Bisexual Politics: Theories, Queries, and Visions

by Tucker; Naomi S

• ISBN13: 9781560249504
• ISBN10: 1560249501
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1995-09-19
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

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.

Table of Contents

About the Editor
Contributors
Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction	p. 1
Reflections: A Look in the Mirror
Overview	p. 9
Identity/Politics: A History of the Bisexual Movement	p. 17
The Bisexual Movement's Beginnings in the 70s: A Personal Retrospective	p. 31
Bay Area Bisexual History: An Interview with David Lourea	p. 47
It Ain't Over 'Til The Bisexual Speaks	p. 63
We Claim Our Own	p. 71
Identity and Ideas: Strategies for Bisexuals	p. 73
Open Letter to a Former Bisexual (or, Do I Hear "Post-Bisexual"?)	p. 93
Bisexual Women, Feminist Politics	p. 99
Go Ahead: Make My Movement	p. 109
To Give or Not to Give	p. 115
Fluid Desire: Race, HIV/AIDS, and Bisexual Politics	p. 119
Our Leaders, Our Selves	p. 131
Connections: Can We Work Together?
Overview	p. 145
Sexual Diversity and Bisexual Identity	p. 151
Bi Sexuality	p. 161
Bisexuality and S/M: The Bi Switch Revolution	p. 167
Liberating Pornography	p. 171
Too Butch to Be Bi (or You Can't Judge a Boy by Her Lover)	p. 179
Politics of the Bisexual Deep Fry	p. 189
Bisexual Lesbian	p. 195
Traitors to the Cause? Understanding the Lesbian/Gay "Bisexuality Debates"	p. 199
Bisexuality, Lesbian and Gay Communities, and the Limits of Identity Politics	p. 219
Power and Privilege Beyond the Invisible Fence	p. 229
Which Part of Me Deserves to Be Free?	p. 235
Bisexual Etiquette: Helpful Hints for Bisexuals Working with Lesbians and Gay Men	p. 237
Essay for the Inclusion of Transsexuals	p. 241
If Half of You Dodges a Bullet, All of You Ends up Dead	p. 251
Why You Must Say "and Bisexual"	p. 257
Directions: Our Visionary Voices
Overview	p. 263
Your Fence Is Sitting on Me: The Hazards of Binary Thinking	p. 267
Pimple No More	p. 281
Me, Myself, and You: Identity Politics in Action	p. 289
Forsaking All Others: A Bifeminist Discussion of Compulsory Monogamy	p. 293
Framing Radical Bisexuality: Toward a Gender Agenda	p. 305
The Natural Next Step	p. 315
Pansies Against Patriarchy: Gender Blur, Bisexual Men, and Queer Liberation	p. 319
The Sacredness of Pleasure	p. 325
Appendix A: Brief Timeline of Bisexual Activism in the United States	p. 333
Appendix B: Bisexuals and the Radical Right	p. 339
References	p. 341
Index	p. 353
Table of Contents provided by Blackwell. All Rights Reserved.