Andrea Jenkins is an American politician, writer and poet who made US history by being the first openly Black trans woman to be elected to public office in 2018. Andrea was born in 1961, in Chicago and spent her childhood living in lower-income working class communities with her single mother. From a young age, Andrea was heavily involved in arts, often writing and creating poems and other spoken word pieces.
Andrea came out as gay in her 20s, and began to transition in her 30s. She returned to college attending Metropolitan State University, to finish her bachelor’s degree. Following that, she earned two masters degrees, one in Creative Writing and one in Community Based Economic Development. Her political career started shortly after, when she worked as a vocational counselor for the Hennepin County Government.
In 2005, Jenkins worked as a political aide to Elizabeth Glidden, and earned a fellowship focusing on trans issues. She successfully established the Transgender Issues Group in 2014, and organized a council summit to highlight the struggles and issues trans folks face in Minnesota. In 2016, after Elizabeth Glidden decided not to run for re-election, Andrea Jenkins announced her campaign, with the slogan “Leadership. Access. Equity.” The following year, she successfully won with over 70% of the votes.
In her other endeavours, Andrea has participated in the Trans Lives Matter movement, and was the grand marshal of Twin Cities Pride Parade. In 2020, in honor of the 50th anniversary of the first Pride parade, she was named one of 50 heroes leading the nation towards equality, acceptance, and dignity.
Currently, Jenkins is a performance artist and poet, and lives with her partner of eight years. Her contributions and representation as a trans woman in politics have paved the way for many other folks to become more involved in the political landscape.
Born in Chicago in the 1940s, Miss Major is a trans activist and icon well known for her outspoken activism towards trans rights and freedoms. As a young child, Miss Major often explored her gender expression, trying on her mothers’ clothes while no one was home, and befriending older drag queens who allowed her to experiment with makeup and dressing in drag. When Miss Major came out as trans to her family, they struggled accepting her transition and gender identity. At the age of 16, Miss Major graduated from high school and moved into a post-secondary dorm room.
Although she had been out to her close family and friends, she still presented in a traditionally masculine way, resulting in her being placed in a men’s dorm. During this time, Miss Major was outed when one of her roommates found dresses and makeup in her room, leading to her expulsion from the college.
After her expulsion, Miss Major moved to New York in 1962 and began working as a sex worker. While in New York, Miss Major became involved with drag shows, and performed as a showgirl. Within the community, Miss Major was accepted for who she was, and began to feel a sense of belonging. During the Stonewall Riot in 1969, Miss Major played a role in protecting queer community members against the brutality by the police. As an activist, Miss Major has said that although Stonewall was a turning point in the 2LSBGTQ+ rights movement, transgender and queer women of colour had long since been advocating and organizing for the rights and freedoms of the community.
In 1988, Miss Major and her partner moved to San Diego California. She continued working as a drag performer, and started mentoring younger drag performers and trans women, earning her the nickname Mama Major. During the AIDS crisis in the 80s, Miss Major became involved in AIDS activism after losing her partner. Moving to San Francisco in 1995, Miss Major continued her work in HIV/AIDS activism, becoming a health promoter and educator for Tenderloin AIDS Research Center. She developed a mobile outreach centre, where she went into the streets to meet with unhoused folks who needed assistance.
Currently, Miss Major lives in Arkansas with her partner, and has continued her work in activism and advocacy.
Stormé DeLarverie was a long-time gay rights activist and drag king, known as one of the founding figures in the drag community and pioneers of gender-fluidity. DeLarverie was born in New Orleans in 1920 and spent many years of her life performing and hosting at venues such as the Apollo Theater, and Radio City Music Hall.
An important aspect of DeLarverie’s history is the role she played in the Stonewall Rebellion. Stormé confirmed and often spoke about throwing the first punch at The Stonewall Inn. During a police raid in the early morning on June 28th, 1969, a woman (often thought to be Stormé) was the victim of police brutality while being handcuffed. As tensions rose, and police violence increased, a larger scuffle ensued, causing what is now known as the Stonewall Rebellion.
