Monday, June 24, 2019

Robyn Ochs LGBTQ+ Activist Speaking On Culture

By Paul Taylor


When it comes to speaking as part of a panel, discussion group, keynote speaker or workshop leader, it is hard to find anyone as competent or experienced as Robyn Ochs. Currently, Ochs tours college campuses around the United States speaking on culture related to LGBTQ+ issues and concerns. For, having been active in the community for over 50 years, there are few bisexual activists which have been as successful as promoting acceptance of self and equality among peers as Robyn.

An editor of the Boston Bisexual Women's Newsletter, a Bi quarterly for women and two anthologies Getting Bi: and RECOGNIZE, Robyn also has a presence in the world of publication. In addition, experiences with regards to writing goes well beyond the LGBTQ+ community.

The activist and writer has also published a number of non-fiction books related to different areas including women's studies, multiculturalism and LGBTQ+ history in Canada as well as the United States. In doing so, Robyn has become one of the only bisexuals to craft a definition which could actually relate to most whom identify in this manner. While this is the case, Ochs still recognizes the long time reality that there are often as many definitions of bisexuality as there are bisexuals.

The definition which Robyn has provided in several publications states that bisexuality actually describes any individual who has the potential to be attracted to more than one gender, whether that be male, female, binary or transgendered though not always at the same time or in the same way or degree. For, most bisexuals have the capability to carry on either a monogamous or non-monogamous relationship with all gender identifications.

Named by Teen Vogue as one of nine bisexual women who are making history, Ochs also won the right to represent Massachusetts on the 50 States, 50 Heroes list published in Advocate magazine. Honors most likely given the activist due to a long standing commitment to sustainable and intersectional activism. In addition, Ochs has worked with others to build coalitions and build identities across different social movements and platforms while supporting new and emerging activists and leaders for what is now over 50 years.

A member of the MassEquality Board for over twelve years, equality continues to be one of Och's biggest goals. Whereas, the speaker and activist also participated in the LGBTQ Youth Commission in Massachusetts for over three years. The latter of which most likely created an interest in the work Robyn is doing today by speaking to college age youth around the country in relation to LGBTQ+ culture, history, issues and orientation.

In relation to Och's work on college campuses, one of the most recent awards provided to the activist is that of the Campus Pride's Voice and Action Award. Whereas, all the awards and honors provided Ochs show that the activist is respected not only by community members and organizations but others as well.

In addition to the lifetime achievement award, Robyn was also presented with an award for an active and lengthy presence in the LGBTQ+ movement for over 50 years. The award provided by the director of the National Task Force was based on Och's goal to gain inclusivity for all LGBTQ+ members within the larger Queer community. For, had it not been for the work of Robyn and other community members, bisexuals would most likely still lack visibility when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community as well as the world at large.




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