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The Bi-ble #2
The Bi-ble: New Testimonials
Bisexuals inhabit a liminal space between cultures, often misunderstood and criticised by both the straight community and the LGBTQ+ alike. We’re called fence-sitters, greedy, promiscuous, incapable of decisions or monogamy, or simply dismissed as non-existent like a stubborn urban legend. Bisexuals suffer both the abuse incurred for existence and the erasure that claims nonexistence: a half-life, a state of being and not being, simultaneously too gay and not gay enough.
Because of this and many other factors, the statistics for bisexual wellbeing are bleak – we are more likely to suffer from mental health issues, more likely to be closeted, at higher risk of domestic abuse and assault from partners, and even at higher risk of conditions like heart disease and addiction. It is time to dig into these issues and step out of the liminal space – into a full life where our voices and stories can be heard, and our identities declared valid.
Our books are not just for bisexuals, though we hope they will unite and inspire those of us who identify as such. Its writers identify as many things that fall under the bi+ umbrella. These anthologies are also an invitation to sharing and understanding – open books, so to speak, extending a discussion to other communities in the hope of learning more about each other and the beautiful, multifaceted, endlessly complex and individual world of sexuality.
Because of this and many other factors, the statistics for bisexual wellbeing are bleak – we are more likely to suffer from mental health issues, more likely to be closeted, at higher risk of domestic abuse and assault from partners, and even at higher risk of conditions like heart disease and addiction. It is time to dig into these issues and step out of the liminal space – into a full life where our voices and stories can be heard, and our identities declared valid.
Our books are not just for bisexuals, though we hope they will unite and inspire those of us who identify as such. Its writers identify as many things that fall under the bi+ umbrella. These anthologies are also an invitation to sharing and understanding – open books, so to speak, extending a discussion to other communities in the hope of learning more about each other and the beautiful, multifaceted, endlessly complex and individual world of sexuality.
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Published January 1, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 9, 2019
A great and diverse collection of essays from bisexual people across the UK. Reading this (and Purple Prose, I still need to get my hands on the first volume of 'The Bi-ble') as a bisexual has truly been insightful to the way others experience bisexuality, and it helped me deal with some of my internalised bi-phobia that I have struggled shaking off. There are testimonies from POC, disabled, trans, immigrant, and working class bisexuals so I'm certain that most bisexuals would relate to one story or another in some way.
This has also been my first time reading about someone else who also happens to be autistic and bisexual - it is very rare to hear from someone being LGBTQ+ and austisic, nevertheless a bisexual one!
This is a remarkable collection and would highly recommend to anyone, regardless of their sexual orientation! I wish that bi-phobic lesbians and gay men would read this to understand the struggles that bisexual people face in the world, and then maybe LGBTQ+ spaces could always be welcoming to bisexuals.
This has also been my first time reading about someone else who also happens to be autistic and bisexual - it is very rare to hear from someone being LGBTQ+ and austisic, nevertheless a bisexual one!
This is a remarkable collection and would highly recommend to anyone, regardless of their sexual orientation! I wish that bi-phobic lesbians and gay men would read this to understand the struggles that bisexual people face in the world, and then maybe LGBTQ+ spaces could always be welcoming to bisexuals.
May 23, 2022
This series essays had a wide range, they were touching, heartbreaking but also funny at times. I had not expected to feel so seen after finishing an essay though. I am bisexual myself, but I was never really that aware of how invisible bisexuality was (obvious in hindsight). So to have a book do the opposite, to evolve solely around bisexuality, really moved me. Moreover, I underlined so many lines in this book because I had this overwhelming feeling of "This is me!" so many times.
Another great thing about this book is that it is diverse. The editors really made sure that they did not only give bisexual voices a platform, but bisexual genderqueer people and bisexual people of colour too.
I wouldn't say that it was a joy to read, because some essays mentioned traumatic events that happened to the writer, but at the same time it was. To feel recognised is a joy and I want more of it.
Another great thing about this book is that it is diverse. The editors really made sure that they did not only give bisexual voices a platform, but bisexual genderqueer people and bisexual people of colour too.
I wouldn't say that it was a joy to read, because some essays mentioned traumatic events that happened to the writer, but at the same time it was. To feel recognised is a joy and I want more of it.
January 20, 2020
As a cis pansexual woman who first came out as bisexual (back when i was young and wasnt aware you could be anything else than a man or a woman) some of the testimonials in here really resonated with me. Some of them really didnt. Some of them were very eye opening and educational. Some of them were not all that interesting.
