London, United Kingdom Jul 26, 2024 (Issuewire.com) - Event photography is available here
Book cover & author headshots are available here
Instagram: @lewyoaks | Twitter: @lewyoaks | #bisexualitythebasics
Book copies for review upon request. Author available for interview & comment pieces
Broadcaster and prominent bisexual advocate Lewis Oakley proudly launched his debut book, Bisexuality: The Basics, at an intimate event held yesterday evening at The Common Press, London’s intersectional queer bookshop café and events space. The easy-to-read guide, available now in paperback, digital, and audio formats, tackles the biggest questions facing bisexual people today and offers practical solutions for not only them but their family and friends.
Guests at the launch, which included consumers, journalists, and influencers, commended Oakley’s bravery for discussing the important topics covered in the self-proclaimed ‘bi handbook’. During a live Q&A, moderated by author Daniel Harding, attendees heard firsthand about his overwhelming desire for the bisexual community, and wider LGBTQ+ members, to be heard at a time when minority groups face constant fear with ever-changing legislation in an unpredictable political landscape.
Oakley emphasised, “The struggles faced by bisexual individuals are starkly highlighted by pervasive negative stereotypes, significant mental health challenges, and economic disparities. With 60 percent having had people question their authenticity as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, it's clearer than ever that targeted support and inclusive policies are urgently needed to address these issues.”
When asked about the need for more rapid change with support systems and acceptance, he was frank to address, “We’ve come a long way in recent years - a large majority of questions I receive from readers or followers on social media are from bisexual men asking about how to come out to their wives. It’s just unfortunate that decades have passed since progressive TV series, such as Sex and the City with my favourite fellow author Carrie Bradshaw, failed to create change for the bisexual community with their lack of representation to a mainstream audience.”
The evening ended with the hope that Oakley’s new book will “empower bisexual people with a resource that provides support, understanding, and validation to address the unique challenges and obstacles they face.”
Broadcaster and activist Lewis Oakley has been passionately writing and presenting on the topic of bisexuality for almost 10 years, with credits including a hugely popular Virgin Radio show, co-hosting the podcast Bisexual Brunch, and spearing the advice column ‘Ask a Bi Dad’ in bi.org.
Despite bisexual people making up over half of those identifying as LGBTQ+, shockingly research widely shows that:
- Just 2%of bisexual men believe they are perceived positively by the community
- 43% of bisexual people have never attended an LGBTQ+ space or event
- 27%of bisexual women and 18% of bisexual men have experienced biphobia from within the LGBTQ+ community
For more information, please contact:
Ben Griffiths: bengriffiths.freelance@gmail.com
Notes to Editors
About Bisexuality: The Basics
My partner doesn’t believe I’m bisexual, what should I do?
How should I approach sex with someone of a different gender for the first time?
Can I reconcile being bisexual with wanting a biological child?
Identifying as bisexual can be a pretty confusing experience – navigating experimentation versus orientation, at times presenting as a straight-passing member of a queer community, at other times having people discredit your attraction to multiple genders. Lewis Oakley, creator of the Ask A Bi Dad column, knows every trick in the book – and he’s here to answer your most burning questions…
Warm, chatty, wise, and startlingly honest – this is your new bi bible.
About The Author (Lewis Oakley)
Website: https://lewisoakley.com/ | Instagram: @lewyoaks | Twitter: @lewyoaks
Lewis Oakley is one of the leading bisexual writers and commentators in the UK, twice recognized by the Pride Power List for his impact on the space. When he isn’t bringing national attention to bisexuality by confronting Piers Morgan or debating with Jeremy Vine, he can be heard co-hosting one of the UK’s top-rated LGBTQ+ podcasts, Bisexual Brunch which has amassed a huge international following. He also authors the world's only bisexuality-focused advice column ‘Ask a Bi Dad’, and earlier this year hosted his own show on Virgin Radio Pride.
Media Contact
Ben Griffiths PR bengriffiths.freelance@gmail.com
