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Purple Prose: Bisexuality in Britain
The Bookbag, Non-fiction Book of the Month, September 2016
Purple Bisexuality in Britain is the first of its a book written for and by bisexuals in the UK. This accessible collection of interviews, essays, poems and commentary explores topics such as definitions of bisexuality, intersections of bisexuality with other identities, stereotypes and biphobia, being bisexual at work, teenage bisexuality and bisexuality through the years, the media’s approach to bisexual celebrities, and fictional bisexual characters. Filled with raw, honest, first-person accounts as well as comments from leading bisexual activists in the UK, this is the book you’ll buy for your friend who’s just come out to you as bi-curious, or for your parents who think your bisexuality is weird or a phase, or for yourself, because you know you’re bi but you don’t know where to go or what to do about it.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2016
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386 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 25, 2019
I bought a copy of Purple Prose: Bisexuality in Britain, an anthology edited by Kate Harrad, at Nine Worlds a couple of years ago, read a couple of the most obviously relevant sections and then tucked it away on a shelf and more or less forgot about it until someone mentioned in in a comment on a review of The Bi-ble a few weeks ago, prompting me to fish it out and put it back on the to-read pile.
Unlike The Bi-ble, which was simply a collection of personal essays, Purple Prose is divided into thematic chapters, with editorial commentary linking quotes from a range of bisexual-identified people. After a couple of introductory chapters looking at what bisexuality is, biphobia and the experience of coming out as bi, the chapters look at the intersections of bisexual identity with gender, race, disability, faith, non-monogamy and age, as well as looking at bisexuality in the workplace and in the context of dating, and rounding off with a look at allyship and bisexual activism. I think that one of the reasons I'd put off reading the book when I first bought it was that the thematic structure seemed a little academic and serious (although it was mostly ongoing internalised biphobia telling me I wasn't really bi so what was the point of reading it, obviously), but actually I felt that it worked better for me than the unfiltered personal accounts of The Bi-ble in terms of helping to highlight key themes in bi experience. (It also meant that I could easily skim through the sections of least relevance to me - in particular the one on dating and to a lesser extent the one on non-monogamy - although mostly I found it interesting to read these as a way of understanding other bi people's experience.)
I found Purple Prose really interesting and informative. Also, unlike The Bi-ble which felt like the voice of a slightly younger generation of bi people, I felt that I was reading the voices of bi people like me, and suggesting the existence of a bi community I could imagine being part of. (Actually, a bi community I am already part of without realising it; among the contributors and chapter editors I recognised three members of my DW circle, one long-term "friend" from LJ days, and a couple of other people I follow on Twitter.) Many of the contributors mentioned early experiences which clearly placed them close to my age, and there was also a section on the experiences of older bi women (although, rather disappointingly, these were all Americans). I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who is bi, or to allies and partners of bi people who want to understand more about bisexuality and its intersections with other facets of identity.
Unlike The Bi-ble, which was simply a collection of personal essays, Purple Prose is divided into thematic chapters, with editorial commentary linking quotes from a range of bisexual-identified people. After a couple of introductory chapters looking at what bisexuality is, biphobia and the experience of coming out as bi, the chapters look at the intersections of bisexual identity with gender, race, disability, faith, non-monogamy and age, as well as looking at bisexuality in the workplace and in the context of dating, and rounding off with a look at allyship and bisexual activism. I think that one of the reasons I'd put off reading the book when I first bought it was that the thematic structure seemed a little academic and serious (although it was mostly ongoing internalised biphobia telling me I wasn't really bi so what was the point of reading it, obviously), but actually I felt that it worked better for me than the unfiltered personal accounts of The Bi-ble in terms of helping to highlight key themes in bi experience. (It also meant that I could easily skim through the sections of least relevance to me - in particular the one on dating and to a lesser extent the one on non-monogamy - although mostly I found it interesting to read these as a way of understanding other bi people's experience.)