But all in all i did appreciate what this book brought me and i deeply respect all of the authors featured for sharing their experiences and their thoughts.
But all in all i did appreciate what this book brought me and i deeply respect all of the authors featured for sharing their experiences and their thoughts.
January 19, 2020
Anthologies are always difficult. Even if you love some of the essays, there's bound to be some you don't.
I was a bit disappointed with this book. I felt that a lot of the essays which seemed more 'academic' in subject, didn't really explore their argument in enough depth for it to feel satisfying (thinking about the one on Janelle in particular).
Others just didn't seem that well written, there were several that were about coming out/coming to terms with their sexuality which tried to cover their entire life story in 10 pages. Needless to say this didn't read particularly well.
Perhaps the problem was that each essay was so short they didn't have enough space to really explore what they set out to do.
I also think someone who's recently come out as bi, or is questioning their sexuality, may find this book more interesting and useful than I did as someone who's been out as bi for several years and read quite a lot on the subject.
I was a bit disappointed with this book. I felt that a lot of the essays which seemed more 'academic' in subject, didn't really explore their argument in enough depth for it to feel satisfying (thinking about the one on Janelle in particular).
Others just didn't seem that well written, there were several that were about coming out/coming to terms with their sexuality which tried to cover their entire life story in 10 pages. Needless to say this didn't read particularly well.
Perhaps the problem was that each essay was so short they didn't have enough space to really explore what they set out to do.
I also think someone who's recently come out as bi, or is questioning their sexuality, may find this book more interesting and useful than I did as someone who's been out as bi for several years and read quite a lot on the subject.
July 6, 2019
A sequel to be proud of! Ellen, Lauren and their authors should be proud of what they produced! This collection is so powerful, moving, witty, and full of truth. The joy and pain of bisexual life is tangible in each chapter. The diversity of experiences and stories collected is wonderful. It's a fantastic expansion of the stories that began in their first collection. I truly hope a third volume will follow. Anyone interested in bisexuality, queerness, feminism, survival, and empowerment needs to read this!
April 5, 2020
Brilliantly filled the gap in the things I felt were missing in the first one - more stories from AMAB folx and loads more stories from POC too. Gah. I want a third one.
November 10, 2020
Μια συλλογή 19 δοκιμίων από bisexual άτομα, τα οποία μιλάνε για το πως και πότε αποδέχτηκαν την σεξουαλική τους ταυτότητα και τις διακρίσεις που αντιμετωπίζουν τόσο γενικά στην κοινωνία, όσο και μέσα στις LGBT+ κοινότητες.
Διαβάστε περισσότερα στο blog μου.
Διαβάστε περισσότερα στο blog μου.
July 5, 2025
Framing the Essays as "testimonials" seems very fitting to me. The perspectives are varied and touch on different subjects and identities. I especially loved "All the things she said" by Annie Dobson for its captivating cadence and rhythm.
If you are interested in a variation of bi/pan personal accounts on coming out and belonging, this one is a worthwhile and captivating read!
If you are interested in a variation of bi/pan personal accounts on coming out and belonging, this one is a worthwhile and captivating read!
August 11, 2020
I haven’t been able to read Vol 1 of this collection as it’s unfortunately currently out of print, but this volume is fantastic. A diverse range of voices and lived experiences within the bisexual community, these stories are inspiring and eye-opening.
May 25, 2021
yesssssssss
September 15, 2021
4.5 Even better than the first volume, still important and necessary.
July 22, 2019
I’m a little biased, as I am IN the book haha! But I thought everyone’s stories were truly wonderful! So insightful and emotional, this book made me feel seen in so many ways!
December 24, 2020
Not as good as the first, but still good. Nice to be affirmed, felt a bit White™️ towards the end, but still good.
November 2, 2021
abwechslungsreiche essaysammlung, die mir selber viele dinge nochmal vor augen geführt hat und teils auch erschreckende Realitäten dargestellt hat (bspw. Wie hoch sexualisierte Gewalt ab Bisexuellen ist!! oder Bi-Erasue in der Gesellschaft wie auch in der queeren Community)
September 4, 2019
My lower rating is a result of two things; (1) there is only a limited amount which can be said on sexual identity politics alone, and I feel the first book ticked that box already; (2) these essays aren't as diverse (in terms of class and age) as I'd hoped. I still very much admire the authors for their contributions, and the publishers for continuing their herculean efforts to put bi content into the broader literary marketplace.
