Bi The Hidden Culture, History and Science of Bisexuality
- 1 Jun 2023
- 9781786898791
- £10.99
- 272 pp
- 129×198mm
- 2 Jun 2022
- 9781786898777
- £8.79
- 272 pp
- 2 Jun 2022
- 9781786898784
- £25
- 6 hrs 21 min
In a few words
A provocative and eye-opening book on the science and history of bisexuality, from the internationally bestselling author and co-host of BBC podcast Bad People
In a few words
A provocative and eye-opening book on the science and history of bisexuality, from the internationally bestselling author and co-host of BBC podcast Bad People
In a few words
A provocative and eye-opening book on the science and history of bisexuality, from the internationally bestselling author and co-host of BBC podcast Bad People
Well-researched, cogent and compelling . . . Shaw is always an engaging guide to the landscape, on everything from the hunt for a bi gene to the sexual habits of giraffes and rams. [She] has achieved what she set out to do: delivered a book that does justice to the important history of bisexuality, bringing the colourful world of bisexual scholarship “out of the shadows”
A tour of the science, culture and history of bisexuality that ranges from the vehemently political to the charmingly weird. Shaw celebrates bisexual bonobos, debunks myths about gay giraffes and contends that "starfish should be the mascots for queerness" . . . The book opens up conversations that might just lead to more visibility, understanding and empathy for all people, however they define themselves. If those conversations could become the latest big thing, we’d all benefit
Well-researched, cogent and compelling . . . Shaw is always an engaging guide to the landscape, on everything from the hunt for a bi gene to the sexual habits of giraffes and rams. [She] has achieved what she set out to do: delivered a book that does justice to the important history of bisexuality, bringing the colourful world of bisexual scholarship “out of the shadows”
A tour of the science, culture and history of bisexuality that ranges from the vehemently political to the charmingly weird. Shaw celebrates bisexual bonobos, debunks myths about gay giraffes and contends that "starfish should be the mascots for queerness" . . . The book opens up conversations that might just lead to more visibility, understanding and empathy for all people, however they define themselves. If those conversations could become the latest big thing, we’d all benefit
Well-researched, cogent and compelling . . . Shaw is always an engaging guide to the landscape, on everything from the hunt for a bi gene to the sexual habits of giraffes and rams. [She] has achieved what she set out to do: delivered a book that does justice to the important history of bisexuality, bringing the colourful world of bisexual scholarship “out of the shadows”
A tour of the science, culture and history of bisexuality that ranges from the vehemently political to the charmingly weird. Shaw celebrates bisexual bonobos, debunks myths about gay giraffes and contends that "starfish should be the mascots for queerness" . . . The book opens up conversations that might just lead to more visibility, understanding and empathy for all people, however they define themselves. If those conversations could become the latest big thing, we’d all benefit
More about
the book
A WATERSTONES BEST BOOK OF 2022: POLITICS
Bi: The Hidden Culture, History and Science of Bisexuality explores all that we know about the world’s largest sexual minority. It is a personal journey that starts with Dr Julia Shaw’s own openly bisexual identity, and celebrates the resilience and beautiful diversity of the bi community. From the hunt for a bi gene, to the relationship between bisexuality and consensual non-monogamy, to asylum seekers who need to prove their bisexuality in a court of law, there is more to explore than most have ever realised.
More about
the book
Bisexuality is the largest sexual minority in the world, but also the least well understood. This book sets out to answer some of the questions that many people have about bisexuality.
In Bi Julia Shaw explores how people have defined and measured bisexuality and its surprisingly long and important history. She introduces us to some famous bi activists and scholars whom everyone should know, looks at behavioural bisexuality in animals, and investigates whether there is a bi gene. She looks at research on bisexual kids, parents, and grandparents, and explores bisexual identities across the lifespan. She asks why so few bisexual people are out, and examines the mental and physical health consequences of this. We look at societal reactions to bisexuality (are bi people more promiscuous? No). We learn whether there is visual language of bisexuality, about bi visibility on screen, and explore the colourful world of bisexual communities.
This book aims to demystify bisexuality and celebrate it. Today, most bisexual activists and researchers define bisexuality as attraction to more than one gender and this is a book for anyone whether they identify as bisexual, plurisexual, pansexual, omnisexual, polysexual, fluid, unlabelled, any related label, or who just wants to know more.
More about
the book
A WATERSTONES BEST BOOK OF 2022: POLITICS
Significant strides have been made in recent years in the movement for LGBTQ+ rights, visibility and empowerment, but the conversation is far from over. After years of feeling the crushing dearth of information on bisexuality, psychological scientist and bestselling author Dr Julia Shaw dug deep and found a colourful and fascinating world that she is bringing out of the shadows. It is a personal journey that starts with her own openly bisexual identity, and celebrates the resilience and beautiful diversity of the bi community.
In Bi: The Hidden Culture, History and Science of Bisexuality, Shaw explores all that we know about the world’s largest sexual minority. From the hunt for a bi gene, to the relationship between bisexuality and consensual non-monogamy, to asylum seekers who need to prove their bisexuality in a court of law, there is more to explore than most have ever realised. This rigorous and fun book will challenge us to think deeper about who we are and how we love.