In the aftermath of the events that took place at Stonewall, Stormé DeLarverie continued to be a fierce activist and key player in the Gay Liberation movement in New York. She was an active member of the Stonewall Veterans’ Association, and was a regular in Pride parade and celebrations for many years after. She also spent many years as a volunteer street patrol worker, guarding and keeping an eye on queer folks in The Village. On top of her work with the Gay Liberation Movement, Stormé also organized and planned benefits and fundraisers for victims and children of domestic violence.
Often credited as a force to be reckoned with, Stormé DeLarverie lived her life in service of the queer community, advocating and fighting for equitable treatment and freedoms for all. In 2019 on the 50th anniversary of Stonewall, she was honored as one of the inaugural fifty American Pioneers, trailblazers, and heroes inducted onto the National LGBTQ Wall of Honor at the Stonewall National Monument.
Stormé DeLarverie passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 24, 2014 after a dementia diagnosis. Her contributions to the 2SLGBTQIA+ liberation movement, and passion for justice and protecting the next generation of queer folks will never be forgotten.
Bayard Rustin was born March 17, 1912 in West Chester Pennsylvania. Raised by his maternal grandparents, who were members of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People), Bayard quickly found his passion in civil rights advocacy and activism. As a youth, Bayard spent time working with W.E.B Du Bois, and James Weldon, and campaigned against the racially discriminatory Jim Crow Laws.
Rustin played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement in America, serving as an advisor on non-physical conflict resolution to Martin Luther King Jr. and was the main organizer of the 1963 March on Washington. As a Black gay man, Bayard Rustin faced many challenges in his career. As a teen and young adult, he maintained his privacy surrounding his sexual orientation, not allowing it to become a part of activism work until later years. Unfortunately, as with many influential queer men, Bayard was the target of homophobic laws and policies, contributing to his arrest for “vagrancy and lewd conduct”. He pleaded down to a lesser charge, however was still sentenced to 50 days in jail. This arrest served as the first time Rustin publicly acknowledged his sexual orientation and as a result of this, he moved to a more behind the scenes role, resigning from his role as Race Relations Secretary at the Fellowship of Reconciliation.
Following his public arrest and outing, Bayard continued his advocacy work within the Civil Right Movement, but started engaging in LGBTQ+ advocacy and activism in the 1980s. A key part of his activism was a speech he gave in 1986, in which he compared the Gay Rights Liberation to the Civil Rights Movement in the sense that “gay people are the new barometer for social change, the question of social change should be framed with the most vulnerable group in mind: gay people”. This speech, while controversial, raised many crucial points about cross marginalization and the key concepts behind intersectionality. How our many different identities impact the ways in which we go through life, and how we face systemic oppression based on these identities.
Bayard Rustin was a successful activist, and heavily contributed to the advancement of Civil Rights in America. His story is one of oppression, systemic racism and homophobia, and how one queer Black man can create social change and betterment. Although he passed away in 1987, he will always be remembered as one of the first openly gay Black Civil Rights leaders.
A new 2023 film starring Colman Domingo as Rustin is now available on Netflix.
Laura Mae Lindo earned both a Masters and PhD in Education, and was the Director, Diversity and Equity at Wilfrid Laurier University before becoming the Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener Centre. Laura Mae is an active community organizer, loves to write, and is drawn to music and creative advocacy, focusing her attention on supporting the most vulnerable communities in all that she does. She was the inaugural Chair of the Official Opposition’s Black Caucus in Ontario and holds both the Anti-racism and Equity as well as the Colleges and Universities critic portfolios. And, if you hand her a microphone, she will sing.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month means a lot to me because I know that incorporating Black history into the narrative of our communities’ histories is something that requires intentional organizing, planning, and action. There is no other way to create the world that we want to see without dedicated attention to stories that have often been silenced in the hopes of one day being forgotten.
What are you most proud of accomplishing?
Believing in the power and guidance of my ancestors and community mentors who support and care for me, my family, and my work in community, I am proudest of having sung to my ancestors in the Chamber at Queen’s Park after concluding my speech in support of Bill 75, the Emancipation Month Act which declared August Emancipation Month in Ontario. This Bill passed with the support of ONDP, Green, Liberal, and Conservative party support – a first in Ontario’s history, and sits alongside a few other “firsts” for me. Shortly after my first election in 2018, I was told that I was the first Black person to be elected to Provincial or Federal government in Waterloo region and that it was the first time that Kitchener Center had ever sent a member of the Ontario NDP to Queen’s Park. That’s all super cool… but I did spend a lot of time wondering if, in the words of Beyoncé, they were “ready for this jelly.”
