It was a big weekend for the Supernatural fandom after actor Misha Collins, who played the angel Castiel, appeared to say that he was bisexual at a convention in New Jersey. On April 22nd, 2022, Collins was at the Creation Entertainment Supernatural Convention when he asked the gathered crowd to respond, “by a show of force, how many of you would consider yourselves” to be “introverts,” “extroverts,” and “how many bisexuals.” Then he added, after rounds of cheers and laughter to the third option, “I’m all three.”
Considering the way this was phrased, it’s not surprising that, as a fan’s video of the moment made the rounds on the Internet, people took this as Collins saying that he was bisexual. That’s, uh, what he said. Only now, days later, the actor is walking it back with a declaration that he is straight, apologizing for any confusion, and explaining that he misspoke. He wrote on Twitter, “My clumsy intention was to wave off actually discussing my sexuality, but I badly fumbled that and understand that was seen as me coming out as bisexual […] This was not my intention so I need to correct the record: I am not bisexual. I happen to be straight, but I am also a fierce ally and the last thing I want to do is falsely co-opt the struggles of the LGBTQIA+ community. I am deeply sorry for the clumsiness of my language.” It’s a sincere statement from Collins, but this was all a journey for fans and the Internet at large that continues via many, many Tweets, Tumblr posts, and memes.
misha collins coming out as bi, everyone saying they already knew, and then misha coming out as straight is the only way this could have gone
— 🌸 sydney 🌸 (@squid7000) April 25, 2022
When you watch the video from the convention, it’s pretty clear that Collins’ off-hand “I’m all three” is said jokingly, but considering he has had 10+ years in a fandom devoted to his character being queer, this perhaps was not the best choice of a topic with himself as the subject if he didn’t want his meaning misconstrued.
Introverts, extroverts, bisexuals, oh my! #spnnj #dinnerwithmisha pic.twitter.com/QgtqLiu1rN
— 🐾 Fangirl🫀RN 🔥 (@lotrspnfangirl) April 23, 2022
The initial “clumsy intention” from Collins was met with a huge reaction on social media and generated news headlines that Collins had come out as bisexual for a few reasons. The SPN fandom remains massive, a force to be reckoned with that can still make people and topics trend instantly on social media. Collins’ character Castiel is one-half of what is arguably the biggest fandom “ship” of all time, alongside series star Jensen Ackles’ Dean Winchester. Dean/Cas, or “Destiel,” a romantic ship going strong since 2008, boasts more than 100,000 stories on fanfiction mothership AO3.
It is shippers’ ardent devotion to that relationship—and likely also Collins’ support—that led to Castiel declaring his love for Dean on the show proper in Supernatural’s last season. Unfortunately, Castiel dies almost immediately thereafter and is sent to “superhell.” The two never see each other again onscreen, despite other SPN favorites returning for the series finale. While some fans applauded Cas’s confession, others were upset that it was followed by the near-instantaneous burying of a queer character, and as Kelsey Weekman writes at BuzzFeed, some “saw it as ‘queerbaiting’ from the writers.” So Cas’s now-canonical love for Dean (and subsequent death) has become bound up in the general chaotic history that marks the sprawling SPN fandom.
the whiplash from “is misha collins bi” to “misha collins is apparently not bi” can only be rivaled by “destiel is canon” to “castiel was immediately sent to superhell”
— The Mystery Spotcast (@MysterySpotcast) April 25, 2022
Days after the fan convention, Collins tweeted to clarify his sexuality, affirm his allyship, and apologize for the confusion of the situation. Here’s his tweet thread in full:
My clumsy intention was to wave off actually discussing my sexuality, but I badly fumbled that and understand that was seen as me coming out as bisexual. 2/5
— Misha Collins (@mishacollins) April 25, 2022
I believe and fully support that we need to sanctify the human right to express our identities honestly and to be free to love whomever we choose openly. 4/5
— Misha Collins (@mishacollins) April 25, 2022
I am deeply sorry for the clumsiness of my language. I want to be a better ally and I feel sick to my stomach that I might have done anything to make things worse. I’m trying to learn, trying to do better and I will keep listening.
— Misha Collins (@mishacollins) April 25, 2022
Thanks and I’m sorry,
Misha
5/5
This feels like a genuinely heartfelt apology for a head-scratching kerfluffle, and Collins’ words (and actions) of allyship are important. This is, I believe, the right way to own a misstep while also expressing continued support and to desire to listen and learn further. Collins has, in the past, been a vocal proponent of the LGBTQIA+ community, which was always lovely to witness.
This @MishaCollins post is a master-class in how to accept responsibility for your actions, however unintended. Not just saying “Sorry if you were offended” but a genuine apology. Misha’s one of the good ones. https://t.co/8tkRuKQdcP
— Curtis Armstrong (@curtisisbooger) April 26, 2022
From what I’ve seen online, there doesn’t appear to be a big fan backlash against Collins over his misstatement. There is, however, a rather gleefully comedic run of posts and memes about what happened, since at this point all of this feels par for the course SPN-wise and ripe for our current discourse.
I have never watched an episode of Supernatural, but Misha Collins accidentally coming out as bisexual only to have to backtrack and come out as straight is the funniest, most peak Supernatural thing I have ever heard I am beside myself
— Rosiee Thor ~ THE MEANING OF PRIDE IS OUT NOW (@RosieeThor) April 26, 2022
There’s also been a lot of discussions and riffing about Collins having to “come out as straight.” Here are just a few of the many, many reactions on Twitter that I’ve witnessed:
Good evening, “Bisexual Misha Collins” was a 72 hour sociological study conducted by Harvard University. We are now complete with our study. Thank you for your time.
— kora (@edsbian) April 25, 2022
after decades of “why should we have to come out as gay when people never have to come out as straight” misha collins makes it his mission to change the world
— troy / robin 🏴☠️ (@eveofthedaIeks) April 25, 2022
“misha collins is straight” i say into the mic. the crowd boos and i begin to walk off the stage in shame because he confirmed himself to be bisexual. “she’s right” a voice says. i look around for the owner. there he stands in the fifth row. misha collins himself
— amILLia (@seraphsgrace) April 25, 2022
misha collins coming out as straight and elon musk buying twitter happening within 24 hours of each other is like do you guys remember when castiel went to gay hell during the 2020 election. its like the shittier cousin of that
— it’s me boy im the DSM-5 (@succubused) April 25, 2022
misha collins came out as bisexual and straight before our flag means death got renewed
— kaz ◈ (@nevermindkaz) April 25, 2022
And over on Tumblr, the posts continued:
Anyway, for the record, it would seem that actor Misha Collins is straight, and the Internet is doing some fine internetting in response. Do with this information what you will.
(image: The CW)
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