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Raquel Willis

@raquelwillis.com
30K followers 700 following 701 posts

✦ co-founder, @genderlib.com ✦ author, THE RISK IT TAKES TO BLOOM ✦ host, AFTERLIVES + QUEER CHRONICLES ✦ activist ✦ media strategist ✦ georgia peach RaquelWillis.com

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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 30/07/2026
Thicker Than Water is happening THIS SATURDAY, AUGUST 1 in Atlanta. A free cookout for Black affirming & chosen families. Cleopas R. Johnson Park + RICE, 11am–5pm. Performances by @angelicaross.com, 2AM Ricky, and more. RSVP at genderlib.org/cookout. Come find your people. 💛
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 11/07/2026
Black affirming families are raising queer, trans, and nonbinary kids all across the South. And they deserve joy! Thicker Than Water. July 18, 11–5, Cleopas Johnson Park, ATL. Bring your coolers, blankets & chairs. Food while supplies last. Come find joy & connection. rsvp: genderlib.org/cookout
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 10/06/2026
New York fam, Saturday I'll be at the iconic Schomburg Center in conversation with C Riley Snorton, a scholar who I admire so much. Join us at 12:30pm for a Prideteenth conversation & Q&A. Can't wait to see you all and celebrate the paperback release of Bloom! RSVP at raquelwillis.com/bloom
Flyer for Raquel Willis and C.Flyer for Raquel Willis and C. Riley Snorton in conversation at the Schomburg Centennial Festival, celebrating the paperback release of The Risk It Takes to Bloom. June 13 at 12:30pm, Schomburg Center, 515 Malcolm X Blvd, NYC. Free RSVP at RaquelWillis.com/Bloom.
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 04/06/2026
A wildflower returns 🌺 Come June 9! I’ll be in convo with Alicia Garza celebrating the paperback launch of The Risk It Takes to Bloom + a book signing by Charis Books. Presented by Rustin Institute, SNAPCO + @genderlib.com TIME: 6–9PM PLACE: RICE, ATL. Free with RSVP: raquelwillis.com/bloom
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 02/05/2026
It’s interesting how proximity to cis folks with platforms and parasocial relationships operate as a shield from accountability. Too often visibility gets mistaken for credibility. Many would be wise to remember that cis folks will never speak to trans community dynamics more truthfully than us.
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 31/03/2026
I’m both excited and heavy-hearted to share the paperback cover of my memoir, The Risk It Takes to Bloom. It’s available for pre-order. June 9th is the date. raquelwillis.com/bloom
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 05/11/2025
MY MAYOR MY MAYOR MY MAYOR MY MAYOR MAMDANIIIIIII
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 17/10/2025
CUOMO: I’M THE REAL DEMOCRAT IN THE RACE NEW YORKERS + ZOHRAN:
Meme screenshot of Sandy Cheeks, the squirrel character from SpongeBob SquarePants, leaning out over a wall with a tired, unimpressed expression. The white caption text at the bottom says, “NO, YOU AIN’T.”
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 14/10/2025
Rest in power, Mama Major! 💜🙏🏽 It was a blessing to live in the same earthly timeline as you. A true freedom fighter, you never stopped reminding trans people—especially Black trans people—of our worth and our power. Because of Major, our foundation is unshakeable and our liberation inevitable.
September 2024 in Washington, D.C.
I’m standing beside the legend, Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, at the Gender Liberation March under a white tent. Both of us are wearing flowing white outfits and warm smiles, holding hands in a moment of tenderness and strength.
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 08/10/2025
We’re so close to winning a Signal Award for Afterlives: Marsha P. Johnson. Voting closes tomorrow. Every vote honors Marsha’s legacy and keeps trans and queer stories at the forefront. Vote here. Takes approx. 10 seconds. Let’s finish strong. 💜 vote.signalaward.com/PublicVoting...
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 19/06/2025
It's been five years since Brooklyn Liberation / the March for Black Trans Lives. A seismic day that shifted the course of many lives. Let’s remember that we are battle-tested + ready. The fight will be long, but our history, our community, and our collective vision of liberation will win.
