8 hours ago
‘In From the Side’ Star Alexander Lincoln Opens Up About Sexuality, Labels, and Bisexual Visibility
READ TIME: 15 MIN.
Alexander Lincoln, widely recognized for his performance in the rugby romance film "In From the Side", is once again at the forefront of LGBTQ+ discourse after a recent interview in which he addressed his sexuality and the nuance of self-identification in the public eye. Lincoln’s openness comes at a time when conversations about bisexual visibility and the limitations of labels are gaining momentum across the LGBTQ+ community and popular culture .
Lincoln’s willingness to discuss his sexuality publicly can be traced back to 2023, when he responded directly to a social media user who questioned whether the actors in *In From the Side* were authentically representing gay men on screen. Lincoln replied: “Thanks so much – really appreciate it! And no, I’m not straight” . This straightforward response, while brief, was a pivotal moment that signaled his commitment to openness and authenticity, both personally and professionally.
Two years later, Lincoln has revisited these themes in interviews, addressing not only his own journey but the broader landscape of bisexual representation. He has spoken frankly about his experience, stating, “I sort of flip flop, I’ll be honest with you, between thinking I need to be more definitive – because I want to see more bisexual stories out there. At times, the B in LGBTQ+ is extremely small. And I’ve grappled with this. Do I need to define myself so that I can play more authentically? So I won’t get pushback from audiences or whatever? But also: who’s entitled to know?” .
Lincoln’s remarks reflect an ongoing debate about the usefulness and constraints of identity labels. Many LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly those who identify as bisexual, have long voiced concerns that media representation too often overlooks or simplifies their experiences. As Lincoln notes, “At times, the B in LGBTQ+ is extremely small,” a sentiment echoed by advocates who argue that bisexual narratives are frequently marginalized or erased in both mainstream and LGBTQ+ media .
Lincoln’s own ambivalence about self-labeling—“I sort of flip flop”—speaks to the tension between personal authenticity and external expectations. For actors, the stakes can be especially high: while some audiences and industry voices push for clear-cut definitions, others champion the right to fluidity and privacy. Lincoln articulates this dynamic, saying, “Do I need to define myself so that I can play more authentically? So I won’t get pushback from audiences or whatever? But also: who’s entitled to know?” .
"In From the Side" has been widely praised for its authentic portrayal of same-sex romance within the world of amateur rugby, offering a nuanced and emotionally rich depiction that stands apart from more formulaic narratives . Lincoln has described the experience of falling in love as “all-consuming…everything,” further personalizing the discussion of sexuality and attraction .
His candor resonates with many who feel that love and attraction defy easy categorization. In the broader context of LGBTQ+ representation, Lincoln’s perspective is a reminder that authentic storytelling—on screen and in life—often requires embracing complexity and resisting reductive narratives.
Lincoln’s comments have sparked thoughtful discussion within LGBTQ+ circles and beyond. Media outlets and advocates have noted his willingness to address both the pressures of public identity and the importance of visibility for underrepresented groups, particularly bisexual people .
The conversation also raises questions about who has the right to inquire about or define another’s sexuality, and how public figures can use their platforms to advocate for greater understanding and inclusion. Lincoln’s statement, “Who’s entitled to know?” has been cited as particularly resonant for those who feel pressured to conform to societal expectations or to disclose personal information they would prefer to keep private .
In addition to reflecting on his own journey, Lincoln continues to break new ground professionally. His forthcoming film, "A Night Like This", is set for release in Autumn 2025 and is expected to further his reputation for choosing roles that challenge stereotypes and expand the conversation around LGBTQ+ experiences .
As visibility for bisexual and other underrepresented identities slowly increases in film and television, Lincoln’s voice stands out for its honesty and willingness to engage with difficult questions. His impact lies not only in the stories he helps bring to life on screen, but also in the openness and vulnerability he brings to the ongoing dialogue about identity and representation.
Alexander Lincoln’s recent interviews offer a valuable reminder that the path to authenticity is rarely linear. For LGBTQ+ individuals—and especially for those whose identities defy easy categorization—his message is both affirming and empowering: labels can be useful, but they are never the whole story. As the community continues to advocate for visibility, diversity, and respect, voices like Lincoln’s remind us of the importance of nuance, compassion, and the right to define ourselves on our own terms.
