Description
Depicted as duplicitous, traitorous, and promiscuous, bisexuality has long been suspected, marginalized, and rejected by both straight and gay communities alike. Bi takes a long overdue, comprehensive look at bisexual politics- from the issues surrounding biphobia/monosexism, feminism, and transgenderism to the practice of labeling those who identify as bi as either too bisexual" (promiscuous and incapable of fidelity) or not bisexual enough" (not actively engaging romantically or sexually with people of at least two different genders). In this forward-thinking and eye-opening book, feminist bisexual and genderqueer activist Shiri Eisner takes readers on a journey through the many aspects of the meanings and politics of bisexuality, specifically highlighting how bisexuality can open up new and exciting ways of challenging social convention.Informed by feminist, transgender, and queer theory, as well as politics and activism, Bi is a radical manifesto for a group that has been too frequently silenced, erased, and denied- and a starting point from which to launch a bisexual revolution.
About the Author
Shiri Eisner is a feminist bisexual and genderqueer activist, writer, and researcher who is considered a rising star of the international bisexual community and is quickly gaining reputation. After graduating with honours from Tel Aviv University, Eisner spoke internationally and facilitated workshops at both academic and activist conferences, focusing on bisexual politics, theory, and activism, as well as undertaking an in-depth exploration of current bisexual literature, representation, and research. She is currently pursuing her postgraduate studies while writing this book as the culmination of her reading and research thus far.Eisner has extensive activist experience in the areas of feminism, LGBTQ, anti-war, and animal liberation. In the field of queer activism, she organized and participated in many events, including radical/alternative pride marches, demonstrations, and protest vigils. As a bisexual activist, she is the founder and head of the only bisexual organization in Israel today (and the second ever), Panorama - Bi and Pansexual Feminist Community, a grassroots organization focusing on bisexual community building and activism. In many ways, Eisner is considered to be the founder of the Israeli bisexual movement, as virtually no such movement has existed prior to her founding of Panorama. As such, she is highly regarded by the LGBTQ community on a national (and international) level and is considered a world authority on bisexual issues.Eisner's writing draws heavily on both her academic and her activist background, creating an accessible, political, and well-grounded writing style. Her writings, focusing on bisexuality, have been published internationally in both journalist, activist, and academic contexts. Her English-language blog, Radical Bi, is one of the most popular and well-known English-language blogs about bisexuality it is referred to internationally on blogs like Bisexual, Pansexual and Queer Community (United States) BiUK (United Kingdom) La Radical Bi (Spain) and Bisexualitaet.org (Germany). Her Hebrew-language blog, Purple-Black, is highly popular as the only blog in Hebrew focusing on this topic.Eisner lives in Tel Aviv, Israel. She regards Bi as an activist project, which she hopes will affect social change.
Reviews
"Brilliant! I have been waiting twenty years for a book like this. It should be required reading for any person even considering entering the dialogue about where the 'B' fits in the LGBT world. Let the revolution begin." --Kyle Schickner, Bi Activist/Filmmaker "Bi: Notes for a Bisexual Revolution ... is a groundbreaking exploration of bisexual politics by a revolutionary thinker." --Publishers Weekly "This is the most innovative and exciting book to be published on bisexuality in many years, and one which will move work in this area forward in many vital ways. Eisner weaves together bisexual theory and activism with related areas in a sophisticated and rigorous manner that enriches both the field of bisexuality and those that are drawn into dialogue with it. In particular, the explorations of racialization and the conversations between bisexual activism and the politics of global conflicts are highly original, thought-provoking, and important. Throughout the book Eisner challenges existing practices, such as biphobia and 'mythbusting' of bisexual stereotypes, and puts forward intriguing and valuable alternatives. The book will be helpful far beyond the bisexual movement itself and is a must-read for feminists, LBG&T workers, critical race and queer theorists and activists particularly." --Meg Barker, author of The Bisexuality Report "Bi: Notes for a Bisexual Revolution is a brilliant and comprehensive look at where the bisexual movement has been, and where it should head in the future. Rather than merely denying or debunking the countless