I found Purple Prose really interesting and informative. Also, unlike The Bi-ble which felt like the voice of a slightly younger generation of bi people, I felt that I was reading the voices of bi people like me, and suggesting the existence of a bi community I could imagine being part of. (Actually, a bi community I am already part of without realising it; among the contributors and chapter editors I recognised three members of my DW circle, one long-term "friend" from LJ days, and a couple of other people I follow on Twitter.) Many of the contributors mentioned early experiences which clearly placed them close to my age, and there was also a section on the experiences of older bi women (although, rather disappointingly, these were all Americans). I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who is bi, or to allies and partners of bi people who want to understand more about bisexuality and its intersections with other facets of identity.
September 4, 2016
Received a copy as I backed the crowdfunding for this book.
Well worth your time if you are human or interact with humans in any way. Honestly, I think this is a pretty important piece of work for anyone whatever label you prefer, and I'd particularly suggest it to educators, parents and carers for any age group.
Well worth your time if you are human or interact with humans in any way. Honestly, I think this is a pretty important piece of work for anyone whatever label you prefer, and I'd particularly suggest it to educators, parents and carers for any age group.
September 29, 2016
The publisher sent me a copy of this book in return for an honest review, and having read it in now understand why.
Purple Prose is a collection of nonfiction writing on bisexuality and related subjects, and it’s been an education for me, making me reassess my own attitudes and beliefs and wonder whether I have been subtly biphobic without calling it that.
Each chapter is a collated set of pieces in various formats: semi-academic essays, anecdotes, personal accounts, opinion pieces, even cartoons and graphs where necessary. This mix of styles and contributors keeps engaging what could have been dry or preachy. The editors have done a good job imparting the necessary information without seeming either to shout at me or whine.
It begins by defining the term, debunking some myths and stereotypes, and giving practical advice on how (and whether) to come out. Coming out as bi is more problematic than as gay, and the issues bisexual people face are quite different from those of gay people, and different again for trans people or the rest of the QIA+ rainbow. I mistakenly thought that because I encounter homophobia so rarely that it was hardly a problem in the UK for any LGBTQ people.
The chapter on gender was especially enlightening: it seems obvious but hadn’t occurred to me that bi people are more open to relationships with trans or non binary people. For bisexuals the person can be attractive regardless of gender or what genitals they might have. It makes me seem intolerant and shallow by comparison in my rule that any partner of mine should possess a penis.
It lost me a little in the chapter titled “Bisexuality and Non -Monogamy”. In describing situations that, to me, didn’t sound like real relationships at all. But I must concede that my own relationship with a man would not be considered valid or normal in other times or places. It’s an accident of birth that I live where a gay man and his partner are almost as accepted as any hetero couple. I am aware that other groups are still considered “fringe”. I have no right to be judgmental.
Other chapters discuss workplaces, ethnicity, disability and faith, and how bisexuality sits alongside them. Some of it seems rather obvious but for someone who feels isolated it must be reassuring and useful to see things like this written down. The final chapters are on being an “ally” and bisexual activism.
This is definitely a useful book for any who consider themselves bisexual, to whatever extent, particularly those who are young or unsure about coming out. It will also be useful for families and friends who may not fully understand the complexity.
In being fairly comprehensive, Purple Prose does a good job of including the whole spectrum of bisexuality, so people worried that they are somehow abnormal will be reassured. The possible downside is that monosexuals (one of the words I’ve learned) reading this could have some of their prejudices reinforced, as the currently less socially acceptable aspects (BDSM, kink, polyamory) are discussed as if they are widespread and commonplace.
Overall though, this is a worthwhile volume and I’m grateful for the opportunity to read it.
