6 Bisexual Biography Books That Experts Trust and Recommend

Recommended by Laurie Halse Anderson, John R Stanton, and Andrew Reynolds, these Bisexual Biography Books offer nuanced perspectives and rich narratives.

Laurie Halse Anderson
John R Stanton
Sarah Thyre
David Frum
Updated on June 24, 2025
We may earn commissions for purchases made via this page

What if the stories of bisexual individuals were finally told with the depth and respect they deserve? Bisexual biography has long been overshadowed or simplified, yet the complexities of identity, history, and culture within this community are profound and illuminating. Now, these six books shine a light into those layers, offering perspectives that challenge stereotypes and deepen understanding at a crucial time for LGBTQ+ visibility.

Experts like Andrew Reynolds, founder of Queer Politics at Princeton University, hail Bi as "the bi bible," a work that unearths hidden histories and scientific truths behind bisexuality. Similarly, Laurie Halse Anderson, a bestselling author, was deeply moved by How We Fight for Our Lives, praising its raw and poetic portrayal of identity and resilience. Meanwhile, John R Stanton, a writer focused on social issues, highlights the emotional weight carried in Saeed Jones’s memoir. Their endorsements reflect a commitment to authentic, nuanced bisexual narratives.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks and rich insights, readers seeking content tailored to their specific backgrounds, interests, or learning goals might consider creating a personalized Bisexual Biography book that builds on these foundations. This approach offers a unique way to engage with bisexual biography on your own terms, accelerating your journey of discovery and understanding.

Best for detailed bisexual history and science
Andrew Reynolds, founder of Queer Politics at Princeton University, endorses this book as a foundational text for understanding bisexuality, calling it "the bi bible" that reveals the hidden history and public face of millions. His expertise in queer politics underscores the book’s thoroughness and importance. He credits the book with deepening his understanding and appreciation of bisexual narratives. Similarly, Musa Okwonga, an author and openly bisexual journalist, describes the book as "endlessly illuminating, challenging and compelling," highlighting its vivid portrayal of bisexual experience.

Recommended by Andrew Reynolds

Founder of Queer Politics at Princeton University

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.

2022·240 pages·Sexuality, Bisexual Biography, Bisexuality, History, Culture

After years of research and advocacy within the LGBT+ community, Dr. Julia Shaw crafted this book to illuminate bisexuality's overlooked culture and science. You’ll explore topics from the history of sexual classification to the lived realities of bisexual individuals, gaining insight into societal biases and the complexity of attraction beyond gender binaries. The book’s chapters on the Kinsey scale and legal struggles of bisexual asylum seekers stand out for revealing often hidden dimensions. If you seek a nuanced understanding that bridges science and personal narrative, this book offers clarity, though it may challenge some conventional views on sexuality's fluidity.

Published by Harry N. Abrams
Author of bestselling books
View on Amazon
Best for poetic queer memoir insights
Laurie Halse Anderson, a New York Times bestselling author, shared how deeply moved she was by this memoir, saying, "This book is amazing. Thank you, The Ferocity - your story gutted me, then filled me up again." Her appreciation stems from her extensive experience exploring complex identity themes in literature, which makes her endorsement especially meaningful. Anderson’s emotional response highlights how the book’s candid portrayal of race, sexuality, and family dynamics can resonate profoundly with those exploring queer history and personal transformation. Alongside Anderson, John R Stanton, a writer focused on social issues, praised the nuanced writing, noting how Jones's brief yet potent phrases carry immense emotional weight, enriching your understanding of bisexual biography.
LH

Recommended by Laurie Halse Anderson

New York Times bestselling author

This book is amazing. Thank you, The Ferocity - your story gutted me, then filled me up again. (from X)

Saeed Jones, acclaimed poet and recipient of the PEN/Joyce Osterweil and Stonewall Book Awards, draws from his experiences growing up as a young, black, gay man in the South to examine intersections of race, sexuality, and power. His memoir offers a series of vivid vignettes, such as navigating fraught family relationships and fleeting connections, that deepen your understanding of personal identity and resilience. You’ll find his poetic style—evocative yet precise—underscores the emotional weight of these stories, especially in chapters exploring vulnerability and self-acceptance. This book suits those looking to grasp the nuanced realities behind bisexual and queer experiences beyond surface narratives.