accusations and stereotypes that plague bisexuality (as many past writers have done), Shiri Eisner exposes the underlying assumptions and misconceptions about sex, gender, and sexuality that give rise to societal monosexism and biphobia. A must read, not only for those of us who fall under the bisexual umbrella, but for feminists, queer and trans activists, and anyone who is concerned with social justice." --Julia Serano, author of Whipping Girl: A Transsexual Woman on Sexism and the Scapegoating of Femininity and Excluded: Making Feminist and Queer Movements More Inclusive "Bi: Notes for a Bisexual Revolution is a breath of fresh air. So much of sexual-political activism and writing these days seems to seek acceptance by mainstream society rather than profound change. Bi: Notes for a Bisexual Revolution steps right outside of that. It is far and away the most significant analysis of bisexuality published this century." --Sue George, author of Women and Bisexuality and blogger at Bisexuality and Beyond "Shiri Eisner unpacks bisexuality and the bisexual experience, challenging 'monosexism' privilege in a refreshing, clear, unwavering voice. But, instead of the usual narratives of bi activism, Eisner brings us a global, "radical" vision, recognizing the seemingly endless battle for mere acknowledgement as whole people, while taking us further--toward a "bi revolution." Make no mistake: Shiri Eisner offers us more than a fresh voice for a new generation of bi activism; Eisner offers us all a call to action." --William E. Burleson, author of Bi America: Myths, Truths, and Struggles of an Invisible Community "Shiri Eisner has deftly woven a fresh, clear, subtle, and profound analysis of the revolutionary potential of bisexuality. I wholeheartedly recommend this passionate, engaging, and thought-provoking book to anyone who cares about the intersections of gender, sexuality, and social justice." --Jamie Heckert, PhD, co-editor of Anarchism & Sexuality: Ethics, Relationships and Power "What a joy! Hurrah, hurrah. Decades after we birthed our bi US anthology, Eisner's practical tips for organizers, brain food for theory-heads, and inspirational proposals offer a visionary trans-national approach that takes bi experiences and identities to new levels, depths, breadths. A volume for all of us, bi every name we call ourselves." --Loraine Hutchins, co-editor of Bi Any Other Name: Bisexual People Speak Out
Awards
Commended for Lambda Literary Awards (Bisexual Nonfiction) 2014.
Book Information
ISBN 9781580054744
Author Shiri Eisner
Format Paperback
Page Count 352
Imprint Seal Press
Publisher Seal Press
Weight(grams) 410g
Dimensions(mm) 146mm * 211mm * 20mm
About the Author
Shiri Eisner is a feminist bisexual and genderqueer activist, writer, and researcher who is considered a rising star of the international bisexual community and is quickly gaining reputation. After graduating with honours from Tel Aviv University, Eisner spoke internationally and facilitated workshops at both academic and activist conferences, focusing on bisexual politics, theory, and activism, as well as undertaking an in-depth exploration of current bisexual literature, representation, and research. She is currently pursuing her postgraduate studies while writing this book as the culmination of her reading and research thus far.Eisner has extensive activist experience in the areas of feminism, LGBTQ, anti-war, and animal liberation. In the field of queer activism, she organized and participated in many events, including radical/alternative pride marches, demonstrations, and protest vigils. As a bisexual activist, she is the founder and head of the only bisexual organization in Israel today (and the second ever), Panorama - Bi and Pansexual Feminist Community, a grassroots organization focusing on bisexual community building and activism. In many ways, Eisner is considered to be the founder of the Israeli bisexual movement, as virtually no such movement has existed prior to her founding of Panorama. As such, she is highly regarded by the LGBTQ community on a national (and international) level and is considered a world authority on bisexual issues.Eisner's writing draws heavily on both her academic and her activist background, creating an accessible, political, and well-grounded writing style. Her writings, focusing on bisexuality, have been published internationally in both journalist, activist, and academic contexts. Her English-language blog, Radical Bi, is one of the most popular and well-known English-language blogs about bisexuality it is referred to internationally on blogs like Bisexual, Pansexual and Queer Community (United States) BiUK (United Kingdom) La Radical Bi (Spain) and Bisexualitaet.org (Germany). Her Hebrew-language blog, Purple-Black, is highly popular as the only blog in Hebrew focusing on this topic.Eisner lives in Tel Aviv, Israel. She regards Bi as an activist project, which she hopes will affect social change.