July 23, 2016
An anthology is a collection of written work that pertains to the appropriate subject matter. In the case of Purple Prose, the general ideas of the book are small inklings that are expanded upon by the "voices" of Britain's primary bisexual activists. The specific issues that Kate Harrad (editor) chose to include were biphobia, bisexual invisibility, ignorance towards bisexuality, discrimination, and sexualization, just to name a few examples. I found that the vast degree which each topic was elaborated on was acute and did not lack in any way. Additionally, on a personal note, for someone who has undergone an extensive amount of self-discovery / self-development this book will aid to enlighten and perhaps alleviate any worries that you're becoming mental. The people that shared their experiences about coming-out, handling the strains that their sexuality added to their family, or dealing with discrimination, all appeared to have the most unashamed view of sex as a whole. Now obviously I do not live in the U.K, I live in the U.S (North America), so I was able to form some opinions and contrast the differences about my belief that sexuality / gender / the goddam act of having sex / nudity are all demonized and considered to be a taboo. That's why (unless for religious reasons) premarital intercourse is frowned upon (maybe even punished); it's because everyone takes it too seriously, and yes I am aware of the implications that can happen when engaging in the act of sex, however, if people weren't so uptight about it I believe they would be happier.
I really appreciated the direction that this anthology took. I found the information contained within it to be helpful and knowledgeable.
I really appreciated the direction that this anthology took. I found the information contained within it to be helpful and knowledgeable.
September 23, 2016
"How do I talk to you about something that most people think doesn't exist?
Sometimes, I feel like an empty chalk line on bitumen, a once-man forever being filled in by other people's expectations and ideas."
This book is accessible, broad, inclusive and undeniably needed in society today. The central message that bisexuality is not something that belongs to other people to critique or assign but an identity experienced by you alone was greatly heartening. Right from the first chapter, the insightful editors were clear to make their definitions are inclusive and flexible as possible. As someone who has personally experienced stereotyping and bi-erasure both from the heteronormative and LGBT communities, I found it uplifting to feel so included by the writing and to be so without feeling that my belief in my identity was being in anyway judged or pre-stipulated. In addition, I think the clarity and openness of the editors' writing will be a great help to people who coming out as bisexual to themselves. It's great to have a resource to recommend to younger or less-certain members of the community. And I know I will be using some of the phrases in this book to explain my sexuality to others, as everything was so concise and clear.
I've been out and proud as bisexual (sometimes pansexual) since age 4, but there was so much that I didn't know that now I do. I don't know if that's under-representation of bisexual issues in general LGBTQAI+ spaces, or just my personal experience, but this book was absolutely illuminating. Did you know rates of mental health conditions are higher in bisexual people than in gas and lesbian people? Did you know that chronic illness and physical disability is highest amongst bisexual people of the different LGBT identities and that therefore Bi-specific events are often the most accommodating? That bisexual spaces remain predominantly white compared to other LGBTQIA+ spaces, and that almost no research has been done on the black or ethnic minority bi population? This has definitely helped me better understand my experiences relating to my sexuality, and hopefully I can now be a better ally to others too.
I thoroughly commend the editors on dealing so thoroughly with different minorities within the minority of bisexuality. As someone with disabilities who is also bisexual, I had only ever experienced meeting other isolated people like me, so to see an entire chapter treating my dual-identity explicitly and talking about statistics made me feel a lot less alone and has given me a lot of resources. I found Sam's poem "Calculations" particularly moving. The same can be said for the editors' thoroughness and diversity in representing bisexuals with religious faith, black and minority ethnic status, the interaction of bisexuality with gender, interaction of bisexuality with other types of sexuality including pan and ace identities, with specific treatment of the trans and non-binary populations, and a thoroughly sensitive discussion of ethical non-monogamy in the bisexual community. All these chapters contained several varied voices of people who experienced these dual-identities themselves and other online and written resources which I will definitely be exploring.
The tone of the book is light and mostly positive and uplifting. It sends the overwhelming message that there is support out there and that no matter how rare or isolated you feel, you are probably not alone. Such a recent work is vital for understanding the experiences of bisexual people today. The language itself is highly accessible, almost no prior knowledge of LGBTQIA+ issues is required, making this an ideal book for friends, parents, and other supporters of bisexual people which should be highly informative and still relatable (they even include a specific chapter for allies towards the end of the book). All the contributors are highly able writers, have taken great lengths to include diverse views within their own chapters, and write with the piercing sensitivity of first hand experience. It's great to have issues like disability and religion discussed by someone who themselves identifies as part of that minority, even better multiple contributors, it really sends a positive message that these voices are important and shouldn't just be given a paragraph written by someone from a more standard background. This level of inclusion makes me very proud to be bi.
