Robyn Ochs
Speaker • Teacher • Writer • Activist
Bi Women Quarterly
Dear Reader,
The theme of this issue is “Chosen Family.” This term refers to those with whom we choose to have a significant and ongoing relationship and mutual support. This concept is particularly relevant to the LGBTQ+ community, as some of us are estranged – or at least have an ambivalent relationship – with our family of origin due to their rejection of – or discomfort with – our sexual orientation and/or gender identity and/or politics. A 2013 Pew Research Center survey on the LGBT population found that 39% of LGBT American adults have been rejected by family or friends because of their sexual orientation. For this reason, we have chosen to dedicate an issue of BWQ to this subject.
You will find in this new issue of Bi Women Quarterly essays by Apphia K., Theresa Tyree, Aicila Lewis, A.J. Lowe, Jane Bailey, Elaine Schleiffer, JMC, Ellyn Ruthstrom; and poems by Hailey Forrester and Dove. Oklahoman Amanda Lowe shares her experience at the Creating Change Conference in Washington, DC., and in our Around the World column, Soudeh Rad reports on the first-ever bi pre-conference institute at ILGA Asia, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. You will also find Katelynn Bishop’s review of the new memoir by one of the co-founders of Black Live Matters, Patrisse Khan-Cullors, our Research Corner, Advice from A. Rose Bi, a WhyNotBothCo comic, News Briefs, and our calendar of events.
Happy reading!
Robyn Ochs, Editor
LB Klein, assistant Editor
Robyn Ochs 