About Raquel Willis

Discrimination holds everybody back, not just the targeted community. That’s the message Black transgender activist Raquel Willis shares in her new book The Risk it Takes to Bloom: On Life and Liberation. Willis spent years as a newspaper reporter hiding her transgender identity. Increasing violence towards trans women of color inspired her to come out publicly. She’ll discuss how a freer society for all people ultimately helps everyone. A book signing will follow this Forum.

Raquel Willis is a Black transgender activist and author whose fight for intersectionality and Black trans liberation has gained national attention. She co-founded the Transgender Week of Visibility and Action, was named to the 2021 Forbes 30 Under 30 and Fast Company’s inaugural Queer 50, and won two GLAAD Media Awards for her work spotlighting trans women of color and trans youth.