Reviews
"Brilliant! I have been waiting twenty years for a book like this. It should be required reading for any person even considering entering the dialogue about where the 'B' fits in the LGBT world. Let the revolution begin." --Kyle Schickner, Bi Activist/Filmmaker "Bi: Notes for a Bisexual Revolution ... is a groundbreaking exploration of bisexual politics by a revolutionary thinker." --Publishers Weekly "This is the most innovative and exciting book to be published on bisexuality in many years, and one which will move work in this area forward in many vital ways. Eisner weaves together bisexual theory and activism with related areas in a sophisticated and rigorous manner that enriches both the field of bisexuality and those that are drawn into dialogue with it. In particular, the explorations of racialization and the conversations between bisexual activism and the politics of global conflicts are highly original, thought-provoking, and important. Throughout the book Eisner challenges existing practices, such as biphobia and 'mythbusting' of bisexual stereotypes, and puts forward intriguing and valuable alternatives. The book will be helpful far beyond the bisexual movement itself and is a must-read for feminists, LBG&T workers, critical race and queer theorists and activists particularly." --Meg Barker, author of The Bisexuality Report "Bi: Notes for a Bisexual Revolution is a brilliant and comprehensive look at where the bisexual movement has been, and where it should head in the future. Rather than merely denying or debunking the countless accusations and stereotypes that plague bisexuality (as many past writers have done), Shiri Eisner exposes the underlying assumptions and misconceptions about sex, gender, and sexuality that give rise to societal monosexism and biphobia. A must read, not only for those of us who fall under the bisexual umbrella, but for feminists, queer and trans activists, and anyone who is concerned with social justice." --Julia Serano, author of Whipping Girl: A Transsexual Woman on Sexism and the Scapegoating of Femininity and Excluded: Making Feminist and Queer Movements More Inclusive "Bi: Notes for a Bisexual Revolution is a breath of fresh air. So much of sexual-political activism and writing these days seems to seek acceptance by mainstream society rather than profound change. Bi: Notes for a Bisexual Revolution steps right outside of that. It is far and away the most significant analysis of bisexuality published this century." --Sue George, author of Women and Bisexuality and blogger at Bisexuality and Beyond "Shiri Eisner unpacks bisexuality and the bisexual experience, challenging 'monosexism' privilege in a refreshing, clear, unwavering voice. But, instead of the usual narratives of bi activism, Eisner brings us a global, "radical" vision, recognizing the seemingly endless battle for mere acknowledgement as whole people, while taking us further--toward a "bi revolution." Make no mistake: Shiri Eisner offers us more than a fresh voice for a new generation of bi activism; Eisner offers us all a call to action." --William E. Burleson, author of Bi America: Myths, Truths, and Struggles of an Invisible Community "Shiri Eisner has deftly woven a fresh, clear, subtle, and profound analysis of the revolutionary potential of bisexuality. I wholeheartedly recommend this passionate, engaging, and thought-provoking book to anyone who cares about the intersections of gender, sexuality, and social justice." --Jamie Heckert, PhD, co-editor of Anarchism & Sexuality: Ethics, Relationships and Power "What a joy! Hurrah, hurrah. Decades after we birthed our bi US anthology, Eisner's practical tips for organizers, brain food for theory-heads, and inspirational proposals offer a visionary trans-national approach that takes bi experiences and identities to new levels, depths, breadths. A volume for all of us, bi every name we call ourselves." --Loraine Hutchins, co-editor of Bi Any Other Name: Bisexual People Speak Out
Awards
Commended for Lambda Literary Awards (Bisexual Nonfiction) 2014.
Book Information
ISBN 9781580054744
Author Shiri Eisner
Format Paperback
Page Count 352
Imprint Seal Press
Publisher Seal Press
Weight(grams) 410g
Dimensions(mm) 146mm * 211mm * 20mm
