Bisexuality in the Lives of Men

Book excerpt: Explore the theoretical, political, psychological, and cultural issues surrounding male bisexuality! Bisexuality in the Lives of Men is the first anthology to focus on men who love both men and women. The theoretical, scientific, and literary essays in this landmark volume dispel the fictions that bisexual men are greedy, promiscuous, confused, deceptive, unfaithful, HIV-positive--the dominant images of bisexual men in our culture. Whether portrayed as a coward who can't quite come out into full gayness or a smooth-talking serial killer, the bisexual man has been vilified in books and movies. In scholarly studies, they are often ignored or else lumped together with gay men. It is now widely acknowledged that human sexuality is more complex and diverse than the narrow categories “gay” and “straight.” But, while the use of the term “bisexual” has become much more common in the last decade, an understanding of bisexuality itself lags far behind. A lack of research on how bisexuality is experienced, interpreted, and encoded in literature, film, and other aspects of popular culture means that stereotypes, stigma, and confusion are still prevalent. Bisexuality in the Lives of Men is a multidisciplinary examination of this neglected topic, bringing together expertise reflecting divergent approaches and fields to show the whole bisexual man. Topics include: a thoughtful review and analysis of the public health research on the role of bisexual men in HIV transmission a study of the marital consequences of a husband's bisexuality, including couples who have stayed together an analysis of the heartfelt discussions taking place in an online bi-male community an empirical study of the ways that bi-negativity differs from homophobia an essay bringing together queer theory and social constructionist ideas to explain why bisexual men are much less visible than bisexual women The rigorously analytical yet accessible essays in this volume offer new information and perspectives about male bisexuality. Bisexuality in the Lives of Men is an essential resource for anyone interested in the theoretical, political, and cultural issues of male bisexuality.