BIPHOBIA

An introduction to biphobia and how to confront it.

After noting that biphobia is rooted in the “belief that everyone is only truly attracted to one sex or gender,” the author discusses different identities under the umbrella of “bi+,” such as pansexual, omnisexual, and polysexual, noting their similarities and differences with bisexuality and providing reasons why someone might identify with a particular label. Though the text is unengaging and a bit didactic—readers may feel as though they’re receiving a lecture from a teacher—it does contain useful information, such as scenarios that bi+ young people might encounter (being asked to sleep in a separate room on a sleepover, hearing classmates make offensive jokes) and ways to respond. Competent illustrations depict characters who are diverse in terms of race and ability but do little to enrich the text. The tips for becoming a better ally are strong. Though the text is accurate, some readers may take away incorrect assumptions due to misleading phrasing, such as the implication that trans people are more often and more accurately represented in media than bisexual people. This book may offer some help to a young person who is the target of biphobia or an ally who wants to unpack their biphobia.

Approachable and educational, with the energy of an after-school special.