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 24/05/2025
Another year ‘round the sun—feeling blessed, bold, and beautiful. Still riding high after serving some YA YA ovahness at the Cowboy Carter tour. Thank you, Queen, for making it a night to remember! Here’s to another year of demanding more from life, finding joy in the chaos, and living defiantly.
I’m a Black woman lounging in a chair wearing a sparkling red fringe jumpsuit and matching glittery red boots. I’m posing with one arm raised and tilting a rhinestone-studded cowboy hat. My expression is playful and powerful. The setting is a stylish indoor space with lush green plants and warm lighting.This image is similar to the first one, but I’m laughing wildly with my eyes squinted closed.
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 31/03/2025
It’s #TransDayofVisibility and @genderlib.com + @southernequality.bsky.social re raising $50K with for support for trans youth and affirming families and the continued fight for gender liberation. Give if you can + spread the word! Donate now: secure.actblue.com/donate/trans...
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 17/03/2025
The second @genderlib.com mass call is tonight at 7pm ET. If you’re interested in our work, what we’re hearing about the state of gender-based threats, and what’s ahead for Trans Week of Visibility & Action. Register and join us at bit.ly/GLMCALL2
A flyer for the Gender Liberation Movement’s “Mass Call” event on Monday, March 17, at 7 PM EST. The flyer features bold black and purple text and a link to join the call (bit.ly/GLMCALL2). The background includes a triangular design with two transgender women of color passionately speaking into microphones, overlaid with a vibrant purple hue. A rainbow flag is visible in the lower left corner. The bottom right corner contains the phrase “Consider this your call to action” in bold black and purple text.
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 11/01/2025
At least the subhead gives you a taste of the nothing burger before you dive in.
A screenshot of a Financial Times opinion piece by Peter Thiel titled ‘A time for truth and reconciliation.’ The subtitle reads, ‘Trump’s return to the White House augurs the ‘apokálypsis’ of the ancien regime’s secrets.’ 

TL;DR: Some rich boy BS!
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 06/01/2025
The real cause of the next civil war.
A screenshot of an article from “Them” with the headline: “Pornhub Is Now Inaccessible in Almost the Entire U.S. South” by James Factora. The image above the headline shows a person holding a smartphone with the Pornhub logo displayed on the screen, against a dark background. The photo is credited to Getty Images.
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 06/01/2025
What does this even mean?
A screenshot of a tweet from Hasan Piker’s twitter account saying, “Its lib january 6! time to do gender in the capitol!!”
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 01/01/2025
No matter what the world brings I’m demanding more pleasure in 2k25. 🌸
A black-and-white photograph of me posing confidently in a stylish setting. I’m wearing a leather jacket and a sparkly, sheer skirt, with their hair styled in loose waves a la Cher from the “If I Could Turn Back Time” music video. The background includes a lively crowd. The photo is framed by a border of colorful flowers.
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 27/12/2024
You just know J.K. Rowling felt soooo validated after it 🤣
A screenshot of a Twitter exchange involving J.K. Rowling. Her tweet includes a picture of her and her husband celebrating their 23rd wedding anniversary. The tweet reads: “Married 23 years today ❤️.” A reply to this tweet from a user named Lando (@orlandoenlcine) states: “I hope he leaves you for a trans woman 😏.” Rowling’s quote retweet above it says: “I just read this to Neil and he said something that made me laugh so hard I nearly coughed up a kidney 🤣😆🤣😆.” The photo shows a hater ass novelist in a colorful patterned top and sunglasses perched on her head, sitting close to her bearded husband, who is wearing sunglasses and a green T-shirt.
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 27/12/2024
Ready for 2k25 🙏🏽
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 25/12/2024
Trying Sir Davis with my sister in honor of the Beyoncé Bowl. 🤣
A glorious bottle of Sir Davis surrounded by flowers and miscellaneous clutter 🤣
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 24/12/2024
“You’ll be visited by three spirits.” The three spirits:
The three members of girl group, TLC - Left-Eye, Chilli, and T-Boz n in futuristic silver outfits stand together in the sleek, white, sci-fi-inspired setting of the “No Scrubs” music video.
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 19/12/2024
Every trans person in every state must have the freedom to make decisions about their own bodies. We deserve leaders who know that, can say it, and defend it.
