A review by ericawrites
Bi: The Hidden Culture, History, and Science of Bisexuality by Julia Shaw
4.0
This is a good primer on the current state of bisexuality, mainly in Western countries. Published last year, the studies Shaw used were all relatively recent and provide fresh information, especially since science is finally starting to break apart the LGBTQ+ group into our unique identities and related needs.
Shaw didn't tread much new ground or go as in-depth as she could've. Her informal Millennial chat-style writing was grating at times. I wanted more about culture, history, and science. For instance, when she discussed Brenda Howard (bisexual activist and "Mother of Pride"), we never got a real sense of who Brenda Howard was or what it was like for her to advocate for bisexual people at that time.
With over 50% of trans people identifying as bisexual, there was a missed opportunity to talk further about trans and bisexual overlap. While I get that Shaw, a cis woman, might've been out of her identity depth there, this deserved more discussion.
There are nuggets of great information here, and if you're newly out/accepting yourself as bisexual or new to bisexual advocacy and studies, this is a good starting point. It is certainly better quality than several other bisexual books that popped onto the market over the last few years.
Bi: Notes for a Bisexual Revolution by Shiri Eisner still remains my to-go recommendation for a deeper understanding of bisexuality, the roots of how our identity challenges white supremacist heteronormativity, and how we can push it even further.
Shaw didn't tread much new ground or go as in-depth as she could've. Her informal Millennial chat-style writing was grating at times. I wanted more about culture, history, and science. For instance, when she discussed Brenda Howard (bisexual activist and "Mother of Pride"), we never got a real sense of who Brenda Howard was or what it was like for her to advocate for bisexual people at that time.
With over 50% of trans people identifying as bisexual, there was a missed opportunity to talk further about trans and bisexual overlap. While I get that Shaw, a cis woman, might've been out of her identity depth there, this deserved more discussion.
There are nuggets of great information here, and if you're newly out/accepting yourself as bisexual or new to bisexual advocacy and studies, this is a good starting point. It is certainly better quality than several other bisexual books that popped onto the market over the last few years.
Bi: Notes for a Bisexual Revolution by Shiri Eisner still remains my to-go recommendation for a deeper understanding of bisexuality, the roots of how our identity challenges white supremacist heteronormativity, and how we can push it even further.