I absolutely loved this book. It affirmed all my pride in my sexuality and helped me feel powerful against the problems which unfortunately continue for bisexual people even in relatively liberal countries like the UK today. I'd have a copy in every school, university, LGBTQIA+ organisation, and charity. Fantastic book. The editors have made an essential contribution to popular bisexual culture.
*Review written on International Bisexual Visibility Day, so if you haven't already, hug someone bi that you know and love before midnight!*
Sometimes, I feel like an empty chalk line on bitumen, a once-man forever being filled in by other people's expectations and ideas."
This book is accessible, broad, inclusive and undeniably needed in society today. The central message that bisexuality is not something that belongs to other people to critique or assign but an identity experienced by you alone was greatly heartening. Right from the first chapter, the insightful editors were clear to make their definitions are inclusive and flexible as possible. As someone who has personally experienced stereotyping and bi-erasure both from the heteronormative and LGBT communities, I found it uplifting to feel so included by the writing and to be so without feeling that my belief in my identity was being in anyway judged or pre-stipulated. In addition, I think the clarity and openness of the editors' writing will be a great help to people who coming out as bisexual to themselves. It's great to have a resource to recommend to younger or less-certain members of the community. And I know I will be using some of the phrases in this book to explain my sexuality to others, as everything was so concise and clear.
I've been out and proud as bisexual (sometimes pansexual) since age 4, but there was so much that I didn't know that now I do. I don't know if that's under-representation of bisexual issues in general LGBTQAI+ spaces, or just my personal experience, but this book was absolutely illuminating. Did you know rates of mental health conditions are higher in bisexual people than in gas and lesbian people? Did you know that chronic illness and physical disability is highest amongst bisexual people of the different LGBT identities and that therefore Bi-specific events are often the most accommodating? That bisexual spaces remain predominantly white compared to other LGBTQIA+ spaces, and that almost no research has been done on the black or ethnic minority bi population? This has definitely helped me better understand my experiences relating to my sexuality, and hopefully I can now be a better ally to others too.
I thoroughly commend the editors on dealing so thoroughly with different minorities within the minority of bisexuality. As someone with disabilities who is also bisexual, I had only ever experienced meeting other isolated people like me, so to see an entire chapter treating my dual-identity explicitly and talking about statistics made me feel a lot less alone and has given me a lot of resources. I found Sam's poem "Calculations" particularly moving. The same can be said for the editors' thoroughness and diversity in representing bisexuals with religious faith, black and minority ethnic status, the interaction of bisexuality with gender, interaction of bisexuality with other types of sexuality including pan and ace identities, with specific treatment of the trans and non-binary populations, and a thoroughly sensitive discussion of ethical non-monogamy in the bisexual community. All these chapters contained several varied voices of people who experienced these dual-identities themselves and other online and written resources which I will definitely be exploring.
The tone of the book is light and mostly positive and uplifting. It sends the overwhelming message that there is support out there and that no matter how rare or isolated you feel, you are probably not alone. Such a recent work is vital for understanding the experiences of bisexual people today. The language itself is highly accessible, almost no prior knowledge of LGBTQIA+ issues is required, making this an ideal book for friends, parents, and other supporters of bisexual people which should be highly informative and still relatable (they even include a specific chapter for allies towards the end of the book). All the contributors are highly able writers, have taken great lengths to include diverse views within their own chapters, and write with the piercing sensitivity of first hand experience. It's great to have issues like disability and religion discussed by someone who themselves identifies as part of that minority, even better multiple contributors, it really sends a positive message that these voices are important and shouldn't just be given a paragraph written by someone from a more standard background. This level of inclusion makes me very proud to be bi.
I absolutely loved this book. It affirmed all my pride in my sexuality and helped me feel powerful against the problems which unfortunately continue for bisexual people even in relatively liberal countries like the UK today. I'd have a copy in every school, university, LGBTQIA+ organisation, and charity. Fantastic book. The editors have made an essential contribution to popular bisexual culture.