VP Kamala Harris seated on a grey chair, wears a purple suit and her signature smile while holding a microphone. Behind her, the blurred words ‘TRUST WOMEN’ are visible on a blue background. A clear glass of water sits on the table in front of her. The accompanying text reads, ‘Every woman in every state must have the freedom to make decisions about her own body.’ Notably, she could never acknowledge the men and nonbinary folks impacted by abortion bans nor how trans folks deserved access to gender-affirming care as well.”
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 10/12/2024
Nikki Giovanni staunchly supported trans folks, especially trans youth. Her encouragement is a balm. “I think the transgender kids are the bravest kids right now that we see; they're as brave as my generation was in breaking down segregation.”
A white square with black text reading, “I remember in a recent interview you spoke about your support of the trans community, because you said: "I see that transgender youngsters are the ones who are helping to take planet Earth into the galaxy because we're going to run into other life forms that our gender does not matter." Can you speak about that a bit?
I think the transgender kids are the bravest kids right now that we see; they're as brave as my generation was in breaking down segregation. They're breaking down
—I don't have the word for it right now-but it's gender prejudice, and [the idea that] somebody has decided that they can tell you who you are, what your name should be, and how you should look.”A white square with black text reading, “And those youngsters are saying, "No, I can decide who I am, what my name should be." Everybody's mad at me like, You should be a girl because we've decided you're a girl. And they say, "Well, who the hell are you?" I can decide that I'm a boy. And if it makes me happy, what does it mean to you? And I can decide that my name is John. And if you don't like that my name is Geraldine, why can't you name yourself? And if the people who know you and love you— or have to talk to you, maybe they don't even love you but they have to talk to you-you can tell them, "This is my name, and I would like to be referred to in that way."A white square with black text reading, “But when we go into the galaxy, a life-form may say,
"Who are you?" Well, there's no point in talking to another life-form and [saying] "I'm a boy or a girl," because it may have no meaning. That may mean nothing to them. So what you're going to say is, "I am a life form from the third planet, from the yellow sun," therefore giving yourself an identity. You don't have an identity because you say, "I'm a boy, I'm a girl, I'm a Jew or Gentile, I'm a Catholic or Baptist." That doesn't mean anything once you get beyond the prejudices of Earth.
So yeah, I think the transgender students are really brave because they're taking a lot of flack for just wanting to be themselves and to have the right to have their own name. I think that's incredibly brave, and I
think that they're absolutely right to want to do that.
To want to own themselves.”
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 09/12/2024
Girls, gays, and theys move fast because why I got all these mutuals with the CEO shooter on IG?
“I don’t watch reality tv so all I can tell you is this photo shows three women engaged in a conversation at a gathering, with one woman wearing a blue off-shoulder dress and large earrings as the focal point. The background shows a lively dining area with people and floral decorations.”
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 09/12/2024
“Left a note in the hallway, by the time you read it I’ll be far away…”
“Close-up of Beyoncé giving “Me, Myself, and I” energy with long, wavy, blond hair wearing a metallic outfit, captured in a dynamic pose during a high-energy performance, with a vibrant red background.”
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 06/12/2024
Let today’s Capitol Hill bathroom sit-in spark an era of radical defiance. Trans folks refuse to bow to hate and bigotry. We demand dignity and respect. We will fight like our ancestors. We are building with our elders and peers. And trans youth will inherit a better world. 📸: Alexa Wilkinson
Activist Raquel Willis, a Black trans woman, is wearing a white shirt that says “Gender Liberation Movement” in black letters , black leather coat, and black pants. She is being escorted by a police officer in uniform. The scene takes place outdoors, with a red pickup truck and several other police officers visible in the background. She appears composed while being led away.
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 03/12/2024
The Far-Right is so fake because their browser headline is actually correct.
A cropped screenshot showing part of a webpage. At the top, a partial headline reads: “LGBTQ Activists to Bus Protestors” in bold text.
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 03/12/2024
By January, NYT will be giving Daily Signal headlines like this.
