The magazine included analysis of current political events, social, and cultural trends, television shows, movies, books, music, advertising, and artwork.

[13][14][15] The founding editors, Lisa Jervis and Andi Zeisler, along with founding art director Benjamin Shaykin,[16][17] wanted to create a public forum in which to air thoughts and theories on women, gender, and feminist issues, interpreted through the lens of the media and popular culture.

[18][19][20] Later speaking about the decision to name the magazine "Bitch", Zeisler stated that it was inspired by reclamation of the word 'queer' by the LGBT community.

"[24] In 2001, a loan from San Francisco's Independent Press Association allowed Jervis and Zeisler to quit their current jobs and work on Bitch full-time and the magazine officially became a non-profit.

[19][23] The magazine was the subject of an obscenity controversy when it published a dildo advertisement on its back cover for its Fall 2002 issue.

Postal Service contacted the magazine and stated that copies of the issue would be considered obscene literature and would have to be distributed in black polybags.

[29] In 2011, Bitch partnered with feminist media critic Anita Sarkeesian to create the video series Tropes vs. Women.

[36] "Backtalk" was hosted by Amy Lam and Dahlia Balcazar, who reviewed and discussed the week in popular culture through a feminist lens.