Robyn Ochs LGBTQ+ Activist Speaking On Culture

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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 two bisexual oriented anthologies and a Boston Bi Women's quarterly newsletter which has been around about as long as the activist, Ochs stays busy. Whether editing Getting Bi: Voices of Bisexuals Around the World or RECOGNIZED: The Voices of Bisexual Men, publishing the newsletter or touring, Ochs is always at the forefront of community involvement.

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.

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.

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.

While other activists have made progress in the community, none have been working as long or as hard as Robyn. For, 50 years is a long time when working towards equality that still does not exist. It is for this reason that Ochs continues to work in different areas of the LGBTQ+ community and while in a same-sex marriage still strongly identifies as bi and pansexual.




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