Listening to Bisexual Voices Around The World

(Provided with permission) Robyn Ochs and Sarah E. Rowley

A common complaint in the bisexual community is that there is not enough literature out there for bisexuals. Walking into a bookstore, it’s easy to spot a whole bunch of gay and lesbian literature; and too often it’s just that, gay and lesbian [books]. In some bookstores we’ve been lucky enough to get a shout out as the sections are actually labeled “GLBT” or “GLBTQ”, but unfortunately the make up of the actual books is the same; mostly gay and lesbian with a bit of trans[sexual] slipped in and every once in a while an actual book [like] (The Bisexual’s Guide to the Universe) [which is] about bisexuals as actual people—not just a quick letter.

That’s a major reason why when I first came out, I was thrilled to find the book (sold in our eShop!):”Getting Bi; Voices of Bisexuals Around the World,” written and edited by prominent bisexual activist and Professor Robyn Ochs, and Sarah E. Rowely. Robyn Ochs runs The Bisexual Resource Center in Boston, MA. The book was first published in 2005. I eagerly read it, and at a time when I felt like I was part of a really small group, I got to read personal accounts from people in countries all over the world, and felt connected to a larger global bisexual community. Contrary to the stereotypes, I had heard we were not “just a few people.” There are many of us all over the world, both in the closet and out—some are activists, some are not. Some understand bisexuality very differently from others, especially in different cultural contexts; and some don’t even call themselves that [bisexuals]. But throughout the book everyone has one thing in common: they are all attracted to both men and women in varying degrees, and don’t feel that they fit cleanly into either the gay or straight categories.

(Source) Author Robyn Ochs and Sarah E. Rowley, Cover of Getting Bi

The book is full of different bisexual stories, and chapters are divided up based on themes such as coming out, relationships, why someone does or does not call themselves bisexual, and politics in the bisexual community. The back of the book is full of bisexual resources, such as “Bisexual Etiquette,” a note for parents called, “If you think your child may be bisexual,” where to find bisexual organizations, websites, and books, and how to get along with gay and lesbian people and combat biphobia. For someone who is just coming out, or for anyone who’s looking to connect with a larger bisexual community, these resources are essential and extremely helpful.

Last year, the second edition of Getting Bi was released. In addition to having everything the first edition had, this one featured more and updated stories, updated resources, and a new chapter called “Bisexual Worlds.” The new chapter features people from several different countries and cultures talking about their bisexuality and their opinions about the global bisexual community and how they fit into it. The section of the new chapter I found most interesting was called “Bisexuality in the Arab Lands,” which features interviews (anonymous or with names changed for protection) with bisexuals who live in the Middle East. Reading about how oppressive the governments over there are of BLGT people, and how the bisexuals there are terrified of being found out really made me appreciate the freedoms we have in the United States.

I highly recommend this book, not just for bisexuals, but for anyone who wants to know more about bisexual people and the global bisexual community. And if anyone ever says “bisexuals don’t exist”—then they definitely need to read this book. As bisexual activists Loraine Hutchins and Lani Ka’ahumanu said when the second edition came out: “If you want to know what bi people are thinking, feeling, doing—you’ll find the answers here.” So everyone, if you haven’t already, do check out both The Bisexual Resource Center, and the book Getting Bi; Voices of Bisexuals Around the World by Robyn Ochs and Sarah E. Rowley. You won’t be disappointed!