The image shows a headline from Far-right outlet, Daily Signal. The headline reads: “Child Sex-Change Advocates to Bus Protesters to SCOTUS Hearing on ‘Gender Affirming Care’.” Below the headline is the byline, which credits Elizabeth Troutman Mitchell as the author and lists the publication date as December 02, 2024. Beneath the text is an image of the United States Supreme Court building, with a caption crediting Ron Watts/Getty Images. The building is illuminated with golden light, likely from the sun, against a clear blue sky.
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 29/11/2024
Ain’t no mo play in GA!
A GIF of Augusta, Georgia rap royalty, Pastor Troy, dressed in a military-style green jacket with decorative patches and a beret, energetically dancing with muddy terrain in the background.
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 28/11/2024
It’s been a year since I released my memoir, The Risk It Takes to Bloom. It delves into my life growing up Black, queer, and gender expansive in the South and my commitment to collective liberation through social justice and storytelling. Learn more here: www.raquelwillis.com/bloom
The cover of The Risk It Takes to Bloom by Raquel Willis features warm, earthy tones. A bold portrait of me, Raquel, dominates the cover, showcasing a confident expression and natural brown hair with honey blonde highlights styled in a crown-like manner. The background is textured and layered, blending shades of orange, brown, and gold, evoking a sense of growth and transformation. The title, The Risk It Takes to Bloom, is prominently displayed in elegant, bold typography, while my name appears below in a complementary font.
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 28/11/2024
For folks who need travel assistance, sign-up for bus info at genderlib.com!
A flyer for an event organized by the Gender Liberation Movement (GLM). The background features a purple-tinted photo of a protest with people holding signs, some of which read “Solutions Not Punishment.” The text overlaid on the image reads: “JOIN GLM IN D.C. 12/4 OUTSIDE SCOTUS FOR SKIRMETTI HEARING.” The words “FREE BUSES!” are highlighted in bold white, and below it, the text states, “SHOW UP AND SHOW OUT FOR OUR HEALTHCARE!” At the top is the Gender Liberation Movement logo in white. The website “GENDERLIB.COM” is located at the bottom right corner. A crescent-like logo appears in the bottom left corner.
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 28/11/2024
On Dec. 4, the Supreme Court will hear U.S. v Skrmetti, a case set to impact access to gender-affirming care. I’ll be in D.C. with the ACLU, @genderlib.com, and so many other fierce advocates and defenders of trans youth for a rally. Will you be there?
A digital flyer for a rally supporting transgender youth. The headline at the top reads, “RALLY FOR TRANS YOUTH!” in bold black letters. Below it says, “Support our rights to our healthcare and our bodies in front of the Supreme Court.” The main image shows a group of people holding colorful signs at a protest. Signs include “TRANS YOUTH ARE THE FUTURE” and “A world without trans people never existed.” One protester is wearing a trans pride flag as a cape. At the bottom of the poster, the details are listed: “Wednesday, Dec 4, 10AM,” with the “Gender Liberation Movement” logo and the website “GENDERLIB.COM.” The background colors are bright, transitioning between turquoise and neon green.
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 26/11/2024
#blacksky, y’all on spill too? spill.com/p/raquel?id=...
A vibrant header image with a close-up of pink and yellow flowers surrounded by green leaves. In the foreground, a profile section features my profile picture, which shows me wearing white attire and blonde-ish braids against a blue sky. The text reads:

“Spillin’ & chillin’”
Raquel Willis
@raquel (she/her/hers)
Joined Jul 2023
BK via GA
activist + writer + media strategist
raquelwillis.com
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 26/11/2024
NYT is almost always going to focus on the the worst framings about the trans community. The sooner folks accept that and move accordingly, the better.
“Headline reading ‘Transgender Activists Question the Movement’s Confrontational Approach.’ Subheading states, ‘Facing diminishing public support, some activists say all-or-nothing tactics are not working. “We have to make it OK for someone to change their minds.”
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 22/11/2024
#facecardfriday
Raquel, with curly honey blonde hair styled in two sections at the top, poses outdoors on a sunny day. She’s wearing a shimmery black off-the-shoulder top and gold accessories, including dangling earrings and a delicate necklace. Behind her, is a wooden fence, trees with autumn foliage, and scattered sunlight casting shadows on the ground.
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 22/11/2024
Nancy Mace is weaponizing the “language of the Left,” MeToo, and yes, maybe even her history of sexual assault to go after trans people. But her tactics are indicative of an era where Far-Right politicians want to be more of a reality star than a representative for their constituents.