Describe a scene from your vision of the future for Waterloo Region and what allyship to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community can look like.
When I found out about these “firsts” I was both humbled and a little worried. If it took until 2018 to send a Black person to Queen’s Park, how much longer do we have to wait to be part of the leadership fabric in other tangible ways? That’s why my hope is that Waterloo Region will not stop at firsts, but will instead fight to ensure the inclusion of Black, Indigenous, racialized, queer and 2Spirit people become future representatives of the communities being served both Provincially and Federally. I imagine a space where allyship to 2SLGBTQIA+ communities as well as those fighting to survive on ODSP and OW becomes part of everyday leadership. That is what I mean when I fight to have more leaders lead from a place of love, care, and compassion.
What’s on your playlist right now?
I have introduced my children to Dalbello and lots of vault-worthy Prince (you’re welcome). I also have a playlist that my family made for my Daddy featuring all the songs he loved including theme songs to some of his favorite television programs. I miss him dearly, but I carry his spirit and his heart with me with the music my wee fam-jam rocks out to each and every day.
Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah (“Oh-woo-suu” – “Ah-CHEE-Yah”) is a first-generation Ghanaian-Canadian cisgender queer woman who is dedicated to the liberation of all her communities. She is currently the Executive Director of the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity and based in Ottawa. Debbie has deep roots in program and project management, gender-based analysis, feminist foreign policy and international affairs. She completed her graduate school studies in International Affairs, specializing in International Development Policy at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs (Carleton University).
She has worked at Global Affairs Canada as a policy analyst responsible for strategic advice on child protection, gender equality and broader sexual and gender-based violence issues, with a particular focus on adolescent girls and the girl child. Prior to CCGSD, she was Campaign and Outreach Officer at Oxfam Canada, responsible for developing public engagement strategies to advance gender justice. She has also been a Board member and Chair of several organizations, including the Platform and Harmony House Women’s Shelter. Debbie is currently Co-Chair of Dignity Network Canada’s Advocacy and Government Relations Working Group and she is also involved in assisting coordination globally around opposition to the anti-LGBTIQ bill in the Ghanaian parliament.
Who are some of your influential authors or books to read?
I am obsessed with bell hooks’ feminist literature. Her love trilogy (All About Love: New Visions, Salvation: Black People and Love, and Communion: The Female Search for Love) has completely changed the way I view love. Her work on love has shifted the way I show up as a Black feminist activist, a community member, and a person.
What are you most proud of accomplishing?
I am proud of the instrumental work I have contributed to influencing 2SLGBTQ+ rights and gender justice.
What’s on your playlist right now?
Lots of Meshell Ndegeocello! My favourite song from her is, “Long Song #3”
Osmel B. Guerra Maynes is a proud Afro-Latino cisgender queer man who has called Canada home for more than 10 years. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Antigua and Barbuda, Osmel immigrated to Canada as an international student in 2003 to pursue a political science degree at Carleton University.
Osmel is a social justice activist with a focus on enhancing the inclusion of marginalized voices. Osmel became the first Executive Director of Capital Pride/ Fierté dans la Capitale which organizes the pride festival in the National Capital Region (Ottawa & Gatineau) and has played a critical role in the development and success of the organization, In 2021 Osmel joined the team at HQ Toronto which is a centre of excellence in sexual, mental, and social health for CIS guys into guys, trans and nonbinary folks as their Director of Organizational Development, Community & Culture.
Osmel has worked with 2SLGBTQ+ community-based organizations in Ontario, British Columbia and the Yukon, Osmel focused his work on advancing effective grassroots and province-wide social programming, enhancing the inclusion of marginalized voices, pushing for sound public policy, and overseeing effective strategic planning in the non-profit and charitable sectors.
Osmel is tirelessly looking for new ways to engage with his community, and always ensures that he provides a voice to all marginalized people, especially QTBIPOC folks. Osmel strongly believes in the power of inclusion to affect lasting social change.
What led you to your current (career, art, activism)? I would never think that this island boy born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Antigua & Barbuda with a strong religious upbringing would one day be living in Canada and representing the voices of the LGBTQ community…a community that I have in the past neglected, disrespected and was ashamed of for many years due to my own internalized homophobia and insecurities while living in a homophobic nation.