Kirkus Prize Winner
Stonewall Book Award Winner
New York Times Best Book of the Year
View on Amazon
Best for personalized learning paths
This personalized AI book about bisexual biography is created based on your unique background, interests, and specific goals. By sharing what areas of bisexual history and culture you want to explore, you receive a book that focuses exactly on what matters most to you. This approach ensures you engage with the subject in a way that feels relevant and insightful, making complex narratives accessible and meaningful.
2025·50-300 pages·Bisexual Biography, Bisexual History, Cultural Narratives, Identity Development, Personal Stories

This tailored exploration delves into bisexual biography through a lens shaped uniquely by your interests and goals. It examines the rich histories, cultural narratives, and personal stories that define bisexual experiences, offering a journey that aligns closely with your background. By focusing on the aspects of bisexual history and culture that resonate with you, this book reveals the complexities and nuances often overlooked in general discussions. It invites you to engage deeply with the evolution of bisexual identity and its cultural significance, providing a meaningful pathway that matches your learning objectives and personal curiosities.

Tailored Guide
Biographical Insights
3,000+ Books Created
Best for bisexual activism and narratives
Kate Harrad is a fiction and nonfiction writer, bi activist, event organizer, and parent whose deep involvement in bisexual advocacy informs this anthology. Her work on "Claiming the B in LGBT" draws from both her activism and her commitment to storytelling, offering readers a nuanced view of bisexuality beyond common misconceptions. Harrad’s expertise ensures this collection not only educates but also gives voice to a community often overlooked within the larger LGBT spectrum.
Claiming the B in LGBT: Illuminating the Bisexual Narrative book cover

by Kate Harrad, Symon Hill, Juliet Kemp, Fred Langridge, Kaye McLelland, Marcus Morgan, Milena Popova, H. Sharif Williams, Jacq Applebee, Meg-John Barker PhD, Elizabeth Baxter-Williams, Jamie Q Collins, Grant Denkinson··You?

2018·344 pages·LGBT Studies, Bisexual Biography, LGBT, Gay and Lesbian, Identity Politics

When Kate Harrad, a dedicated bi activist and writer, assembled "Claiming the B in LGBT," she aimed to confront persistent myths that have long shadowed bisexual identities. This anthology blends historical accounts of bisexual activism with heartfelt essays and poems that reveal the complexities of living beyond rigid gay-straight binaries. You’ll explore how bisexual communities have organized against societal norms like compulsory monogamy and monosexual attraction, gaining insight into both personal experiences and broader cultural challenges. This book suits anyone eager to understand bisexual identity from authentic voices and historical struggles rather than stereotypes.

View on Amazon
Best for mid-century bisexual cultural history
Secret Historian offers a rare glimpse into the life of Samuel M. Steward, whose diaries unearthed by Justin Spring reveal the complexities of a man who was a professor, tattoo artist, and pioneer in sexual research. This book stands out in bisexual biography by showcasing firsthand accounts of gay and bisexual life before the Stonewall era, weaving personal narrative with broader cultural shifts. If you're drawn to the intersections of sexuality, art, and history, this biography illuminates an extraordinary yet overlooked figure, enriching your understanding of bisexual and queer history through meticulous archival work and compassionate storytelling.
2010·496 pages·Bisexual Biography, Gay Biography, Biography, Sexuality Studies, Queer History

Justin Spring draws on a trove of Samuel M. Steward's secret diaries and journals to reveal a life lived boldly across academia, tattoo artistry, and sexual exploration. You'll gain a vivid understanding of mid-20th century homosexual culture, the complexities of identity, and the intersections of art and sexuality, especially through Steward's work with Alfred Kinsey and his pseudonymous literary career. This book suits anyone intrigued by hidden histories of sexuality and the nuanced experiences behind public personas. Chapters detail Steward's transformation from professor to tattoo artist and his role in early sex research, offering both intimate anecdotes and cultural context.

National Book Award Finalist for Nonfiction
View on Amazon
Best for literary bisexual biography
Keith Hale brings his extensive background in literature and journalism to this intimate examination of Rupert Brooke's bisexual identity. With a Ph.D. from Purdue and experience editing Brooke's letters for Yale University Press, Hale offers a rare, scholarly perspective that challenges traditional narratives. His academic rigor and personal insight make this book a distinctive contribution to bisexual biography.
2022·92 pages·Bisexual Biography, LGBT History, Poetry Analysis, Queer Studies, British Literature

Unlike most bisexual biography books that focus mainly on public personas, Keith Hale digs into the private, often sanitized aspects of Rupert Brooke's life to reveal his self-identified bisexuality through intimate relationships and poetry. Hale, an accomplished scholar with a Ph.D. in literature and editor of Brooke's letters, traces the poet's formative years at Rugby School and his romantic connections with younger male classmates, shedding light on how these experiences shaped Brooke's identity and work. You gain a nuanced understanding of how Brooke's sexuality influenced both his personal life and literary output, challenging conventional biographies. This book suits anyone intrigued by early 20th-century queer history and literary biography with a focus on nuanced personal narratives.

