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 the Boston Bisexual Women's Newsletter, a Bi quarterly for women and two anthologies Getting Bi: and RECOGNIZE, Robyn also has a presence in the world of publication. In addition, experiences with regards to writing goes well beyond the 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 which Robyn has provided in several publications states that bisexuality actually describes any individual who has the potential to be attracted to more than one gender, whether that be male, female, binary or transgendered though not always at the same time or in the same way or degree. For, most bisexuals have the capability to carry on either a monogamous or non-monogamous relationship with all gender identifications.
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.
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.
In addition to the lifetime achievement award, Robyn was also presented with an award for an active and lengthy presence in the LGBTQ+ movement for over 50 years. The award provided by the director of the National Task Force was based on Och's goal to gain inclusivity for all LGBTQ+ members within the larger Queer community. For, had it not been for the work of Robyn and other community members, bisexuals would most likely still lack visibility when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community as well as the world at large.