Today we’d like to introduce you to Roddia J. Hill, PsyD., RPA.
Hi Dr. Hill, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am a Black queer second-generation immigrant and cis-gendered woman. These identities are aspects of me that I am extremely proud of and that have also been the driving force in my experience of structural violence and systemic oppression. As a result, I began experiencing adversity both at home and within my community at a very early age. To name a few, I have experienced generational trauma and abuse, poverty, houselessness, and lack of acceptance of my sexual orientation. As a child, I often felt outcasted and alone.
I found safety in poetry writing, reading, and excelling in school. I got to the point where school felt like the only way out of the cycle that I was born into and so I made a goal of attending college. When I graduated with my bachelor’s in psychology and forensics, not only did it make me a first-generation college graduate but it gave me knowledge and perspective to understand that although my hardships were heavy, they were not unique. There are so many young Black Queer people who share my hardship, who lack a voice, and who lack the opportunity that I was able to create for myself. When I realized that everything shifted.
I wasn’t just fighting for my freedom and peace anymore — I was fighting for everyone just like me, with a belief that I could pull others up as I climb. Fast forward to today, I have a masters in clinical psychology and graduate in August 2023 with my doctorate in clinical forensic psychology. Along this journey, I founded Roddia’s Room Inc., which I co-run with my wife, Jasmine Hill, as a reminder of who I am on this journey for and as a symbol of the safety, support, and acceptance my wife and I wish for all Black queer people.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This has not been a smooth road at all. Who I am and where I am today was over a decade of challenge, work, and dedication. Some of the struggles that I faced were working to support myself while being a full-time student. In each of my programs, I had to work 2-3 jobs to support myself.
Additionally, during this journey of coming into myself and founding Roddia’s Room, I continuously faced rejection, emotional abuse, and the “loss” of relatives due to their lack of acceptance of my sexuality. I would be remiss if I did not mention the many microaggressions, homomisia, and experiences of sexism and racism that I was subjected to in many of my academic programs and previous places of employment.
Lastly, I think the hardest struggle of them all was my mental health. Overcoming transgenerational trauma is an ongoing nonlinear journey. As a result of my childhood and young adulthood trauma, I struggle with anxiety that in the past often felt all-consuming. Today, while these struggles were challenging, I am proud of where I am, what I am capable of, and where I am going.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a masters level mental health therapist registered in the state of Maryland and I am currently on track to complete my requirements to become a licensed psychologist in the state of Florida. However, one of my passions outside of providing therapy to BIPOC and/or queer people, Is engaging in outreach and serving my community. I founded Roddia’s Room Inc. to make support more accessible.
Roddia’s Room Inc. is a 501(3)c non-profit registered in the state of Florida. I serve as the founder and CEO, and Jasmine, is the COO. Our services include workshops, community outreach, incarceration advocacy, support groups, domestic violence evacuation, assistance with shelter placement, connection to inclusive mental health resources, educational and job training opportunities, and community engagement activities.
By providing these services, we not only aim to empower LGBTQ+ Black youth and young adults to reach their full potential and build brighter futures for themselves but to educate community members on how to best support Black LGBTQ+ people.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I feel the happiest when I’m being my most full and authentic self. I spent so much time trying to water down my spirit, purpose, and energy to fit into spaces I didn’t even like once I got in — and most importantly that didn’t even like me.
There’s something so joyful about living In my purpose and leading with honesty. When I do that, I always end up exactly where I am supposed to be, surrounded by who and what I’m supposed to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: RoddiasRoom.com
- Instagram: @RoddiasRoom
- Twitter: @RoddiasRoom
- Youtube: Roddia’s Room Inc.
