Year: 2003
Type: article
Abstract: Geographies of sexualities have largely ignored bisexual men and women.Academic literature in bisexual geographies continues along theoretical axes neglecting material experiences of bisexual men and women as they negotiate desire across multiple terrains.This research is a direct response to calls from scholars for a study of the particularity and specificity of bisexual men's everyday perceptions and experiences of identity, space, and community.Drawing from a feminist perspective highlighting situated and localized knowledge, I examine how the everyday spatial behaviours of bisexual men relate to their sexuality.I re-present the experiences of twelve bisexual men in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia through semi-structured interviews and open-ended questionnaires undertaken in 2002 and 2003. 1 illustrate the concept of 'definitional incoherence' as I trace multiple definitions of bisexuality and argue bisexual men live a serialized existence, with no shared identity but rather a commonality located in how they are positioned among and within heteronormative power relations.By focusing on social spaces created through work, friends, and family, I analyze bisexual men's shifting identities as they manage multiple relationships and expectations of others.In this way, I reveal that bisexual men live compartmentalized lives, some through no choice of their own, and others as a spatialized strategy to facilitate their lifestyle.I offer a preliminary mapping of locations used to meet men and women for sexual encounters and social support.I present men's expectations and experiences of being bisexual in gay, straight, and bisexual contexts revealing both a sense of frustration and optimism in imagining bisexual space.iii DEDICATION I want to dedicate this thesis to the unheard voices and the untold stories of bisexual men wherever and however they live their lives.Silence is not their choice to make.There are a number of key people requiring a debt load of thanks for support, encouragement, and guidance throughout this project.There are not sufficient words I can offer in thanks to my Senior Supervisor, colleague, and friend, Dr.
Source: Summit (Simon Fraser University)
Author: James E. McLean
Language: English
Topic: Gender and Feminist Studies
Subfield: Gender Studies
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Reduced inequalities
Open Access status: green
Funder: York University
OpenAlex ID: W2140960826