Tuesday 25 June 2019

Robyn Ochs LGBTQ+ Activist Speaking On Culture

By Paul Taylor


When it comes to public speaking, there are speakers associated with a number of different areas of society. In one case, Robyn Ochs, a LGBTQ+ mentor can be found speaking on culture related to different areas of the community on college campuses each year. For Robyn is a teacher, speaker, writer and activist whom started working in the community in the early 1980s.

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.

Having published several non-fiction books related to the community, women's studies, multiculturalism and other areas including LGBTQ+ history in the United States and Canada, Ochs is a force of good for all in the community. For example, one of the only individuals to come up with what most consider the most accurate definition of bisexuality, the activist is highly praised among fellow activists, community members and others.

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.

Honored by Teen Vogue as one of 9 bisexual women to be making history and listed in the 50 Heroes 50 States in Advocate magazine, the activist has also received a number of honors and awards. While this is the case, Ochs primary goal is to continue working towards equality for all members of the LGBTQ+ community while building coalitions and bridges with others. In addition, after 50 years, the activist is also supporting the efforts of new and emerging activists.

Having served on several committees including MassEquality for 12 years and as part of the LGBTQ+ Youth Commission in Massachusetts for three, the activist also has experience when it comes to promoting and equality and speaking to youth. The latter of which is something Robyn hopes to continue to do for years to come. For, speaking to college age youth is something Ochs hopes will have a major impact when it comes to self-acceptance and equality for all.

One of the most recent awards provided to Ochs is that of the Campus Pride's Voice and Action Award with regards to the different programs and speaking engagements over the last few decades. Whereas, the Gender & Sexuality Caucus' Lifetime Achievement Award received from Harvard speaks volumes about the respect the activist garners from community leaders and professionals as well as those in the community.

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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