Essential Reading for Pride: Selected as a Favorite LGBTQ+ Book for Adults by People Magazine
A provocative, eye-opening, and original book on the science of sexuality beyond gender from an internationally bestselling psychologist.
For psychological scientist and bestselling author Dr. Julia Shaw, the dearth of information on bisexuality was crushing, so she dug deep and found a colorful and fascinating world that she could help bring out of the shadows.
In Bi: The Hidden Culture, History, and Science of Bisexuality, Shaw explores all that we know about the world’s largest sexual minority through a personal journey that starts with her own openly bisexual identity and celebrates the resilience and beautiful diversity of the bi community. This rigorous and entertaining book will challenge us to think deeper about who we are and how we love.
Significant strides have been made in the movement for LGBTQ+ rights, visibility, and empowerment, but the conversation is far from over.
Praise
“Many people who identify as bisexual have heard ‘it’s just a phase,’ or ‘you’ll figure out your real sexuality eventually,’ or some equally hurtful variations on the same. In this fascinating and eye-opening book, proud bisexual and pop psychologist Julia Shaw goes deep into the science and culture of attraction, as well as the history of sexuality, using both her own research and experiences to inform her perspective.”
—People Magazine
“An accessible, often insightful consideration of a misunderstood sexual identity...The largely informal and always lively style of Shaw’s writing helps make her case. She is persuasive in her insistence that bisexuality is an important and overlooked dimension of the human story.”Kirkus Reviews
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“Her writing remains colloquial and engaging...Forthright and empowering, this is a call for understanding and supporting bisexuality.”Booklist
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“This book beautifully illustrates the common and quiet struggles that many bisexuals experience… Julia draws on her own experiences to deliver an honest look at the hidden culture of bisexuality in this extremely important book.”SheReads, “Best Nonfiction Books and Memoirs Coming in 2022”
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"With wit and humour Shaw introduces the milestones and celebrities of bi history . . . We can all be grateful to her for her skillful and sympathetic presentation of her discoveries."New York Journal of Books
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“Bi is a lively roller-coaster ride through all things bisexual. Full of fascinating facts, up-to-date stats, pop culture references, and thoughtful analysis, the book covers everything from bisexual 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 History
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“It’s fabulous, amazing, 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 skillful all at once.”Professor Andrew Reynolds, founder of Queer Politics at Princeton University
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“Endlessly illuminating, challenging and compelling. Bi is a vivid and vital read.”Musa Okwonga, author and openly bisexual soccer journalist
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“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...This is a fascinating read.”Shiri Eisner, author of Bi: Notes for a Bisexual Revolution
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the Guardian (UK)"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."
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“Well-researched, cogent and compelling…Shaw is always an engaging guide.”the Independent (UK)
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