Robyn Ochs LGBTQ+ Mentor 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.

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.

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.

Ochs definition of bisexuality is about as close as Webster's might come if ever incorporating the term into the dictionary. For, Robyn's definition acknowledges the potential to be attracted to people of one gender, not necessarily at the same time, sexually or romantically and to people of more than one gender, not necessarily at the same time or in the same way or degree. Thus, crashing several myths with regards to bisexuals not having the ability to maintain monogamous or long lasting relationships or, lacking the ability to be involved with people of other sexual orientations.

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.

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.

Robyn recently received a Campus Pride's Voice and Action Award for work in this area. Whereas, the activist also received a Lifetime Achievement award from Harvard University's Gender & Sexuality Caucus. These two prestigious awards, along with others, show that not only fellow community members but professionals and others hold a great deal of respect for Ochs, including President Obama whom the activist met in 2009.

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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