Customer Reviews

Bi Any Other Name: Bisexual People Speak Out

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

What I liked most about this was that it presented the personal stories of such an extraordinarily diverse group of people, showing that really there is no "typical" bisexual, and also showing how bisexuality has factored into the lives of different kinds of individuals. One really good point that this book stresses is the duality of our monosexual culture-- the belief that everyone is either gay or straight. Our society leaves no room for the enormous spectrum between the two, since very few people are 100% homo- or heterosexual, and I think the book did a good job of emphasizing this point, and the way bisexuals feel out of place or "invisible" in both the straight and gay communities. The only thing I would have liked would have been more stories about bisexuals who are not part of the "gay community". Many of the stories concerned people who came out as gay or lesbian, and then realized they were bi. While I definetly agree that bisexuals are a largely invisible group in the gay community, or, as the book puts it, "queer among queers," I would have liked to see more stories of those who felt equally invisible among heterosexual company. Still, overall, this is an excellent book, and definetly a must-read for anyone fed up with the assumption that all are either gay or straight. Bi, gay, lesbian, straight, undefined, or simply curious, I highly recommend this book for everyone.

The essays compiled in this anthology address the many struggles and contradictions that characterize bisexuality known to anyone who idenitifies as bisexual. As I bisexual woman I was very affected by the poetry and prose of many entries and often found myself re-reading passages multiple times. This text documents the personal experiences of bisexual individuals, indicating to me that I am not alone even though I often feel without a community or place to belong. This text is wonderful read for any individual, regardless of sexual orientation, as it explains the beautiful reality of bisexuality by referencing the lives of a diverse group of bisexual men and women. Its approach to defining bisexuality and explaination of what it means to form a strong bisexual identification in society today is extremely adequate. The editors of this text deserve much praise for developing a resource which discusses the discrimination and exclusion of bisexuals from many communities while simultaneously encouraging those who identify as bisexual to assert themselves with pride and seek alliances in order to form strong, supportive communities.

At the beginning i was thinking that i have bought the wrong book, but after i began reading i realize why i feel so out of the straight world and that i also don`t fit into the lesbian world. The testimonials of the people sometimes look like my life.

In 13 years some of the 75 pieces in this collection may seem a bit dated, or perhaps I just hope that there are more resources and more acceptance for bisexuals. The book is divided into four main sections that focus on a particular concern for bisexuals: coming-out; personal stories; community; and politics. Finally there is a history of bisexual activism in the USA. Most of the pieces are essays of a fairly personal nature but there are a few interviews, some poetry, and some visuals; there are even some non-bisexuals writing about their friends and family who have come out to them.

No matter what "kind" of bisexual you are, read this book and you will find validation in it somewhere. This is the best book I have ever read on bisexuality. I didn't relate to all of the people, but related to many of them. I was also surprised at the number of people who came out as gay first, then later realised they were actually bisexual and had to come out all over again! I never knew it happened that way until I read this book. I have a lot of admiration for the editors, getting so much into this book, so many different voices. Definitely required reading!!! GET IT NOW!

This is a wonderful book. After reading a plethora of gay and lesbian coming-out anthologies, I was so happy to come upon a book that talked about *my* community.
This book also serves as a great introduction to the various schools of thought on this subject. A-plus.

Even now, as in 1991 when this compilation of essays was published, a communnity for the bisexual person is essentially non-existent and, if contemporary studies are accurate, its members face prejudices that not even the gay community had in its evolution. "Bi Any Other Name," one of the pioneering publications that even acknowledged much less discussed in detail the dynamics being bi, is a worthy and valid read for both men and women whose dual attractions come with a sense of isolation and self-doubt. The essays here elicit the experiences of emotions of men and women bisexuals who share their own personal issues of loneliness, shame and secrecy and, for many, how they found the courage to come to terms with themselves and the sexual mores that sometimes condemn them. Especially now, when contemporary (2003) research indicates that bisexuals are literally hated even more than gays (with the rationale being that bi's introduced AIDS into the "straight" community?), the stories of the people featured in this book may provide a source of strength and a sense that the individual is not truly alone. For an early effort, this collection of personal stories may well be more relevant now than then.

This book is a necessary read for anyone who has ever questioned, contemplated, or experimented with his or her own sexuality. It dispels many of the myths surrounding bisexuality, and affirms the myriad facets bisexuality contains. The voices in this book are at times angry, touching, warm, joyful, you name it! This book prooves there is no pigeon hole to file sexual behavior away in. However, it also demonstrates the need for a bisexual community that bisexuals can identify with and draw strength from. With the variety of stories told in this book, Bi Any Other Name, affirms that this community does in fact exist. Read it!

For any of you who do not already self-identify as pansexual or bi, this ground-breaking, multicultural, pro-feminist, bisexual reader will make you re-examine your monosexuality. Through the use of personal narratives, the writers explore such issues as: the process of coming out, the bi community, self-affirmation,the politics of bisexual liberation and biphobia amongst heterosexuals, lesbians and gay men. For too long, biphobia and transphobia have fragmented the queer community. Just as white supremacy is used by the ruling-class to divide workers, transphobia and biphobia prevent us from being a truly powerful force against the patriarchy. In short, this wonderful book is a welcolme addition to Third Wave feminist discourse on sexual fluidity and radical queer activism.

More than five years after its initial publication, this is still the best introduction to bisexuality available. Hutchins and Ka'ahumanu are two of the women who made the bisexual movement happen. Their insight and access to the community shows in the strength of the essays in this book.

Wayne Bryant
- Author of "Bisexual Characters in Film: from Anais to Zee"