Bisexual Politics: Theories, Queries, and Visions

Description

This anthology presents a vivid collection of essays that explore the history, strategies, philosophy, and diversity of bisexual politics and theory in the United States. The 33 contributors develop a multifaceted approach to defining bisexual politics. Through these voices, the book seeks to understand the contexts in which the bisexual movement has evolved. The authors analyze different organizing strategies, formulate new bisexual political theory, provide a vision of future directions for redefining sexuality and gender, and educate activists and allies about current issues pertinent to the bisexual community. This book is the first of its kind. To date, it is the only book that documents and analyzes bisexual politics and theory. While existing literature on bisexuality has focused on identity, coming out, and forming communities, Bisexual Politics takes the vital next step into bisexual political theory and activism. The many subjects and subthemes addressed in Bisexual Politics appeal to a multitude of readers from activists to academics, from friends and family of bisexuals, to those who have struggled with bisexuality. It is a sourcebook for those seeking to locate bisexuality in the schema of other social justice movements. It is a tool to build alliances with other progressive groups, and build coalitions with both lesbian/gay and heterosexual communities. It is a primer for anyone interested in bisexual activism and theory. Cover Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Table of Contents About the Editor Contributors Preface Acknowledgments Introduction Section I—Reflections: A Look in the Mirror Overview Part A. A Taste of History Identity/Politics: A History of the Bisexual Movement The Bisexual Movement's Beginnings in the 70s: A Personal Retrospective Bay Area Bisexual History: An Interview with David Lourea It Ain't Over 'Til The Bisexual Speaks Part B. The State of Our Movement We Claim Our Own Identity and Ideas: Strategies for Bisexuals Open Letter to a Former Bisexual (or, Do I Hear "Post-Bisexual"?) Bisexual Women, Feminist Politics Go Ahead: Make My Movement To Give or Not to Give Fluid Desire: Race, HIV/AIDS, and Bisexual Politics Our Leaders, Our Selves Section II—Connections: Can We Work Together? Overview Part A. biSEXuality Sexual Diversity and Bisexual Identity Bi Sexuality Bisexuality and S/M: The Bi Switch Revolution Liberating Pornography Too Butch to Be Bi (or You Can't Judge a Boy by Her Lover) Politics of the Bisexual Deep Fry Part B. Coalition-Building and Other Queer Stories Bisexual Lesbian Traitors to the Cause? Understanding the Lesbian/Gay "Bisexuality Debates" Bisexuality, Lesbian and Gay Communities, and the Limits of Identity Politics Power and Privilege Beyond the Invisible Fence Which Part of Me Deserves to Be Free? Bisexual Etiquette: Helpful Hints for Bisexuals Working with Lesbians and Gay Men Essay for the Inclusion of Transsexuals If Half of You Dodges a Bullet, All of You Ends up Dead Why You Must Say "and Bisexual" Section III—Directions: Our Visionary Voices Overview Your Fence Is Sitting on Me: The Hazards of Binary Thinking Pimple No More Me, Myself, and You: Identity Politics in Action Forsaking All Others: A Bifeminist Discussion of Compulsory Monogamy Framing Radical Bisexuality: Toward a Gender Agenda The Natural Next Step Pansies Against Patriarchy: Gender Blur, Bisexual Men, and Queer Liberation The Sacredness of Pleasure Appendices Appendix A Brief Timeline of Bisexual Activism in the United States Appendix B Bisexuals and the Radical Right References Index