Bisexuality Beyond Binaries

This book brings together a collection of diverse contributors to discuss bisexual erasure and biphobia and how this intersects with racism, sexism, ableism and transphobia.

Amplifying the voices of a group often unheard and erased, this book explores and celebrates the experiences, stories, and complexities of bisexual identity, providing tools to help dismantle the dehumanization of erasure, move beyond the gender binary, and increase visibility of multiple bisexualities. Beginning by outlining key definitions, labels, and context, each chapter addresses an identity or experience that intersects with bisexual identity, such as disability, masculinity, femininity, gender-diverse identities, media, religion, dating apps, porn, non-monogamy, intimate partner violence, aging, kink and sex work. Each chapter begins with theoretical research before illuminating the personal narratives of bisexual people, especially people of color, that reflect the negative impact of bisexual erasure as well as the joy, beauty and resilience of bisexuality.

Engaging and powerful, this book will help sex therapists, students, and educators enhance their inclusive and supportive practices. It will also be of immense interest to bisexual people so they may see diverse realities, celebrating stories of resistance and joy.

Lisa Speidel, Ph.D., is an associate professor in the Women, Gender and Sexuality Department at the University of Virginia and a Certified Sexuality Educator (CSE) through the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). She is a co-editor of The Edge of Sex: Navigating a Sexually Confusing Culture from the Margins (Routledge, 2019).