I had the privilege to come out to my family a few years ago. I was scared but with a trembling voice and courageous heart I told the most important people in my life my truth.
It is hard at times for Black people and persons of colour to live our truth. We tend to focus on making our families proud or wonder what folks within our various faith communities would think of us. I wanted to ensure that I was contributing to breaking down those barriers and build a world where folks like me can live in their truth and that is why I advocate for the QTBIPOC community and will continue to till my last breath.
What are you most proud of accomplishing?
When I decided to live my truth many years ago and came out as gay to my family and friends which was the best decision of my life. As I stated before many people of colour who identify as LGBTQ are unfortunately not afforded this privilege because they continue to live in fear of living their truth due to violence or family values in which they think they must uphold…. I hope that one day folks who are going through the struggles that I have so many years ago will be able to walk their own truth. Let today be only the first step in ending hate and discrimination to folks who just want to live in their truth, and to love who they want to love.
What’s on your playlist right now?
Switching between the Renaissance album by Beyonce and Sam Smith’s Gloria
Fitsum Areguy (he/him) is a scholar-activist based in Kitchener, Ontario. His work engages racialized communities with an eye to addressing the structural roots of social and health disparities on the Haldimand Tract (Waterloo Region). Fitsum has worked as a youth worker, independent facilitator, recreation therapist, and writer/journalist. He currently volunteers in a leadership role with the ACB Network of WR, ACCKWA, and MT Space.
Fitsum is the co-founder and project director of Textile, a literary publication and mentorship program that showcases emerging marginalized artists and writers in Kitchener-Waterloo. Fitsum currently works as a Senior Knowledge Broker with Greo, a public health research organization focused on problem gambling and addiction. Fitsum holds an Hons. BA in Recreation & Leisure Studies and is an MA Candidate of Community Psychology at Wilfrid Laurier University. In his free time, Fitsum enjoys dance music, board games, and potlucks.
What led you to your current (career, art, activism)? Key people and role models taught me at a very early age that engaging and supporting community in various ways – whether it be through my career, writing, activism, or volunteering – is like a circle or spiral movement that brings me back to my “still point” within. It is a social practice that is life-giving because it is political, liberatory, and relational. This is what drew me to youth advocacy, disability justice, and activism/organizing.
Who are some of your influential authors or books to read?
This is not an exhaustive list, but some authors who come to mind are Hanif Abdurraqib, Tiffany Lethabo King, James Baldwin, Fred Moten, Hilton Als, Jamel Brinkley, Octavia E. Butler.
Describe a scene from your vision of the future for Waterloo Region. Picture this: It’s 2024. Our leaders have found the political willpower to defund the Waterloo Regional Police Services. We have non-police, crisis response teams embedded in communities they’re a part of. People are learning to value restorative justice over punitive and carceral responses across sectors. More direct service workers are hired and paid better. Investments have been made in housing, public education, public health, and social employment services. Crime has gone down because people are getting the resources and supports they need. Indigenous peoples are given land back. Finally, we’re building a region together that works better for more of us.
What’s on your playlist right now?
Mustafa, Robert Glasper, Azealia Banks, Blood Orange, and Theo Parrish.
Social media or contact information Connect with me at fitsum-areguy.com or on Twitter @fitsumareguy.
Blessing Akpan (She/Her) is a certified Scrum Master and Human Resources Professional with over a decade experience from Nigeria and now Canada. Blessing holds an M.Sc degree in Finance and Economics from the University of East Anglia, UK, postgraduate certificate in Human Resources Management from Conestoga College and professional certificates in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion from University of South Florida.
Blessing has served in both private and public sectors mainly as a management consultant and learning facilitator. She is currently the Community Impact Director with Waterloo Region Community Foundation. Within her role, she supports the foundation’s mission of creating sustainable, equitable and thriving communities by granting, impact investing and convening conversations.
Blessing is very community oriented, and passionate about helping people; she volunteers with several organizations including service on the Boards of Rising Oaks Early Learning Ontario and Nigerians in the Region of Waterloo (NIROW).
What led you to your current (career, art, activism)? I’ve always been passionate about humanity, our development and sustainable wealth creation that delivers value and is equitably distributed. Over time, I’ve gravitated towards roles in these areas that fulfill my personal and professional mandate. As life and learning evolves, I’ve tried to keep up to date all with the singular focus of contributing value by supporting people around me. If they thrive, so do I; and vice versa.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month is a call to remember my identity and walk in it. Not the one inputted by colonial masters or propagated by erroneous media publications fueling harmful perceptions; but the truth of my history, descended from a race of people noted for industry, enlightenment, royalty, community and growth. With this identity, I am called to stand on the shoulders of these giants to do better. Stand tall and proud, representing these excellent values in my work, relationships, and life.
What are you most proud of accomplishing? LIVING! Dusting myself off everyday and living in my truth and my values. Learning where I’ve failed and striving ever forward!
Why do you think it’s important to be an ally to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community?
Being passionate about humanity for me is all encompassing with no labels. We are all disadvantaged in one form of the other, and at the same time have some privilege in one way or the other. As a member of a discriminated group myself I know how appreciative I am knowing that there is someone else who genuinely cares, is speaking up for me, and standing in the gap for me. Isn’t this what is at the heart of community? Contributing our individual strengths for a communal whole? For if it rains on one roof it rains on us all!
What’s on your playlist right now?
Lift Me Up by Rihanna. (Nigerian Artiste Tems is one of the Song Writers!)
Colleen James was elected to Regional Council in October 2022, representing City of Kitchener residents.
Colleen’s professional career includes more than 15 years of experience in municipal government at both the city and regional levels. As the founder of Divonify Incorporated, Colleen is a leading consultant on equity and inclusion. Locally, nationally, and internationally, Colleen partners with a wide range of public, private, and not-for-profit organizations and businesses that are committed to change.
Colleen’s values are central to her work as a leader. These values determine her approach to making decisions as a Councillor on behalf of the community. These values include building trusted relationships; having equity-informed community discussions; listening and collaborating; empowering and amplifying; taking meaningful action, and being accountable.
Colleen graduated from the University of Toronto with an Honours B.A in history, political science, and Caribbean studies. She holds a master’s degree in leadership, higher, and adult education from U of T’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE).
In 2020, the Canada International Black Women Event, named Colleen one of the Top 100 Black Women to Watch. In 2021, she was named one of the Top 25 Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Persons of the Year by the Canadian Multicultural Group.
Colleen is a graduate of Leadership Waterloo Region and serves on several local boards and committees, including the Kitchener Public Library (2020-2022), KW Oktoberfest (2020-present) and the selection committee for Leadership Waterloo Region (2019-present). She is also involved in many collaborative community projects, including the Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region, where she established the James STEM scholarship.
Born and raised in Kitchener, Colleen’s family immigrated to Waterloo Region more than 50 years ago. She currently lives in Kitchener with her partner Daren and daughter Maleigha.
What led you to your current (career, art, activism)?
A clear recognition that there are perspectives and narratives that were not part of important decision-making tables. I want to change that. It’s critical that all voices are heard when determining the future of our community.
Who are some of your influential authors or books to read?
Ralph Ellison’s The Invisible Man. I read it in high school for an English project. It stuck with me because it highlighted the Black experience in society. It was the first time I was able to validate some of what I was experiencing. Being in spaces and not being seen or heard. It also addressed racism and societal impacts.
I am currently reading DEI Deconstructed by Lily Zheng. I am reading this as it provides insights into the ways organizations can address DEI. It is a pragmatic approach to organizational change.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
To me Black History Month means Black joy. It’s a time to celebrate accomplishments and recognize the perspectives and narratives that compliment the spaces that we’re in; the contributions of Black people in society. It’s also a time for me to reflect on the parts of our history that have been erased. It’s a reminder that Black history and heritage should be – and must be – celebrated all year around.
What are you most proud of accomplishing?
It’s hard for me to pick just one… my daughter; my education; owning and operating a business; being a Regional Councillor – to name a few. Nothing has come easy for me. There have been many times when I was told no. But, I didn’t let that stop me!
Describe a scene from your vision of the future for Waterloo Region.
A community where everyone feels like they are seen, heard, and valued for who they are and what they bring to the spaces they choose to be in. I want Waterloo Region to be a place where everyone thrives.