View on Amazon
Best for personalized learning paths
This AI-created book on bisexual identity is tailored to your unique background, skill level, and interests. By focusing on the specific aspects of bisexual biography that matter most to you, it offers a clear, personalized path through complex histories and narratives. The custom approach helps you engage deeply without wading through unrelated material, making your learning efficient and meaningful. It's crafted to match your goals and help you accelerate understanding in ways that resonate personally.
2025·50-300 pages·Bisexual Biography, Bisexual History, Identity Narratives, Cultural Contexts, Bi Community

This tailored book offers a unique journey into bisexual biography, crafted specifically to match your background and curiosity. It explores the multifaceted history, personal narratives, and cultural contexts that shape bisexual identity, providing a focused pathway through complex themes. By tailoring content to your interests and goals, it bridges the rich expert knowledge with your personal learning needs, allowing you to deepen your understanding efficiently and meaningfully. The book reveals nuanced perspectives on bisexual experiences, social dynamics, and historical milestones, encouraging a thoughtful and immersive exploration that respects the diversity within the bisexual community.

Tailored Content
Identity Exploration
3,000+ Books Created
Best for male bisexual personal essays
Bi Men: Coming Out Every Which Way offers a distinctive window into the lives of bisexual men, a group often overlooked or misunderstood. This collection assembles heartfelt essays that explore the complexities of bisexual identity, from personal realization to challenges within family and community. It addresses biphobia head-on and offers affirmation to those navigating their sexual orientation in a society fixated on binaries. Whether you’re bisexual, bi-curious, or someone seeking deeper understanding, this book provides a rare and necessary perspective on male bisexuality within the wider scope of bisexual biography.
Bi Men: Coming Out Every Which Way book cover

by Ron Jackson Suresha, Pete Chvany·You?

2006·350 pages·Bisexual Biography, LGBT Coming Out, Biphobia, Family Dynamics, Polyamory

Ron Jackson Suresha and Pete Chvany developed this collection to confront the persistent misunderstandings and biphobia bisexual men face, especially within both straight and LGBTQ+ communities. You’ll find nearly three dozen personal essays revealing the fluidity of sexuality and the real-life impact of coming out, family dynamics, and societal acceptance. The book breaks down common myths that bisexuality is merely a phase and instead presents authentic voices affirming bisexual identity and polyamory. If you seek nuanced perspectives on male bisexuality, this book offers candid insights that challenge stereotypes and foster empathy.

View on Amazon

Get Your Personalized Bisexual Biography Guide

Stop sifting through generic books. Get targeted insights crafted for your needs in minutes.

Tailored content fast
Focus on your goals
Deepen personal insight

Trusted by bisexual biography enthusiasts and experts worldwide

Bisexual Biography Blueprint
30-Day Identity Code
Bisexual Biography Now
Insider Secrets Unveiled

Conclusion

These six books collectively reveal the multifaceted nature of bisexual biography—from scientific research and historical activism to intimate memoirs and literary analysis. If you’re navigating questions about identity, Bi offers an authoritative grounding in bisexual history and culture. For emotional resonance and personal narrative, How We Fight for Our Lives and Bi Men provide compelling, heartfelt perspectives.

Those interested in activism and community voices will find Claiming the B in LGBT invaluable, while Secret Historian and Rupert Brooke enrich your knowledge with historical and literary depth. Combining these readings can deepen both empathy and intellectual appreciation of bisexual experiences.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Bisexual Biography book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These carefully chosen books can help you accelerate your learning journey and connect with stories that truly resonate.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with Bi by Julia Shaw for a strong foundation in bisexual history and science. It provides context that enriches your understanding of the others. From there, explore memoirs like How We Fight for Our Lives to connect on a personal level.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Bisexual Biography?

Not at all. These books range from accessible memoirs to scholarly work, offering something for readers at every level. For example, Bi Men shares personal essays that are easy to relate to and understand.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with Bi to grasp historical and scientific context, then move to memoirs like How We Fight for Our Lives and Bi Men for personal narratives. Follow with Claiming the B in LGBT for activism, and finish with Secret Historian and Rupert Brooke for historical and literary insights.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can pick one based on your interest—history, memoir, activism, or literature. Each provides valuable insight, but together they offer a richer, more complete picture of bisexual biography.

Are any of these books outdated given how fast Bisexual Biography changes?

While some explore historical contexts, their insights remain relevant for understanding the evolution of bisexual identity and culture. Contemporary works like Bi and How We Fight for Our Lives reflect current perspectives and lived experiences.

Can personalized books complement these expert recommendations?

Yes, personalized Bisexual Biography books can complement expert works by tailoring insights specifically to your background and goals. They bridge general knowledge with your unique context for more practical understanding. Learn more here.

📚 Love this book list?

Help fellow book lovers discover great books, share this curated list with others!