Musing about bisexuals in books...

[fajrdrako]

Out of curiosity, I was browsing the Wikipedia site Fictional Bisexuals and I wasn't very happy with what I saw. I was hoping to be steered to novels with bisexual characters; it didn't work. In fact, it seems the venue for bi characters is almost exclusively comic books and soap operas, with the occasional TV comedy (specifically, Nip/Tuck and

Comments

[dewline]

As invisible as can be tolerated, I suppose.

But who's to be doing the tolerating and of what/whom, then?

*puzzled shrug from a 'straight' fool*

[fajrdrako]

Why should tolerance come into it?

As a reader, I'm looking for books with characters I can relate to in a certain way - characters who resemble me. It can happen with any number of aspects, so why do I have such trouble finding this particular one?

[dewline]

Notice the self-descriptive "fool" in my earlier comment. I'm up way later than I ought to be, and I think it's having a bad effect on my memory, reasoning, logic, etc. at the moment.

Also, I've seen/read of arguments in the past where it's come out that some of the "LG" of "LGBT" have not taken kindly to the belief of anyone in the "B" part's existence in the first case. Whether that matters at all to your concerns - and mine, I don't know.

[fajrdrako]

I've seen/read of arguments in the past where it's come out that some of the "LG" of "LGBT" have not taken kindly to the belief of anyone in the "B" part's existence in the first case.

True; just another form of prejudice. And/or the assumption that "because I am this way, I cannot believe other people are different". Lots of people argue that "no one is bisexual, really" and they happen to be wrong.

I just find it all rather frustrating not to find more fiction that explores the issues. Or presents the issue. And good for comics and soap operas for doing so!

[auriaephiala]

I blame people who never read Kinsey. And maybe those who like simple answers and find bisexuality very confusing?

I think it's dumb -- and extremely a-historical.

Have you looked the boys-attending-British-boarding-schools-between-the-wars genre? There's got to be a fair amount of bisexuality (at least by implication) in those books. Ditto books set in ancient Greece.

[fajrdrako]

Yup. Those are all examples. I should make my own lists.

[msilverstar]

well you know what they say about Wikipedia: if you don't like something, fix it. Honestly, I can't imagine anyone objecting to you about adding bisexual characters. Go for it!

[fajrdrako]

I'll have to do some research, and then I'll add my own list. As projects go, this one might be fun!

[kikibug13]

Muahahahahaha man, I didn't even know that category existed. *ponders editing*

A recent treasure in that area that I have found are Tanya Huff's books. I literally got happily sucked into the Blood Ties fandom (TV show, where it's suggested because the actors totally talked with the writer and the books, where it's explicit and varied), and I know her statement is 'each of my characters is bisexual unless I specifically say otherwise' or something to that effect.

I'm just loving the writing, as well.

Just in case you were, besides the rant re wiki, looking for a recommendation or something. :-P

[fajrdrako]

I haven't read Tanya Huff yet, but I plan to. I was just looking at one of her books while sorting my bookcase. So many books, so little time!

I know her statement is 'each of my characters is bisexual unless I specifically say otherwise' or something to that effect.

Yeah- that's generally my attitude, too!

Just in case you were, besides the rant re wiki, looking for a recommendation or something. :-P

Always.

[kikibug13]

I have only read the Blood and the Smoke books (the Smoke books are kind of like a sequel to the Blood ones) but I really really enjoyed them. They reminded me some of the best reasons why I enjoy reading. >.>

[fajrdrako]

I don't even remember which one I won. I think her books are in the library. They can be found!

[fajrdrako]

Excellent! Thank you!