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 22/11/2024
Spoke to ABC about Nancy Mace’s bathroom bigotry on the Hill. When we’re talking about discrimination, some rules need to be broken. Trans folks aren't the threat; we’re under threat.
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 20/11/2024
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 20/11/2024
It’s #TransDayofRemembrance. I’m thinking of all of the souls we’ve lost to senseless violence. This next era will undoubtedly be more difficult for our people and those who know our power, but we are fighters. Fascism won’t win. @genderlib.com #TDOR
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 20/11/2024
They're all ridiculously dangerous, but that Dr. Oz announcement hit me differently.
A close-up screengrab of an older Toni Morisson with gray locs styled back in an interview. The greatest American novelist is wearing a leopard-print scarf and a concerned expression. The background is solid black.
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 19/11/2024
Still haven’t recovered from this.
Black and white photo of a man sitting and leaning forward with his head down and hands clasped near his face. He wears glasses resting on his nose and a dark jacket. Text over the image reads: “‘I love Mr. Trump. Of course he could send me back at any moment, but if he did, I would still love him.’ An undocumented immigrant in Luzerne County.” The image is from the New York Times Magazine Instagram.
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 18/11/2024
I got to meet Lady Java several years ago. She was so loving and sweet and gave me a tour of her wall of photos to her career. She was so proud of herself and the generations after her.
A selfie of two women standing side by side indoors. The woman on the left has dark curly hair pulled back, is smiling warmly, and is wearing a green jacket over a light blue top. The woman on the right has shoulder-length brown hair, partially covering her face, and is wearing a patterned, colorful top. She has a neutral expression, looking straight at the camera. The background features a framed poster on the wall.
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 15/11/2024
Hey y'all. Since we're in a new Bluesky wave, I‘ll re-intro myself. I’m Raquel. A writer, activist, media strategist, and public speaker. I released a memoir last year, The Risk It Takes to Bloom. I host two podcasts, Afterlives & Queer Chronicles. And I recently co-founded @genderlib.com.
Alt text: Raquel (a Black trans woman in long, blonde, twists) stands outdoors against a clear blue sky, looking confidently at the camera. She’s wearing a white outfit with large, delicate flower boa on the shoulders. The sunlight illuminates her face, highlighting a warm skin tone, subtle makeup, and a gentle expression. In the blurred background, part of a building and festival tents can be seen. The photo was taken at the Gender Liberation March in Sept. 2024.
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 14/11/2024
After a difficult week of spiraling around the Trump win, listening to the wise words and encouragement of Miss Major reset me for the fight ahead. She said over and over, “We’re a tough bunch o’ bitches!”
Four Black trans women of various ages are gathered in the NYC streets at night with a backdrop of buildings and lights. In the center, Miss Major, an elder with curly gray hair sits in a mobility scooter, wearing a fluffy gray coat. To her left, Victoria stands with long braided hair leans down, wearing a black jacket and jeans. To Miss Major’s right stands Ceyenne in a bright pink outfit with wavy hair and Raquel in a black coat over a red and pink dress with her hair pulled back. The group is smiling.
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 20/09/2024
One of my favorite photos from the Gender Liberation March. Genderlib.com
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 07/08/2024
Ready to fight #Project2025? Join us at the first-ever… Gender Liberation March Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024 Washington, D.C. We’ll march for reproductive justice. We’ll rally for gender-affirming care. We’ll commit to a better future for all. Sign-up: Genderlib.com/march?source=glmcore
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 22/07/2024
Join the first-ever #GENDERLIBERATIONMARCH in WASHINGTON, DC on SEPT. 14, to demand abortion access, gender-affirming care, reproductive justice, and #GenderLiberation for all. Sign up at www.GENDERLIB.COM.
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 23/02/2024
It’s a joy and honor to 🌸 bloom 🌸 on the March cover of *TRANS TIMES. Grateful to the team who made this possible. buff.ly/3lEg6TP
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Raquel Willis @raquelwillis.com · 05/07/2023
I was giving ethereal goddess at #Essencefest. Trying to keep this Venus energy all summer. 💜
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