History of Bisexuality
Mel Reeve on being an archivist and writer, and preserving the history of bisexuality.
Mel Reeve is an archivist and writer with an MSc in Information Management and Preservation from the University of Glasgow, and runs the Bi History research and archive project.
3 things you wish everyone knew about bisexuality?
It's not being 50% gay/lesbian and 50% heterosexual, it is 100% it's own identity!
Bisexual people have a historical role in LGBTQ+ activism and community, and a right to be in LGBTQ+ spaces.
It's great to be bisexual.
Why are you interested in research on bisexuality?
“Researching the history of bisexuality has given me a greater understanding of my own sexuality, as well as a sense of community and empowerment as a bisexual person.”
I have also heard from other people who have had the same positive experience when interacting with my research, which brings me a lot of joy.
I post regularly on the @bihistory instagram with my research and the Bi History archive can be accessed via Glasgow Zine Library.
How do you define bisexuality?
Attraction to people of the same and different genders.
What are the most pressing concerns within the bisexual community in 2020?
Better funding for bisexual+ specific resources and community spaces focused on the specific needs of the bisexual+ community.
Greater inclusion from the wider LGBTQ+ community.
What bi research would you like people to know about?
Women and Bisexuality by Sue George
Bisexual Horizons by the Off Pink Collective
Volumes one and two of The Bi-ble by Monstrous Regiment Press.
Getting more personal…
Are you bi? Yes!
Does being bisexual change how you approach your work?
I think it gives me an important insight into the work I do, and my own personal need to understand more about the history of the bisexual+ community is what drove me to begin this research in the first place.
Follow BiHistory on Twitter: @bihistory