My recommendation; read this book if you're in your twenties, and the other book if you're in your thirties. If you're older than that, perhaps browse the book first, or read other narratives. This is only my opinion!
My recommendation; read this book if you're in your twenties, and the other book if you're in your thirties. If you're older than that, perhaps browse the book first, or read other narratives. This is only my opinion!
October 2, 2021
TW by chapter
Bidentity: depression, anxiety, eating disorders, internalised homophobia, biphobia, cheating, 5 star lesbians
The Hardest Thing I've Ever Had to Do: internalised homophobia, biphobia, bi-erasure, homophobia, toxic family
All the Things She Said: mention of sex as self harm, domestic violence
Thank God for Straight Cis Male Artists (bi enby): bullying, homophobia (inc internalised), violence against trans people
Zugehorigkeit: homophobia, abusive relationships, biphobia
When the Curtain Falls: queerphobia, mention of HP (p.57), biphobia
I Still Feel Like I Can't Quite Be Myself: internalised biphobia
You, You and I (genderqueer): sexual assault and rape, child sexual abuse, victim blaming
Let's Go Swimming (non-monogamous): biphobia and homophobia (both inc internalised)
Coming Out in My 30s: lesbophobia, internalised misogyny, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, body disorders, homophobia, mention of pedophilia and bestiality and rape
Bi, Single and Ready to Mingle: homophobia, bi-erasure, biphobia (inc internalised), mentions of sexual violence
Mysteries of Eros (pan): homophobia
Tapestries Woven in Many Threads (disabled bi gender non-conforming enby w/ self-diagnosed autism): abuse, internalised misogyny, sexual assault, mention of domestic violence and rape, biphobia
How Louise May Alcott Helped Me: forced outing, bi-erasure, homophobia, child abuse, rape, attempted physical assault
A Man, a Cane, an Awkward Title (disabled genderqueer bi): childhood sexual abuse, PTSD, drug addiction, biphobia, sexual assault, transphobia, misgendering, homophobia, racism, ableism
Like with The Bi-ble vol.1, I like the inclusion of different gender identities, races, religious and disabled voices within these. Being intersectional is important when talking about gender, sexuality, race and feminism because they bring different experiences based on what social privileges you do or don't have but also whether you practice religion or not.
I would've liked to see biromantic and bi asexual people etc voices in this too, and a bit less focus on the sex part of bi(sexual).
Bidentity: depression, anxiety, eating disorders, internalised homophobia, biphobia, cheating, 5 star lesbians
The Hardest Thing I've Ever Had to Do: internalised homophobia, biphobia, bi-erasure, homophobia, toxic family
All the Things She Said: mention of sex as self harm, domestic violence
Thank God for Straight Cis Male Artists (bi enby): bullying, homophobia (inc internalised), violence against trans people
Zugehorigkeit: homophobia, abusive relationships, biphobia
When the Curtain Falls: queerphobia, mention of HP (p.57), biphobia
I Still Feel Like I Can't Quite Be Myself: internalised biphobia
You, You and I (genderqueer): sexual assault and rape, child sexual abuse, victim blaming
Let's Go Swimming (non-monogamous): biphobia and homophobia (both inc internalised)
Coming Out in My 30s: lesbophobia, internalised misogyny, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, body disorders, homophobia, mention of pedophilia and bestiality and rape
Bi, Single and Ready to Mingle: homophobia, bi-erasure, biphobia (inc internalised), mentions of sexual violence
Mysteries of Eros (pan): homophobia
Tapestries Woven in Many Threads (disabled bi gender non-conforming enby w/ self-diagnosed autism): abuse, internalised misogyny, sexual assault, mention of domestic violence and rape, biphobia
How Louise May Alcott Helped Me: forced outing, bi-erasure, homophobia, child abuse, rape, attempted physical assault
A Man, a Cane, an Awkward Title (disabled genderqueer bi): childhood sexual abuse, PTSD, drug addiction, biphobia, sexual assault, transphobia, misgendering, homophobia, racism, ableism
Like with The Bi-ble vol.1, I like the inclusion of different gender identities, races, religious and disabled voices within these. Being intersectional is important when talking about gender, sexuality, race and feminism because they bring different experiences based on what social privileges you do or don't have but also whether you practice religion or not.
I would've liked to see biromantic and bi asexual people etc voices in this too, and a bit less focus on the sex part of bi(sexual).