*Review written on International Bisexual Visibility Day, so if you haven't already, hug someone bi that you know and love before midnight!*
September 5, 2016
I want to start this review by saying there should be a copy of this book available to every Gay Switchboard, Doctor, Headteacher or Counsellor and everyone in the LGBT community (or LG, LGGG...GGGGGGG and even LGb(t) as some of the writers put it) should be encouraged to read it. It is not at all difficult to read and it shows that being bisexual is not a “one size fits all” label. Being bisexual is not about being confused, trendy, greedy or dishonest. Biphobia and bi-erasure are institutionalised everywhere. The common stereotypes are just wrong. (When is stereotyping ever right?) Bisexuals are often, but not always, monogamous. They might identify as straight or gay/lesbian their entire lives but know they have romantic feelings towards both genders and indeed sometimes to people whose gender falls outside the binary norm. A bisexual friend once said to me “I love a person, not a gender.” Think about that. For those individuals, gay or straight, who fall into the “monosexual” category gender assumes an overwhelming significance in partner choice. For bisexuals it does not – a person is loved for more than their intimate parts, their masculinity or femininity. This should be liberating. Often it is not.
I was no stranger to a lot of these experiences although some of the words were new to me (thinking metamour and Lesbian Sheep Syndrome amongst others) and I can’t praise this book highly enough. Kate Harrad and her team of authors and bisexual activists have done a superb job in flagging up issues of invisibility, erasure, ignorance and outright hostility from both straight and homosexual (particularly lesbian) communities. One particularly moving section was the contribution from Omar J. Sakr. It was beautifully written and spoke directly to me. Thank you Omar.
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway, for which I am grateful. I only wish it had been written back in the 1970s.
October 27, 2016
"The most common thing I hear people say, gay or straight, when I'm talking about bisexuality is 'Oh, yeah. That makes sense. I guess I hadn't really thought about it.'
They really don't think about it. We're all trained by society not to. It can be like owning magical glasses that no one else has."
This book pretty much illuminated a lightbulb over my head, which for someone who thinks and reads about queer issues a lot and has bisexual friends is pretty shameful. I was always reasonably aware of issues around bi-invisibility, but had not really appreciated what privilege I have being monosexual, nor had I realised the strength of internalized biphobia.
Safe to say then, this book achieves its aims, both for people like me and, it seemed, for the bisexual people at our book club meetup who found it really spoke to them.
It wasn't all doom and gloom either, with plenty of touching stories and a chapter I loved on fiction and fandom. That was one aspect that particularly impressed me: the range of topics addressed. Chapters on intersections with disability, faith, race, trans and non-binary aspects, alternatives to monogamy, and an interesting one on bisexuality later in life. The focus on lived experiences makes it completely genuine, and it is up-front about the limitations of its scope.
If you what to educate yourself, particularly if you know someone who is bisexual (poly, pan, or other term) and want to understand what they might be dealing with in their day-to-day life, pick it up!
They really don't think about it. We're all trained by society not to. It can be like owning magical glasses that no one else has."
This book pretty much illuminated a lightbulb over my head, which for someone who thinks and reads about queer issues a lot and has bisexual friends is pretty shameful. I was always reasonably aware of issues around bi-invisibility, but had not really appreciated what privilege I have being monosexual, nor had I realised the strength of internalized biphobia.
Safe to say then, this book achieves its aims, both for people like me and, it seemed, for the bisexual people at our book club meetup who found it really spoke to them.
It wasn't all doom and gloom either, with plenty of touching stories and a chapter I loved on fiction and fandom. That was one aspect that particularly impressed me: the range of topics addressed. Chapters on intersections with disability, faith, race, trans and non-binary aspects, alternatives to monogamy, and an interesting one on bisexuality later in life. The focus on lived experiences makes it completely genuine, and it is up-front about the limitations of its scope.
If you what to educate yourself, particularly if you know someone who is bisexual (poly, pan, or other term) and want to understand what they might be dealing with in their day-to-day life, pick it up!
August 12, 2016
I am biased, because I edited a chapter and wrote loads of other bits, but I did very much enjoy reading this.
