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.
- Preface
- Introduction (Naomi Tucker)
- Section I—REFLECTIONS: A Look in the Mirror
- Overview (Susanna Trnka with Naomi Tucker)
- Part A: A Taste of History
- Ide(A monograph published simultaneously as .)(A monograph published simultaneously as .)ntity/Politics: A History of the Bisexual Movement (Amanda Udis-Kessler)
- The Bisexual Movement’s Beginnings in the 70s: A Pe(A monograph published simultaneously as .)rsonal Retrospective (Stephen Donaldson)
- Bay Area Bisexual History: An Interview With David Lourea (Naomi Tucker)
- It Ain’t Over ’Til the Bisexual Speaks (Lani Ka’ahumanu)
- Part B: The State of Our Movement
- We Claim Our Own (Dajenya)
- Identity and Ideas: Strategies for Bisexuals (Liz A. Highleyman)
- Open Letter to a Former Bisexual (or, Do I Hear “Post-Bisexual”?) (Indigo Chih-Lien Som)
- Bisexual Women, Feminist Politics (Tamara Bower)
- Go Ahead: Make My Movement (Laura M. Perez)
- To Give or Not to Give (Sharon Gonsalves)
- Fluid Desire: Race, HIV/AIDS, and Bisexual Politics (Elias Farajajé Jones aka Manuel Kalidas Congo)
- Our Leaders, Our Selves (Loraine Hutchins)
- Section II—CONNECTIONS: Can We Work Together?
- Overview (Rebecca Kaplan)
- Part A: biSEXuality
- Sexual Diversity and Bisexual Identity (Carol Queen)
- Bi Sexuality (Greta Christina)
- Bisexuality and S/M: The Bi Switch Revolution (Cecilia Tan)
- Liberating Pornography (Mark Pritchard)
- Too Butch or to Be Bi (or You Can’t Judge a Boy by Her Lover) (Robin Sweeney)
- Politics of the Bisexual Deep Fry (Michèlle T. Clinton)
- Part B: Coalition Building and Other Queer Stories
- Bisexual Lesbian (Dajenya)
- Traitors to the Cause? Understanding the Lesbian/Gay “Bisexuality Debates” (Elizabeth Armstrong)
- Bisexuality, Lesbian and Gay Communities, and the Limits of Identity Politics (Stacey Young)
- Power and Privilege Beyond the Invisible Fence (Brenda Blasingame)
- Which Part of Me Deserves to Be Free? (Dajenya)
- Bisexual Etiquette: Helpful Hints for Bisexuals Working With Lesbians and Gay Men (Robyn Ochs)
- Essay for the Inclusion of Transsexuals (Kory Martin-Damon)
- If Half of You Dodges a Bullet, All of You Ends up Dead (Orna Izakson)
- Why You Must Say “and Bisexual” (Nishanga Bliss)
- Section III—DIRECTIONS: Our Visionary Voices
- Overview (Liz A. Highleyman)
- Your Fence Is Sitting on Me: The Hazards of Binary Thinking (Rebecca Kaplan)
- Pimple No More (Mykel Board)
- Me, Myself, and You: Identity Politics in Action (Susanna Trnka)
- Forsaking All Others: A Bifeminist Discussion of Compulsory Monogamy (Annie S. Murray)
- Framing Radical Bisexuality: Toward a Gender Agenda (Jill Nagle)
- The Natural Next Step (Naomi Tucker)
- Pansies Against Patriarchy: Gender Blur, Bisexual Men, and Queer Liberation (Sunfrog)
- The Sacredness of Pleasure (Starhawk)
- Section IV—APPENDIXES
- Brief Timeline of Bisexual Activism in the United States (Dannielle Raymond and Liz A. Highleyman)
- Bisexuals and the Radical Right (Dannielle Raymond)
- References
- Index
Biography
Tucker, Naomi S
