Bi The Way

I’ve previously commented on how children are often denied access to information about homosexuality and bisexuality. This is particularly true in the US and to a lesser extend in the UK where homophobic bullying still blights our schools.

Still I was informed that in Norway they have a more enlightened approach. Apparently, Skeiv Ungdom, a Norwegian gay and lesbian support group had a video produced to promote their telephone support line to gay and lesbian teenagers. A quick search for “Skeiv Ungdom” on YouTube and I found the video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zoSchpHLgvA

I think its a great video. I really think something like this ought to be aired in Britain. It really sends out a positive message about homosexuality and also emphasises that things aren’t always what they seem. Which will certainly speak to a lot of bisexuals.

I should also point out that the entire crew worked for free to produce this 60 second short, so good on them for showing support. Enjoy…

Announced as “quips, tips and lists for those who go both ways”, The Bisexual’s Guide to the Universe, is a fun, irreverent and witty take on bisexuality. Packed full of feel-good bi philosophy and clever put downs for the straight and gay nay-sayers, this is not a book that takes itself too seriously. Nor can it be with 22 pages dedicated to lists of ‘famous fence-sitters’ and a further 18 pages on bi movies, television programs and cartoon characters it really can’t afford to be.

This book contains everything you need to know to be a ‘good bisexual’ including quizzes to help you test your bisexual prowess. Not that the author’s intend you to take this seriously, this is purely and simply a fun book, in stark contrast to the occasionally dry and overly serious Bi Any Other Name.

The Bisexual’s Guide to the Universe, is bi-pride for the T4 Generation, from helping you identify your bisexuality - to getting clued up on bi-trivia - to finding a date and even organising a threesome, this book has it all and nothing at the same time. Its self-depreciating style often encouraging you to take most of its advice with a pince of salt.

You can’t criticise this book because its not meant to be taken to heart, its a laugh, a buzz, a feel good book, and you know what? Its pretty good.

To purchase at Amazon.co.uk click the link below:
The Bisexuals Guide to the Universe

Authors: Nicole Kristal & Mike Szymanski

ISBN-10: 155583650X
ISBN-13: 978-1555836504

Sometimes, I suffer for my sexuality. You won’t believe it, but I just had a request to use one of my photographs (yes I’m an amateur photographer) as part of the cover design for a new David Wilkerson book. And I turned it down.

For those of you who don’t know him David Wilkerson is an evangelical preacher who has written at least 9 books I know of, the most famous being the The Cross and the Switchblade. He is also the founder of The Times Square Church in New York City. Wilkerson runs a prophetic ministry and he believes that greater acceptance of homosexuality in society and within the church will spell disaster for America and the world.

In spite of being a bigot and a homophobe, Wilkerson’s books sell millions of copies. If my photo was to be used I’m sure I could have commanded a small fee to say the least. From what I understand market price for a cover photo is about £500. Even a credit line for a cover-photo would have been gold dust, what better way to launch a new career than to have your photo used on the cover of a bestseller?

But fuck that, I’ve got principals, I’m not going to sell out to the Christian Right by having my work adorning the cover of yet another book that tells me my sexuality is sinful. Even though I really could use the money.

Anyway, I include a low-res copy of the photo in this post. Its a photo of the Chrysler building in New York. Personally I think I have two better shots than this one, but if anyone is interested in using it as a cover shot on a book that doesn’t promote a socially conservative Christian agenda, then I’d be happy to give you a discounted rate.

PS: Photo is copyright me (c) David Parkes 2005 All rights reserved.

I freely confess, I’m a bit of a bookworm. So I figured I’d write a series of articles about interesting books I’ve read about bisexual culture.

The first book on my list is “Bi Any Other Name: Bisexual People Speak Out” which is a collection of essays by over 70 bisexual writers, both male and female, which has been complied and edited by Loraine Hutchins and Lani Kaahumanu.

First published in 1991, for years it was one of the only literary resources available to bisexuals, and whilst it has a notable bias towards female bisexuality, male bisexuality is far from ignored.

Its structure of short contributions from bisexual people from different walks of life are expressed in poetry, prose, art and short essays. It covers a range of topics from personal to political to spiritual. This means that there is almost certainly something for every bisexual in this book.

I liked this book, mostly for the shear sense of community conveyed by its multiple authors. It is after all a community effort for the bisexual community and that in itself deserves kudos.

Undoubtedly you will find yourself more engaged by some authors than others, just as I was, but the nice thing about the short essay structure is the ability to skip an essay without ruining the thread of the book.

Yet there is a story of bisexual awakening to be told in this book and its told by the skilful editing of Loraine Hutchins and Lani Kaahumanu. Which ensures that whilst no author has the “floor” for more than a few minutes, there is a fluid transition between one author and the next, and the book when taken as a whole speaks with a louder voice than sum of its individual contributions.

In my opinion, if you have never read a book about bisexuality then this should unquestionably be your first.

You can Order Online at Amazon.co.uk and from other good book stores, price: £9.99.
ISBN-13: 978-1555831745.