Brooklyn Nine-Nine excels when it comes to representation, as it includes a diverse cast that portrays a variety of characters from various walks of life. When actress Stephanie Beatriz casually announced she was bisexual on Twitter in 2016, fans of the show began speculating whether her character Rosa Diaz might also be bisexual.
Rosa came out in the show’s fifth season to a positive reception. She is the second LGBTQ+ main character alongside Captain Holt (played by Andre Braugher) and has proved throughout the series that she is a badass role model for women. Here are ten times Rosa Diaz was a bisexual icon.
“I’m dating a woman. I’m bi.”
Rosa Diaz came out in a characteristically blunt manner during season five’s “99.” The 99th episode of the hit comedy series saw Charles Boyle (Joe Lo Truglio) try to decipher the identity of Rosa’s new lover, discovering his friend and fellow detective is dating a woman after overhearing a phone call.
Rosa informs Charles that she is bisexual and in a relationship with another woman in the most direct, simplistic manner she can. Stephanie Beatriz pitched the idea of her character coming out as bi to the writers and the decision was approved, which, given how popular this scene is amongst fans, was the right call.
Meet Jocelyn
Rosa’s on-screen girlfriend Jocelyn Pryce was mentioned several times in the show before her first appearance. Played by Cameron Esposito, Jocelyn appeared in season six’s “The Therapist” and shared her first on-screen kiss with the badass detective.
Jocelyn smoothly integrates herself into the precinct, playing a prank on Captain Holt and familiarizing herself with the group. Her character’s physical introduction added credibility to her ongoing relationship with Rosa.
Love Over Work
Rosa Diaz is a brilliant, badass detective who dedicates her life to her work. In season six’s “Ticking Clocks” however, Rosa has to choose between her relationship with Jocelyn and her unwavering commitment to solving a case.
After Jocelyn announces she is breaking up with Rosa and leaving New York for two weeks, Jake (Andy Sandberg) urges Rosa to leave the case of a mystery hacker they are working on to him and pursue her girlfriend. Rosa does, putting Jocelyn first in a touching romantic gesture.
Coming Out To Her Parents
Unfortunately, Rosa’s parents received the announcement of their daughter’s bisexuality poorly. In season five’s “Game Night,” Oscar (Danny Trejo) and Julia (Olga Merediz) make a flippant disparaging comment about Rosa being gay which vexes the detective, pushing her to tell them that she is bi.
Rosa explicitly stating that she is bisexual and describing directly what that means - she is not gay, but that doesn’t mean she’s straight either - is a refreshing scene that elevates LGBTQ+ representation in the media.
Standing With Women
Whilst Jake and Charles investigate a fire at Jake’s favorite pizza parlor in season one’s “Sal’s Pizza,” Rosa and Amy (Melissa Fumero) have an altercation of their own. Amy learns that Rosa has been offered the position of Captain in New Jersey, and reacts with jealousy.
This leads to a touching moment of solidarity between the two women. Rosa informs her partner that despite everything she has her back as she is “not the only girl at the table” anymore.
Report Signing
Rosa’s relationship with eccentric former undercover detective Adrian Pimento (Jason Mantzoukas) was one of the steamiest love affairs on the show, much to the chagrin of the other characters. Pimento, who had spent twelve years undercover and become mentally unstable as a result, was a match for Rosa’s imposing intensity and the two characters promptly began dating before getting engaged.
The two shared a kiss for the first time in season three’s “Cheddar,” after making the entire precinct uncomfortable with the heated innuendos behind their ‘report signing.’
Rosa And Gina’s Alternate Reality Romance
Gina Linetti (Chelsea Peretti) returned to the show during season five’s “Game Night” after her character gave birth to a daughter off-screen. During the penultimate scene in which the group visits Gina at her apartment, she remarks that she and Rosa would have made a “hot couple,” to which Rosa agrees.
It is the most Gina-like sign of approval the character could offer and a moment that is touching and funny. The scene also contains a nice word of approval from Holt, who tells Rosa that “every time someone steps up and says who they are, the world becomes a better, more interesting place.”
A Different Kind Of Love
Throughout the series, Rosa has found love in unlikely places. During season three’s “9 Days,” the detective finds herself with a new dog after adopting a puppy for Charles, whose dog had recently passed away.
Although Rosa is initially skeptical of Charles’ loss, she warms to his viewpoint after coming to love Arlo the dog. In a show of support, Rosa and the precinct hold a funeral for Charles’ beloved canine.
Rosa The Feminist
Rosa Diaz is an outspoken feminist who has demonstrated several times throughout the series that she stands by her fellow woman. During season two’s “The Jimmy Jab Games,” Rosa is eliminated from the game due to refusing to stay in character after a police officer regards her in a patronizing manner.
It is a funny moment that solidifies Rosa’s character as unwavering, even during the competitive environment of the 99th precinct during a bet.
Standing By Her Family
After being framed for armed robbery alongside Jake by Hawkins (Gina Gershon) at the end of season four, Rosa is prepared to flee the country and live as a fugitive with Adrian in Argentina. An emotional conversation with Holt stops her, however, as he urges her to think of her family.
Although it initially appears as though Rosa has indeed fled, she appears at her trial at the last moment, unwilling to abandon her friends.
