Robyn Ochs workshops

ROBYN'S WORKSHOPS:
Beyond Binaries: Identity and the Sexuality Spectrum In this interactive program we explore sexual orientation identities over time. How do we assign labels to our complicated and unique experiences? What relationship exists between experience and self-identity, and between our self-identity and the way others see us? Is identity fixed, or do some individuals experience change over time? What generational changes are we experiencing around labeling? (classroom version available)		Bisexuality 101: Myths and Realities (also called Understanding Bisexuality) What is bisexuality? Is there no such thing as bisexuality or is everyone really bisexual? Or is it more complicated than that? What does it mean to call yourself bisexual, anyway? Why do some people have such a hard time understanding this identity? People of all sexual orientations are welcome to attend. (classroom version available)
Bisexuality: An International Perspective Reading selected essays and passages from Getting Bi: Voices of Bisexuals Around the World, we will examine bisexuality in international context. How does conttext affect experience? Which are shared experiences of bisexuality, and which are culturally specific? (This is an interactive presentation, excellent for classrooms. Readings will be selected to fit the specific needs and interests of participants.	Choosing to Label: What's in a Name? Bi, lesbian, gay, straight, queer, questioning, choose-not-to-label. How do you decide which label to use? What do labels do? What don’t they do? Is it possible to avoid labels? What is the difference between ascribed labels and chosen labels? How can we manage our identities in order to get the maximum benefit with the minimum cost? Let’s think creatively and proactively about identity. This is a participatory workshop, and all are welcome.	Loosening the Gender Girdle: How Gender Affects You What makes a man "a man"? What makes a woman "a woman"? We will look at the ways in which we are limited by a binary understanding of gender, and explore how the politics of gender tie together the feminist, queer and transgendered movements. Come, and bring your gender with you!
Creating A Both/And Identity in an Either/Or World Having any sexual orientation at all comes with its own baggage, there are particular issues faced by people who identify as bisexual or who use other labels that defy an either/or interpretation of the world. Together we will examine these issues and devise strategies to proudly "be all that we can be."	Bisexuality: New Meanings for a New Generation What is bisexuality? Do young people today have the same understandings of bisexuality (and hetero- and homosexuality as well) as those of us who are a bit older?We will discuss the origin and content of our own assumptions, and think about how our experiences and perspectives both differ from and resemble those of today's youth.	Challenging Homophobia What is homophobia? What is its effect upon each of us? How can we unlearn negative messages and misinformation? How can we be allies to gay, lesbian, bi and transgendered people? This interactive and thought-provoking workshop will help us to answer these questions, and then organize our shared knowledge into tools and tactics for intervening against homophobia. (Note: this is a 2-hour workshop)
	Fighting Biphobia: What You Can Do Biphobia (bahy – phobe – ia): n. “fear or discrimination against bisexuals” Allies and bi folks – join us as we explore the effect of biphobia in our own lives. How can we unlearn negative messages and misinformation and be proactive and fabulous rather than defensive? How can non-bi folks be allies to bisexual people? Join Robyn Ochs for an interactive and thought-provoking workshop. Together, we’ll answer these questions, then turn our shared knowledge into tools and tactics for fighting biphobia.
Workshop for Counseling Staff: Working With Bisexual Clients What issues ought therapists and counselors be aware of when counseling bisexually-identified clients? (This presentation is intended for social work students or for counseling center staff, and is based on Robyn's work on biphobia and on labelling.)	Workshop for Residence Life Staff: Life in the Fishbowl Residence life staff who are members of one or more minority groups face special challenges. How do we balance our minority identities with our residence life identities? Discussion will cover topics such as role modeling; living in a fishbowl; being tokenized; activism; and how our minority identities can assist us in our residence life positions.	Self-Care For Activists "If I don't do it, it won't get done right (or not at all...)"Have you ever felt overwhelmed, unsupported, exhausted by your activism? Let's come together to brainstorm strategies for taking care of ourselves while changing the world.
Workshops are highly interactive, combining structured exercises with open discussion, and are normally between 1 1/2 and 2 hours in length. Some of these workshops can be adapted for shorter classes. Presentations and workshops are individually tailored to fit the needs of your group.