September 8, 2020
A collection of essays centered around bi+ identities and experiences. Some essays really touched me (All the Things She Said and A Man, A Cane, An Awkward Title), most I found generally interesting, and a few bothered me, either more or less. As a bi+ person myself, I related to some essays more than others. I do want to point out the things that bothered me specifically in case it is useful:
-Jack Harkness from Doctor Who and Torchwood is falsely described as bisexual when he uses the term omnisexual
-one writer seemed to find every LGBTQ+ portrayal (and various other identities) in media problematic which in my view is identity policing. Of course critically viewing media representation is a good thing, but the line between that and prescribing the ‘right way’ to be queer/a woman etc. is slim.
-one writer distilled sexuality solely on sex and viewed it as based in action and not identity which made me a little uncomfortable
-one writer said that they couldn’t imagine how ‘a man in a woman’s body would even work’ which intentionally or not sounds a little transphobic
This is just my experience with this collection though, naturally influenced by my own intersecting identities. Still, I enjoyed engaging and interacting with this book a lot.
-Jack Harkness from Doctor Who and Torchwood is falsely described as bisexual when he uses the term omnisexual
-one writer seemed to find every LGBTQ+ portrayal (and various other identities) in media problematic which in my view is identity policing. Of course critically viewing media representation is a good thing, but the line between that and prescribing the ‘right way’ to be queer/a woman etc. is slim.
-one writer distilled sexuality solely on sex and viewed it as based in action and not identity which made me a little uncomfortable
-one writer said that they couldn’t imagine how ‘a man in a woman’s body would even work’ which intentionally or not sounds a little transphobic
This is just my experience with this collection though, naturally influenced by my own intersecting identities. Still, I enjoyed engaging and interacting with this book a lot.
September 6, 2020
This was great! Reallyreallyreally speaks to the importance of honest representation. Over the whole of time! I felt close to the woman writing about her bi identity, whilst married, with no experience to call upon to use as 'proof'. I haven't explored it much because I'm mostly neutral and flexi across the board but I probably fit that kind of bill too. TBC.
I want to be ambidextrous! I did daily sudoku with my left hand for a year with brain plasticity in mind, but slow personal workings sounds dreamy.
From here I'll consider reading Little Women and quickly let that go, same with Janelle Monae, before I settle on St Vincent, back in the cardigan days, for the afternoon.
I want to be ambidextrous! I did daily sudoku with my left hand for a year with brain plasticity in mind, but slow personal workings sounds dreamy.
From here I'll consider reading Little Women and quickly let that go, same with Janelle Monae, before I settle on St Vincent, back in the cardigan days, for the afternoon.
August 26, 2024
There were a couple irritating pieces I disagreed with but they are dwarfed by the writings that resonated on such a deep level; particularly the descriptions of being invisible still within the communities we supposedly belong and the very much needed criticism of the communities debilitating and dissonant want to hold so tightly onto some kind of conformity, a just as sinister conformity as the very same that shuns us
January 16, 2020
A great addition to the first book. A lovely, insightful and sometimes uncomfortable look into the experiences of bisexual people . Lots of perspectives are explored. Every bisexual person should read this, then everyone else should read it too to gain understanding. Absolutely loved it!
September 6, 2020
Important, moving and intersectional essays written by a selection of bi voices from across the UK. Deeply moving and wildly helpful for me to read whilst on my journey of bisexuality.
Thank you for making this.
Thank you for making this.
April 8, 2020
the 2nd volume of this book is again very relatable and reminds me how diverse the bisexual community is
July 5, 2020
Another great collection of essays about being bi, whose main fault was being too short. I could have read a million more.
CW: rape, sexual abuse, domestic violence, biphobia, trans erasure
CW: rape, sexual abuse, domestic violence, biphobia, trans erasure
September 6, 2020
Glad to see the improvement compared to the first edition. More coherent (and frankly, interesting) stories by better writers - good job!
October 1, 2020
Volume 2 was much better in terms of writing and diversity of narratives, and it quenched my thirst for bi empathy much better.
May 25, 2021
Finished the firdt Volume and IMMEDIATELY bought this. So many brilliant stories of acknowledging pain, trauma, erasure and biphobia, but also overcoming them and celebrating joy and love.
October 31, 2021
The essays in this volume felt repetitive after the excellent first volume. Worthwhile read but won't be rushing to return.
April 27, 2022
thanks for introducing me to St. Vincent👌👌
November 9, 2022
Again another passage into understanding the different forms in which bisexuality takes, grateful
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews