Getting Bi: Voices of Bisexuals Around the World, Second Edition

Getting Bi is a wonderful book that I used for a book club meeting last year. It is a collection of personal stories from the voices of many different bi people. It is a timeless book that gives an inside view of the unique journey inside the lives of a diverse collection of bisexual people. It will enlighten and educate even bisexuals themselves to gain an ever so important hidden peek inside their own community . A deeper understanding of this widely diverse community from so many walks of life is an important read for anyone who is, knows or loves a bisexual. You probably know, work with or are even dating one and you might not know it! Our book group enjoyed the book and we talked about the stories that resonated with each of us, individually. Bisexuals are hidden, silenced, marginalized and struggle alone for much of their lives and this book is an important piece of work that is a fascinating read that will surprise even those of us that think we know who bisexuals are. Deeply enlightening, educational and a very important contribution that is still relevant even though it was written quite some time ago.

This book was so important to me as I prepared myself to come out of the closet publicly as a bi man last year. My copy is now beat up, dog-eared, post-it-paged, highlighted, underlined, etc. Just a great book.

For those who wonder what bisexuality is or what it's all "about," this book is a great place to begin. It includes personal stories, reflections, and reminiscences of what it means to be and identify as bisexual. Our culture not only privileges heterosexuality but also monosexuality, the idea that an individual can/should only be attracted to one gender. The stories in this collection oppose that belief and provide a rich tapestry of experience to show how complex and beautiful intimate attraction can be. Bisexuality is not just a simple matter of being attracted to "both sexes," though it is often understood that way and is at times accused of reinforcing binary thinking about gender and sexuality; rather, it is a "third space" that by its very existence calls the binary system into question. As this collection deftly demostrates, there is no single way to "be" bisexual and by hearing all of the stories in this collection the reader is able to see how bisexuality can be understood as a space of potential, an openness to different manifestations of sexual and emotional attraction, and having this idea explored through personal stories and experiences can be just as effective, if not moreso, than through a weighty academic tome.Definitely recommended for those who want a good place to start in exploring what bisexuality is and how people experience it. Especially recommended for queer groups or individuals who are struggling with how to understand or be allies to their bi friends and group members.

The essays are varied, some etched with pain, some acceptance (or both), some just discuss personal facts, but they all offer a window into the bi experience. I am touched by good poetry, and there are some amazing lines in this book, too. But all of that said, there's one very specific thing that this book does for me, every time I open it, talk about it, study it: I feel empowered.I seem to face bi-erasure a lot, as well as blatant prejudice, mostly from gays. I'm always shocked, and then I need a moment (sometimes a thousand moments) to regroup and be brave enough to face these situations head on. During low times, I wonder, "Why can't I just be me?" It takes a lot to subdue bitterness sometimes, and this book helps me to learn that I can change bi-prejudice in the world - even my own tiny one. It's an important book to keep around, to share; to donate to your library, or offer as a prize at your club. It may sound a bit smarmy, but it's what I've done, and still do. Getting Bi has its own hand in encouraging me to be a volunteer trainer for LGBT awareness in Fort Worth, Texas - a gulp-worthy task. I'm terrified - but all of these voices have been where I am.Robyn is a teacher and then an activist by proxy. She goes about the world sharing her life and what her connections mean to her. I'd love to read a memoir by Robyn, or even a creative non-fiction. I can only begin to imagine what the arc of her bi experience has been, as she's been out as bi for over 30 years. It would be a story worth reading.But I digress. I highly recommend this book for those who really like to glean from others' experiences, those who are just coming out as bi (or as anyone, for that matter), and want to learn that there is no finite. You'll learn how to own your own bisexual experience.

this an excellent book on the subject of female bisexuals around the world. I only wish that I had looked a bit closer at the authors and would have surmised that it was only about female bisexuals. But never being one to turn down a good read I plowed my way thru, becoming facinated with the difference of male and female bi's and the acceptance of the latter. A Man tells his wife he Is bi and the next day a lawyer is splitting their things. A woman does the same thing all the husband can show is fascination. I'm not tiring to detract from the impact of this book, or belittle its message, but if you're a confused male look elsewhere for advice.

Comprehensive collection of stories from varied countries and people of color and ages and class. Used it for book club, lively discussion.

A lot of really interesting, unique stories, sorted in a logical way that reads easily. Very relatable, and necessary to educate and empathize with the bi community.

This book is a very informative book about Bi Sexuallity. I have a son who is Bi and it helped me to understand what he deals with all the time. People don't know how to react when someone says they are Bi. They can't see how someone can be attracted to both genders at the same time.

I thought it would be much more interesting, which of course is my problem (wrong expectations). I had read some reviews and thought ot would be worthwhile but it's really superficial. I'm really exhausted os these superficial opinions about bisexuality ("it's the person that matters, not the sex") as if they were something REALLY deep...

Wonderful, thought provoking and inspiring.

Kind of like a chicken soup for the bisexuals soul lol. Read it in one sit.