Today we’d like to introduce you to Brielle Roundtree.
Brielle, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My Journey begin fifteen years ago. I was terminated from Winn-Dixie for refusing to use the men’s restroom. This would unfortunately, affect me five years later during my tenure at Walmart. At such young age, I was consciously aware or as we say today, “Woke” to the experience of being both Black and a women of Trans experience. I ran away from home to be free, to live freely and just couldn’t work well in environments that perpetuated racism and sexism. No systems of oppression work well for me. Just recently, I was terminated from Sunserve in Wilton manors for advocating for equal rights for the Black trans community. It’s tough because you begin to question if things will ever change? If people care as much as you do. As Assata Shakur once stated, “it is our duty to fight for our freedom.”
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Definitely haven’t been a smooth road but it’s so worth it. Some of my struggles include access to medical care, stable employment and at times, homelessness. It’s always been a challenge to work somewhere that doesn’t fully embrace you. Be it the color of your skin or the things that shouldn’t matter in a professional space like who you’re dating or how you identify. I’ve always been a person of integrity and sometimes sharing the truth about your experiences expose the negative behind corporations and the people who run them.
We’d love to hear more about Bridging The Gap Foundation.
I began Bridging The Gap as a Bookclub centered around queer and trans people of color. Bridging The Gap provided a space where we could just meet to discuss challenges we face as Black queer people while engaging in literature that inspires us to aim higher and chase our dreams. Our most recent experience was a Book of Jewels by Craig Stewart. Craig’s an amazing Black gay author who’ve inspired me and chased his dream to become an author. He’s a graduate of Hampton University. I remember when I shared the vision of Bridging The Gap with Craig and how I wanted to focus on education. He’s been a support from day one. He actually came to meet the Bookclub in our first session and the rest is history. We’re now a non-profit organization that’s serving the queer community of Dade and Broward county. Our long-term goal is to open the first Drop-in center with wrap-around services. We want to shift the narrative of South Florida’s Black queer communities.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was shy. My father had me in sports and really wanted me to be an NFL superstar. I loved to read and to dance. I didn’t find my voice until I was put into therapy to address my anger and visual expressions of femininity. I think that’s where the true activism began. I was fighting to be the person I am. The person I’ve always known. This Black women who’s not afraid to speak up and out about any adversity. I’ve dreamed of being equal and being able to live and exist, to explore this life like anyone else.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gofundme.com/f/brielles-protection-fund?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&fbclid=IwAR38Au8BReNWE2mv_5Lr_vxouWPBGq_0FxXSyJsWRt8a3UT6p979wjxxJy8
- Email: [email protected], [email protected]
- Instagram: BTG.organization
- Facebook: Facebook.com/bridgingthegapbookclub
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