July 7, 2017
I could probably have given this a full 5* but I'm pretty stingy when it comes to that rating. This book was all-round one of the most bi-positive books I've read in a very long time. It proved to be an incredibly easy, engaging read with a very light and laid-back tone.
This book can - and should! - really be read by anyone, but I think it would be most beneficial for bisexual people who are newly out (to themselves and others), anyone who thinks they might be bi, anyone who's maybe feeling a bit insecure about their identity/identities, or monosexual people maybe looking to learn more or be allies.
A lot of the information in the book might just be reiterating what out bi people have known for a while, but actually seeing that information in print and accessible to others is still an incredibly uplifting and powerful experience for all non-monosexual/romantic folk. I would without a doubt recommend this book to everyone.
This book can - and should! - really be read by anyone, but I think it would be most beneficial for bisexual people who are newly out (to themselves and others), anyone who thinks they might be bi, anyone who's maybe feeling a bit insecure about their identity/identities, or monosexual people maybe looking to learn more or be allies.
A lot of the information in the book might just be reiterating what out bi people have known for a while, but actually seeing that information in print and accessible to others is still an incredibly uplifting and powerful experience for all non-monosexual/romantic folk. I would without a doubt recommend this book to everyone.
September 27, 2020
A really solid and comprehensive look at bisexuality in Britain today. While I didn't gain much in the way of new knowledge in the first couple of chapters, I thought the chapters about how bisexuality intersects with other identities (e.g. being disabled/BME/religious/non-monogamous) especially interesting and informative. I would definitely recommend this to both bisexual people and allies alike as an introduction to the bisexual community in Britain.
January 29, 2017
When it comes to sexual identity, bisexuality takes a lot of punches from both the mainstream culture and the LGBT+ community as well. Purple Prose is an anthology of personal testimonials from many bisexuals, albeit closeted, out, disabled, bisexuals of colour, and so on. It is a great guide on how bisexuality can feel from inside. Would recommend.
March 12, 2021
First book that I've read like this and was really good once I started to get into it and get past the stories that would get you down about being bisexual or your loved one being bisexual.
September 12, 2021
Excellent collection of essays and interviews with bisexual people in Britain. This book not only clarifies the facts about bisexuality, it also delves into the intersectionality of bisexual people in the context of gender, disability, ethnicity, and religion. This book is a deep dive and a welcome addition to the literature on bisexual people. Thank you to the editors and contributors! If you have any questions about the topic, this book will help you understand this community.
April 27, 2020
Fairly basic but necessary resourcebook and introduction to bisexuality.
February 13, 2022
This book is a precious resource not only for bisexuals everywhere but also for the people who want to support them and fight against every form of discrimination.
I wish I had read it sooner!
I wish I had read it sooner!
November 24, 2016
I received this book for free via Goodreads First Reads.
I will start this review by declaring I am autistic, I identify as asexual and I am bi-curious.
Now I again I read a book I consider to be a must read. This is one of those. It deals with bisexuality in Britain in an informative and quite often emotive way. There are facts and personal accounts, some of which are upsetting but all of which deserve to be read.
It deals with the prejudices the bi community has to endure from all sides of the sexual spectrum as well as giving advice on how to be an ally.
I admit I have used so offensive terms about bisexuality in the past and having read this book I now feel I should personally apologise for my ignorance in doing so.
It also made me question my own sexuality. I am not ready emotionally or professionally to come out as bi and deal with those consequences but it has made me think.
5 stars.
I will start this review by declaring I am autistic, I identify as asexual and I am bi-curious.
Now I again I read a book I consider to be a must read. This is one of those. It deals with bisexuality in Britain in an informative and quite often emotive way. There are facts and personal accounts, some of which are upsetting but all of which deserve to be read.
It deals with the prejudices the bi community has to endure from all sides of the sexual spectrum as well as giving advice on how to be an ally.
I admit I have used so offensive terms about bisexuality in the past and having read this book I now feel I should personally apologise for my ignorance in doing so.
