Blessed Bi Spirit: Bisexual People of Faith

by Debra R. Kolodny (Editor)

Reflecting a wide spectrum of religious tradition and spiritual paths--including Buddhist, Hindu, Pagan, 12-step, Christian and Jewish--over 30 contributors speak about the intersections of their faith practice and their bisexuality.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Bisexual, Queer, LGBT, Anthologies

304 pages, Paperback

First published April 21, 2000

Reviews

[PF · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blessed Bi Spirit is a challenging book on many levels. It explores the intersections between ethics and sexual desire, spirituality and gender identity from a wide variety of perspectives. The poems and essays provided all discuss some aspect of identifying as bisexual (and, in many cases, bigender or alternative gender identities) and how this relates to or intersects with the spiritual path chosen by the author. These range from identifying as bisexual and choosing to live within something close to conventional norms to complex explorations of faith within relationships that go beyond the dyad, beyond male and female gender expression, and which involve polyamory or other relationship dynamics and practices which are not always considered acceptable in mainstream Western society. Some of what is described may feel uncomfortable; some of it may feel like coming home.

[latinabooklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I don’t agree with everything in this book (which would be virtually impossible since there are so many different points of view with each essay), I really admire the diversity of perspectives regarding bisexuality and spirituality. Each essay portrays not only a different experience of bisexuality, but also bisexuality within the context of a different faith. No two essays or experiences are the same, although some similarities do exist throughout. As a person of faith who recently accepted her bisexuality, reading this book helped me understand that it is completely okay for me to reframe my spirituality and to see my bisexuality as a blessing instead of a curse. Although, to be honest, some of these essays were a little too out there for me, but hey. To each his/her/their own!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Understanding different points of view for a sexuality that isn't exactly always recognized was extremely helpful. It helped me solidify my concept and viewpoint on sexuality, and my own bisexuality.

If you want to open your mind, listen and then think, this is the perfect book. I found parts of myself and parts of others in this text.

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating read. Some of the essays in this anthology are more insightful than others, of course, but the range of experience and perspective the authors represent will surely be an eye opener for many who read this -- bisexuals and others alike. This book deserves to be read and seriously contemplated for anyone of faith, regardless of sexual orientation. For anyone struggling to reconcile how to honor their sexuality as well as their desire to live as a person of faith (any faith -- there are, among others, Jewish, Catholic, neo-pagan, UU, Quaker, and Anabaptist authors), this book can offer some candid insight and hope.

[Angélique (Angel) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This anthology is insightful, provocative, authentic, and healing. It spoke so well to the tensions I have felt being a bisexual person of faith while also exemplifying wholeness and integration in the midst of those tensions. I feel like my understanding of my sexuality and my spirituality has become more holistic through reading this collection, and I highly recommend it to other bisexual people of faith (with the caveat that some of the language used is dated).