When it comes to history and culture, the LGBTQ+ community is now in the limelight. For, not only are a number of individuals celebrating Pride Month, it is also the upcoming 50th anniversary of Stonewall. Whereas, it is also a rather historic anniversary for Robyn Ochs, a bi activist, speaker, teacher and writer whom has been active in speaking on culture as related to the bisexual community for over 50 years.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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