It also made me question my own sexuality. I am not ready emotionally or professionally to come out as bi and deal with those consequences but it has made me think.
5 stars.
September 11, 2016
I was pleased to have won this book in a recent Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
This is a totally different read to my usual genres. It's a collection of interviews, essays, poems and more. I found it interesting, even though I am not bi-sexual. Just straight. Recommended.
This is a totally different read to my usual genres. It's a collection of interviews, essays, poems and more. I found it interesting, even though I am not bi-sexual. Just straight. Recommended.
April 10, 2017
I attended one of the bookshop events for this anthology, and during one of the readings I had a You Are Not Alone moment which got me quite emotional, nearly to tears. I am happy this book exists, happy it will help people understand bisexuality and dispel biphobic myths, and help people to understand themselves and others. It is an important anthology.
The content covers a range of topics: bisexuality and labeling, coming out as bisexual, bisexuality and non-binary gender, bisexuality and polyamory, bisexual people of colour, bisexuality and religion, bisexual activism, bisexuality in fiction and popular culture, etc. The chapters not relevant to my personal experience were still interesting, providing insight into other people's lives and experiences. I recommend this book to, well, anyone.
I was disappointed by only one chapter: 'The Gender Agenda'. I went into this chapter being unfamiliar with non-binary gender, and I felt like I finished it understanding it even less than when I started. The bulk of the chapter is made up of interview responses from people who identify as non-binary. The interview quotes are roughly introduced and linked together along the lines of:
W said something:
> quote <
X agreed:
> quote <
Y and Z disagreed:
> quote <
> quote <
Etc.
This format is clunky, irritating and unengaging. For the rest of the book, the articles use quotes from interviewees to highlight and expand on the main text - only in this chapter do the interview quotes comprise the bulk of the text. The content of the quotes is not synthesized into a useful summation, and specialist vocabulary is not explained (and some of it is not included in the glossary at the end of the book). As someone unfamiliar with non-binary gender, but curious to learn more, I found this chapter very off-putting: I struggled through it, and could easily imagine others giving up and deciding the whole non-binary thing was a load of old tosh. I finished it thinking I needed to buy a book specifically about non-binary if I was to have any hope of understanding it. To further highlight the inadequacies of this chapter, a later chapter ('Lesser Spotted Attractions') includes a clear and concise explanation of non-binary as a small aside, and this gave me more understanding of the topic than the entire chapter devoted to it.
But that is just one chapter; the rest are excellent.
The content covers a range of topics: bisexuality and labeling, coming out as bisexual, bisexuality and non-binary gender, bisexuality and polyamory, bisexual people of colour, bisexuality and religion, bisexual activism, bisexuality in fiction and popular culture, etc. The chapters not relevant to my personal experience were still interesting, providing insight into other people's lives and experiences. I recommend this book to, well, anyone.
I was disappointed by only one chapter: 'The Gender Agenda'. I went into this chapter being unfamiliar with non-binary gender, and I felt like I finished it understanding it even less than when I started. The bulk of the chapter is made up of interview responses from people who identify as non-binary. The interview quotes are roughly introduced and linked together along the lines of:
W said something:
> quote <
X agreed:
> quote <
Y and Z disagreed:
> quote <
> quote <
Etc.
This format is clunky, irritating and unengaging. For the rest of the book, the articles use quotes from interviewees to highlight and expand on the main text - only in this chapter do the interview quotes comprise the bulk of the text. The content of the quotes is not synthesized into a useful summation, and specialist vocabulary is not explained (and some of it is not included in the glossary at the end of the book). As someone unfamiliar with non-binary gender, but curious to learn more, I found this chapter very off-putting: I struggled through it, and could easily imagine others giving up and deciding the whole non-binary thing was a load of old tosh. I finished it thinking I needed to buy a book specifically about non-binary if I was to have any hope of understanding it. To further highlight the inadequacies of this chapter, a later chapter ('Lesser Spotted Attractions') includes a clear and concise explanation of non-binary as a small aside, and this gave me more understanding of the topic than the entire chapter devoted to it.
But that is just one chapter; the rest are excellent.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews