The Bisexual Option

Fritz Klein's Revolutionary Book About Bisexuality That Reshaped The Way We Think About Sexual Orientation

The Bisexual Option was originally published in 1978 by Haworth Press, with a Second Edition published in 1993 by Routledge, and is today published by Taylor And Francis, who also publish the Journal Of Bisexuality. Written by Fritz Klein, The Bisexual Option not only offers an in depth exploration and a detailed overview of bisexuality and an explanation of the bisexual, but it also shatters many commonly held myths about this mostly "unseen" but in reality very prevalent segment of society.

Now in its second edition, this intriguing book gives an overview of bisexuality. The publisher, Taylor And Francis, says that "there is still no book that covers the subject like this one, it is must reading for establishing a contemporary view of bisexuality and those committed to a bisexual lifestyle."

“This well-written book is a must-read for anyone struggling, as I have, with bisexuality. It is hopeful, insightful, and very liberating. Dr. Klein presents an engaging balance of theory, research, and case examples. This is a very real and honest presentation of bisexuality.”
— Reader Comment

The book is divided into three "parts". Part One, entitled, "What Is Bisexuality?" begins with the first chapter entitled "The Threat" by discussing the reality that many homosexuals and heterosexuals view the bisexual as a "threat" and goes on to discuss the myth of the "non existence" of bisexuals still held by many in society and the sense of "either/or".

Chapter Two moves on towards a definition of bisexuality, as the various dimensions, facets, and aspects of the bisexual's definition are given and The Klein Sexual Orientation Grid is explained in detail. An analysis of cultural and biological factors of sexual orientation is also presented.

Chapter Three offers a discussion and study of bisexual intimacy, beginning with the differences in between sexual and emotional intimacy, and the connection between intimacy and hetero- and homophobia, including a profile of a heterosexual male who is able to be emotionally intimate with men. Chapter Four offers a new look at and an explanation of the of the Oedipus complex and the view that both homosexuals and bisexuals are able to resolve it successfully, accompanied by an example showing how one bisexual male has resolved it.

“An outstanding contribution to our understanding of human sexuality. This updated edition of The Bisexual Option remains the most well-written and definitive book on the subject of bisexuality. Dr. Klein replaces mythology and ignorance with scientific insight and knowledge.”
— Eli Coleman

Part Two, "Bisexuality and Health", is comprised of the next three chapters, which detail the differences between "The Healthy Bisexual" and "The Troubled Bisexual". This begins with a definition of neurosis and the various types of troubled bisexuals, as well as the healthy functioning of the bisexual and then offers profiles of four troubled male and female bisexuals and three healthy male and female bisexuals.

The last three chapters form Part Three, "The Bisexual In Society". Chapter Eight, "Sociological Findings" offers further discussion of the mistrust and misunderstanding of the bisexual by the heterosexual and homosexual communities and Chapter Nine, "The Bisexual In History And The Arts" will lay to rest any thoughts off bisexuality being something "new" as it gives a list of famous bisexuals both past and present including profiles of Alexander the Great, Oscar Wilde, Somerset Maugham, and Colette as well as a review of Greek civilization and the Bloomsbury Group. A list of examples as well as a discussion of three works in which the bisexual "ideal" and "truth" are portrayed is also given.

The tenth and final chapter regarding "The Bisexual Future" is a discussion of nine factors influencing bisexuality: AIDS, sex roles and stereotypes, androgyny, friendship and lovers, family, "gay lib," the women's movement and feminism, myths, and dilemmas. The book also offers 2 Appendices, "The Bisexual As Portrayed In The Arts", the results of a Bisexual Survey, and a full Bibliography.

How To Obtain A Copy Of The Bisexual Option

There Are Three Options For Purchasing This Book:

  1. A print copy may be purchased from Amazon.com by clicking this link: The Bisexual Option on Amazon.com
  2. The Bisexual Option is also available in eBook format (iPod/iPad, Kindle, Nook, Other) in your iTunes Store, Amazon/Kindle Store, and Barnes & Noble/Nook Store.
  3. A Spanish version of The Bisexual Option is available in all the same formats and locations.