments no longer hold everything... This sounds like an excellent book.

[@Fluffymck]

I’m still baffled by people not knowing bi u like both of everything I’m that

[@LorieRoebuck]

Didn’t want this one to end!!! Great interview but so much more to say and hear 😊 please have him on again❤

[@kristinmartin2899]

You have such amazing guests. Is it possible to get Michael Stoyanov? He was/is such an amazing actor. And it’ll be interesting to know about his process when acting and his story. His depth in Blossom was incredible.

[@nicolehall694]

What an amazing man! Great interview, as always. Thanks for your continued work, Mayim 🩷

[@daniellaplume3840]

Great interview

[@chanoellemusic2037]

In this episode I really see you as a new age Dr. Ruth❤

[@christinevr7698]

R.K. - what a wonderful authentic human; such a needed voice in this world today. Great episode. ❤

[@nicoley1286]

Love this podcast so much. Also, huge blossom fan. 😊

[@imcurtispenner]

"We no longer live in a time where anyone would even think to ask if your mother 'made' you...?" Really? I just got back from two weeks with my very catholic (lower case c was deliberate) latino in-laws that would prove 100% that we are not in that time.

[@LindaC616]

Oh, yeah. A friend's son in Perú had been exploring images on the laptop he shared with his older brother. Older brother told parents. Parents saw a therapist, who suggested that his father try to spend more time with him....like they could "cure" it 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️. He's (thankfully) found someone but it's still a big stressor bc while I got his mom to come around, his dad still won't accept it. And he still lives with his parents, as one does, at about 30. Pains my heart

[@angelaholmes8888]

I really need to read r.k memoir I hope by telling his story it will help others thanks for having him on

[@Faardrill]

Thank you very much for this video

[@tomlichnofsky.7048]

The Awesomeness Continues!! 😊👊✊😊🍁

[@robinedwards8796]

I love this conversation ☺

[@kristy_Henry]

love some bi representation 🏳️‍🌈🩷💛💙

[@MayimBialik]

🏳️‍🌈🌈🏳️‍🌈🌈

[@WhiteBlackout]

When I look at you I think, Amy from the big bang theory, but I also admire you for being such an amazing scientist❤

[@KristinM626]

Question for the next Ask Mayim Anything: where’s the strangest place Mayim has ever slept?

[@danisheacaldwell9829]

@mayimbialik you look amazing!! I've been watching you since I was in Kindergarten, 1st grade!!! When I saw you on big bang theory I was like is that Blossom?? Nawww the math ain't mathing 😂 keep being amazing 🎉❤

[@mandibailey9104]

5:27 and I'm already crying happy tears. I can't wait for more people to be comfortable being themselves and paving avenues for others to find safety and community. Mayim Bialik, you're incredible! I grew up with Blossom. Seeing all that you've accomplished with education, TV, podcasts, and teaching us for free. My children are watching you now. It fills me with joy. R.K. you are saving lives. I lost many friends due to related feelings. You're a hero.

[@MayimBialik]

🥹🧠🫶

[@sameoldsonganddance]

I love watching you acting and I love listening to you now. Question: What happened to your hair?

[@LoneLupine]

Wow, sweet video and nice story. 😊 I'm 35 and queer, I knew since I was little that I was attracted to girls... ironically I was homeschooled to be sheltered from that stuff, but it had the opposite effect. LOL. But I've never been on a date with a girl yet 😢

[@DavidWorley73]

I regrettably skipped this episode when it came out. I’m still watching, but feel compelled to comment. We ABSOLUTELY need more truth told like this. As a gay male, I have always said, until a “straight” person is expected to come out and announce their sexual preference…….”we” still have much ground to make up.

[@heatherkalman9668]

10k views and only 500 likes. Clearly being a bisexual man (plus the intersectionality of being a black man on top) is still unpopular and just goes to show how much biphobia still exists in our culture. Thank you, Russ, for being visible! Representation matters. 💚

[@archaprice3372]

I can only add likes when I watch my iPad, not if watching on the TV App.

[@matiaspereira9382]

Keep your good job Mayim! You're my favorite actress ever!

[@thechickincharge1073]

I did not know she calls herself an observant Jew but supports gay+ rights. I will not be supporting Mayim anymore. I will be praying for her to understand that you can’t be observant to Torah and support this agenda.

[@laurac5451]

Oh man I saw a Coach accost a boy in High School because he believed the kid would be a great football player. My brother felt we grew up poor but I didn't feel like that funny how different people see things.

[@marjoriejohnson6535]

I love knowing more of what makes people think and function. But I don't like the ads for vitamins I can't afford such as vitamins. I have a hard time affording the number of calories from nutritionally sound food, as much as possible, to keep my weight at a healthy BM.

[@wesleypotrazio]

Qual bandeira você gosta? Kkk

[@wesleypotrazio]

Fala de bandeiras

[@cohenlabe1]

I think sex is 'to fee' and it comes and goes so much in this society that it is valued so little. The Netflix show Jewish match making makes a point of "no touching" for atles the first few dates and all the dates on the show seam to prove the point, if touch and sex comes later a connection comes first.

[@jensbang5923]

I know I've watched too much Star Treck...and I know I'm not high on crack...and I know ..ultimately..there is not any real differences worth defining ...or even mentioning. Sex is sex.. love is love... Well...I'm gonna watch more Star Trek....❤️😎🤣

[@tabbsjennings6884]

So We are talking US Football??

[@firstlight7419]

Yes, American Professional Football

[@Rainbowofthefallen]

🖤🤎

[@EL-bz9up]

You are a grown-up woman and educated in science and yet you are so awkward speaking about sexuality it’s surprising to me

[@shaunamichele]

Not surprised. Most people, societies, and cultures shame sexuality so speaking "freely", in any capacity, can be awkward.

[@elissa3188]

Not surprising based on her personality. Also, there is a difference between discussing sexuality/orientation - vs the science of how sex works- i.e. the mechanics -

[@leticiaperez243]

I don't think she's awkward. I think she's cautious and deliberate with her words because she is a public person who unfortunately gets criticism from every angle in her life. Yet, she puts herself out there to help others.

[@traceycrigger236]

Does almost every podcast have to talk about someone being gay or bisexuality, etc.? I am a Christian and don't need to constantly have this shoved in my face.

[@SonOfAGun1814]

who is forcing you to watch AND project in the comments lol?! and what does having your thoughts formed for you have to do with what someone else chooses as a topic for THEIR podcasting?! the creator makes people exactly how they are so you might want need to take your brainwashing up with your creator. your negative thoughts represent you and no one else.

[@spangelicious837]

Christ advocated for love and acceptance, not bigotry and hate. Also, you choose where you spend your time and energy. You only have yourself to blame for being here.

[@marymactavish]

If you think almost every podcast talks about bisexuality, I wonder what you're clicking on, because I've listened to maybe 10 in the past 7 days and except for one specifically about queer history, this is the first one to mention bisexuality. You are allowed to click on whichever ones you want, you might want to check where your clicking finger is going.

[@traceycrigger236]

@marymactavish many of them DO talk about. I ❤️ everyone. I don't however support that and everywhere you turn including here it is always being pushed. Look back and see. If it isn't the main topic it is discussed.

[@SonOfAGun1814]

@@traceycrigger236 no one is pushing anything on you, sounds like you just don't have anything constructive going on in your life. it's literally in the title, and you chose to click and project your ignorance in the comments.