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Monday 24 June 2019

Robyn Ochs LGBTQ+ Mentor 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.

As an editor of two anthologies: the 42 country collection RECOGNIZE: The Voices of Bisexual Men and Getting Bi: Voices of Bisexuals Around The World along with having been the editor of a Bi Women Quarterly since the 1980s, Robyn has a vast amount of experience dealing with different issues related to not only the Bisexual but larger 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.

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.

The National LGBTQ Task Force also provided an award to Robyn for Longevity in the Movement. For, while there are other bisexual activists, not many have been as active or as present on a continual basis for 50 years and counting. For, Och's primary goal remains to provide answers to college age youth questioning different aspects of LGBTQ+ culture and sexuality while also promoting equality.




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