samedi 22 juin 2019

Robyn Ochs LGBTQ+ Mentor Speaking On Culture

By Paul Taylor


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.

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.

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.

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.

Robyn has also served for more than twelve years on the MassEquality Board of Directors, an organization dedicated to statewide equality. Whereas, the activist and speaker was also part and parcel to the LGBTQ Massachusetts Youth Commission for three years. The latter of which is most likely one of the primary inspirations for the speaking engagements provided to LGBTQ+ college students across the country each year.

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.




About the Author:



Aucun commentaire:

Enregistrer un commentaire