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The Office of University Diversity and Inclusion Presents Raquel Willis
Award-winning Black Transgender Activist & Co-Founder of Transgender Week of Visibility and Action Raquel Willis will share excerpts from her book "The Risk It Takes To Bloom," followed by a moderated discussion and audience Q&A with Dr. Jay Bettergarcia.
- Thursday, May 9, 2024, 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
- Chumash Auditorium
About Raquel Willis
Raquel Willis
she/her
Raquel Willis is an award-winning activist and journalist committed to collective liberation, particularly for Black transgender individuals. As an executive producer at iHeartMedia's LGBTQ+ podcast network, Outspoken, she hosts two series: Afterlives and Queer Chronicles. She is also the author of The Risk It Takes to Bloom: On Life and Liberation.
A thought leader on gender, race, and intersectionality, Raquel has a background in online publications, grassroots organizing, and public speaking. Starting her career as a news reporter, she transitioned to digital storytelling and advocacy in Atlanta, working with organizations like the Solutions Not Punishments Collaborative and leading initiatives such as the Atlanta Trans Liberation Tuesday mobilization with the Black Lives Matter network.
Named an Open Society Foundations Soros Equality Fellow in 2018, Raquel developed Black Trans Circles, empowering Black trans women in the South and Midwest through healing justice spaces and community organizing efforts to address anti-trans violence. Her work exemplifies a commitment to social justice and equity.
Read more about Raquel's work here.
Q&A Moderator
Jay Bettergarcia
They/them
Associate Professor,
Psychology/Child Development
and Director of QCARES Team
Dr. Bettergarcia is a Counseling Psychologist and their goal is to support the mental and physical health of transgender and nonbinary folks through health equity research and increased access to affirming care. Their research focuses on queer and transgender mental health, minority stress and resilience, and best practices for teaching and training providers. They're a professor at Cal Poly, SLO and they direct the Queer Community Action, Research, Education, and Support team (QCARES) that conducts community-based participatory action research.
They are also a licensed psychologist and owner of The Center for Collaborative Transformations, a therapy center for queer, transgender, and BIPOC folks rooted in anti-racism, liberation, and radical healing. We provide training & consultation for health professionals and organizations who want create affirming and healing environments for their clients and employees to thrive!
