A Useful Resource Regarding an Often-overlooked Population

Abstract

The lack of recognition of the validity of a bisexual identity in society is mirrored by a paucity of research into the experiences of bisexual men and women. Despite the frequent use of the term “LGBT” (lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender) and similar acronyms in gender identity and sexuality research, the majority of the work generated addresses the former two letters of the acronym, rather than the latter. After decades of research into gay and lesbian issues in psychology this remains true, even though it is likely the case that bisexual individuals (including those engaging in both same-sex and other-sex behavior as well as those who identify as bisexual) are at elevated risk for difficulties above and beyond those experienced by gay men and lesbians (Cochran et al. 2007; Moon et al. 2007). It is in this context that Ronald Fox’s edited compendium of articles addressing affirmative psychotherapy for bisexual men and bisexual women provides much-needed insight into these often overlooked groups. Mental health practitioners will find useful and timely information in this edited book. Those who are new to the field of LGBT studies generally, and to the study of bisexuality in particular, will benefit from explanations of theories related to bisexual identity formation and from overviews of terminology that clinicians are likely to encounter in their work with bisexual individuals (i.e., if you struggle to define terms such as “polyamorous,” this book is for you). The use of case examples in many of the chapters serves to bring the experiences of bisexual clients into more detail. For example, Mary Bradford’s chapter on working with bisexual women discusses the issues involved when a woman who has historically had same-sex relationships and identified as lesbian becomes involved in an intimate relationship with a man. The reader is likely to reference this volume frequently when encountering issues of sexuality in practice. This edited volume also has much to offer to the researcher interested in sexual orientation and identity. As with the practitioner, inquiring about sexual orientation in a categorical manner may obscure meaningful differences in the ways individuals describe their sexual attractions and behavior. Descriptions of the use of instruments to assess multiple aspects of sexuality (e.g., the Klein Sexual Orientation Grid, Klein 1993; and its later modification into the Sexual and Affectational Orientation and Identity Scale by Keppel and Hamilton 2000) will help researchers to ensure that they are inquiring about sexuality in an inclusive and comprehensive manner. Researchers will also receive an introduction to the research literature on bisexuality, which is woven throughout several of the chapters. For example, Geri Weitzman’s chapter regarding individuals who are both bisexual and polyamorous details her research findings, including data contradicting the myth that bisexual people tend to have both sameand differentgender partners simultaneously. Due to the historical omission of bisexuality from studies of sexual orientation, the empirically oriented reader is able to discern numerous areas of inquiry that could advance the field. Another theme of this volume is the intersection of multiple identities and how each identity (e.g., bisexual, transgender, African-American, older, person with HIV/ AIDS) provides additional insight into the experiences of bisexual clients. For example, Raymond L. Scott’s eloquently written chapter combines the underlying concepts Sex Roles (2008) 58:597–598 DOI 10.1007/s11199-007-9386-y