A lively rollercoaster ride through all things bisexual. Full of fascinating facts, up-to-date stats, pop culture references and thoughtful analysis, the book covers everything from bi animals to political scandals, from exclusions in queer spaces to threesomes. Julia writes eloquently and engagingly, sharing moments from her own journey along the way. A must-have for every queer bookcase
Meg-john Barker
author of Queer: A Graphic HistoryIt's fabulous, brilliantly done, and so important. Julia Shaw has written the Bi bible. The hidden history and public face of millions of people. Fun, moving and skilful all at once
Professor Andrew Reynolds, Founder Of Queer Politics At Princeton University
Endlessly illuminating, challenging and compelling. Bi is a vivid and vital read
Musa Okwonga, Author And Co-host Of The Stadio Podcast
Julia Shaw's book is an incredible resource for anyone wishing to learn more about bisexuality. Whether you're a beginner or expert, this book is certain to teach you something new. Shaw takes her readers on a tour through bisexual history, studies, and data in diverse fields and areas, all presented in an informative and accessible style. This is a fascinating read
Shiri Eisner, Author Of Bi: Notes For A Bisexual Revolution
A lively rollercoaster ride through all things bisexual. Full of fascinating facts, up-to-date stats, pop culture references and thoughtful analysis, the book covers everything from bi animals to political scandals, from exclusions in queer spaces to threesomes. Julia writes eloquently and engagingly, sharing moments from her own journey along the way. A must-have for every queer bookcase
Meg-john Barker
author of Queer: A Graphic HistoryIt's fabulous, brilliantly done, and so important. Julia Shaw has written the Bi bible. The hidden history and public face of millions of people. Fun, moving and skilful all at once
Professor Andrew Reynolds, Founder Of Queer Politics At Princeton University
Endlessly illuminating, challenging and compelling. Bi is a vivid and vital read
Musa Okwonga, Author And Co-host Of The Stadio Podcast
Julia Shaw's book is an incredible resource for anyone wishing to learn more about bisexuality. Whether you're a beginner or expert, this book is certain to teach you something new. Shaw takes her readers on a tour through bisexual history, studies, and data in diverse fields and areas, all presented in an informative and accessible style. This is a fascinating read
Shiri Eisner, Author Of Bi: Notes For A Bisexual Revolution
A lively rollercoaster ride through all things bisexual. Full of fascinating facts, up-to-date stats, pop culture references and thoughtful analysis, the book covers everything from bi animals to political scandals, from exclusions in queer spaces to threesomes. Julia writes eloquently and engagingly, sharing moments from her own journey along the way. A must-have for every queer bookcase
Meg-john Barker
author of Queer: A Graphic HistoryIt's fabulous, brilliantly done, and so important. Julia Shaw has written the Bi bible. The hidden history and public face of millions of people. Fun, moving and skilful all at once
Professor Andrew Reynolds, Founder Of Queer Politics At Princeton University
Endlessly illuminating, challenging and compelling. Bi is a vivid and vital read
Musa Okwonga, Author And Co-host Of The Stadio Podcast
Julia Shaw's book is an incredible resource for anyone wishing to learn more about bisexuality. Whether you're a beginner or expert, this book is certain to teach you something new. Shaw takes her readers on a tour through bisexual history, studies, and data in diverse fields and areas, all presented in an informative and accessible style. This is a fascinating read
Shiri Eisner, Author Of Bi: Notes For A Bisexual Revolution
Julia Shaw
View profileDr Julia Shaw is a criminal psychologist at University College London. She is actively involved in bisexual research, and is the founder of the international Bisexual Research Group. Dr Shaw also has a hit BBC podcast, Bad People, where together with her co-host she uses research to examine some of society’s most pressing issues. She is the author of The Memory Illusion, which was published in 20 languages, and Making Evil, which was a bestseller in Canada and Germany. She lives in London.
@drjuliashaw | drjuliashaw.com
Julia Shaw
View profileDr Julia Shaw is a criminal psychologist at University College London. She is actively involved in bisexual research, and is the founder of the international Bisexual Research Group. Dr Shaw also has a hit BBC podcast, Bad People, where together with her co-host she uses research to examine some of society’s most pressing issues. She is the author of The Memory Illusion, which was published in 20 languages, and Making Evil, which was a bestseller in Canada and Germany. She lives in London.
@drjuliashaw | drjuliashaw.com
Julia Shaw
View profileDr Julia Shaw is a criminal psychologist at University College London. She is actively involved in bisexual research, and is the founder of the international Bisexual Research Group. Dr Shaw also has a hit BBC podcast, Bad People, where together with her co-host she uses research to examine some of society’s most pressing issues. She is the author of The Memory Illusion, which was published in 20 languages, and Making Evil, which was a bestseller in Canada and Germany. She lives in London.
@drjuliashaw | drjuliashaw.com
