poniedziałek, 24 czerwca 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.

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 attributed to Ochs suggest that bisexuality, or at least on a personal level is an acknowledgement, whether acted on or otherwise, of the potential to be attracted to people of different or both genders either romantically or sexually, not necessarily at the same time. Thus, busting myths and proving the reality that bisexuals can be in a monogamous or non-monogamous relationship with an individual of the same, opposite, non-binary or transgender sexual orientation on a long or short term basis.

The Advocate magazine recently included Robyn in a 50 Heroes 50 States listing which was in large part thanks to Teen Vogue whom places Ochs as one of 9 women which identify as bisexual making history. In large part, both honors were given due to the activist's ongoing commitment of intersectional, community and commitment based activism. Whereas, Robyn has also worked with other communities in building bridges and coalitions across different communities.

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.

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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