Finally, a thoughtful review from queer media. The July-August 2006 ish of Gay & Lesbian Review/Worldwide also reviewed Robyn's book – both in the “Shorts” section (heaven forbid a bi book would get a full-length review). But there's also an article by Sharon Staum on “Mapping (Bi)Sexual Desire.”
It seems safe to say that bisexual men are nearly invisible, even within GLBT culture. While gay men and lesbians have long since staked out their territory and asserted their right to be, bisexuals (men more than women, it seems) have had a harder time of it. A sense of bisexual invisibility was the main impetus for Bi Men, an anthology of coming-out memoirs. This invisibility is in marked contrast to a solid body of research that demonstrates just how prevalent male bisexuality is. The authors make no secret of the liberationist goal of this project, having sought to provide a place for “powerful, proud bisexual men's voices.” The collection is structured in sections that model the actual coming out process: self-discovery; revelation of self to spouse and family; connecting with the community; and self-affirmation. The 34 pieces present a broad cross-section of the male bisexual experience. Many of these men are either married or have been married and struggle with two worlds, each with its own strands of desire.There are many stories of married men growing into the realization that they're drawn toward men, but there are also tales of gay men discovering (or rediscovering) an attraction to women. Ron Suresha's “Coming to Terms” is one such story about a “late-blooming bisexual.” Others explore the effect of ethnicity on the formation of bisexual identity. Michael Gallardo's “When the Head Is Separated from the Body” reflects on how the role of the family in Latino culture has influenced his development as a bisexual. Other contributors simply rejoice at the freedom to finally identify, publically, as bi. Noted poet Alfred Corn concludes his essay with a simple declaration of independence: “I have never written about these things and never even spoken about most of this in private. It was time I did, and I'm glad I have.” No doubt many bisexual men will find the essays in this book a similar affirmation.
-Jim Nawrocki
Thanks to everyone who voted in the back cover pic poll. It was extremely helpful. How did we ever manage before LJ came along? :-D}
