Bob Belcher: The Bisexual Bob

Bob’s Burgers is a comfort show for millions of people. I, for one, fall asleep to it every night. I happen to be listening to season seven as I write this post. Each family member is lovable and quirky in their way, deserving of the spotlight. The first family member I would love to explore is Bob. He’s the lovable patriarch in this wacky clan. He isn’t explicitly queer but many fans love to call him the ‘bisexual Bob’. He doesn’t shy away from queer indivduals but rather openly embraces them as his friends. Bob is comfortable in his masculinity, which is shown by letting Abby braid his hair, dressing up as a pony for Tina, and having no problem doing a spa night with Gene.

Masculinity in today’s society is seen as tough, non-emotional, and honest, rather than toxic. Bob, however, can be a man without the toxic structure society has put upon him. In Mother Daughter Lazer Razor, Tina goes through a crisis about her legs and begs Bob to take her to a waxing salon. The poor thirteen-year-old gets scared, and so Bob gets waxed alongside her. While it is comedic, it is sweet upon further analysis. Bob doesn’t care about being a ‘hairy man’ but cares more about his daughter’s comfort. After waxing, he expresses love for the smoothness of his legs. It subverts the expectations of his gender expression in a beautiful way.

The beginning of the show was definitely a lot raunchier and on the more toxic side of family, but no less hilarious. However, as the series progresses, Bob grows into a nurturing man who is in tune with his emotions. He remains emotionally available not just for his family but also for his friends who are having a bad day. Rather than a stereotypical sitcom dad, Bob enjoys his wife, and despite his constant anxiety about the restaurant closing, he does enjoy life.

Marshmallow is a character who deserves a post of her own (and she will get one), but her presence in Bob’s life just shows his openness. We frist meet Marshmallow along with several other queer indiviuals in Sheesh! Cab, Bob? He doesn’t hold any judgment for these people and helps set them up on ‘dates,’ so to speak. He even goes as far as inviting them to Tina’s thirteenth birthday party. Possibly one of my favorite Bob moments is during Turkey in a Can. Bob has to buy several turkeys for Thanksgiving that year, and the butcher starts to believe Bob is hitting on him. This ends with my favorite quote: “I’m straight- I mean- I’m mostly straight.” He also says, “Who am I kidding? You’re out of my league.” It’s hilarious but also deeply meaningful in the way he doesn’t shy away from the spectrum of sexuality. He embraces whatever comes his way.

Bob is a non-traditional, emotionally rich, and open-minded man who we need to see more of. He resonates with queer audiences because of his openess and his ability to just accept everyone. In the crazy, wonderful world of Bob’s Burgers, no one is mocked for embracing themselves but rather celebrated. Bob has coincidentally become a queer-coded icon in the best way.