Two icons of the transgender community—Angelica Ross and Queen Jean—sat down to discuss the vital intersection of art, activism, and the "audacity" required to fight for collective liberation. From their early days in the fashion world to leading revolutionary movements on the streets of New York, their dialogue serves as a roadmap for anyone looking to turn their personal truth into a platform for change.
Queen Jean, a renowned activist and the founder of Black Trans Liberation Kitchen (BTLK), shared her journey from a graduate student at NYU to a leading voice against fascism and systemic oppression. Her story is not just one of survival, but of thriving through the power of sisterhood and a refusal to be silenced.
Redefining the "Radical" Label
Throughout the conversation, the term "radical" was a central theme. While many use the word as a critique, Queen Jean embraces it as a necessity. For her, being radical isn't about being extreme for the sake of it; it is about the fundamental duty to speak the truth in a world that often demands silence.
"I get called radical because I’m going to speak the truth," Queen Jean explained. Drawing inspiration from the legendary Nina Simone, she reminded the audience that an artist’s duty is to reflect the times. In an era where legislative attacks on the LGBTQ+ community are on the rise, simply existing and insisting on one's humanity becomes a radical act of resistance.
The Duty to Reflect the Times
Queen Jean emphasizes that her voice and body are her primary tools for activism. She challenged the notion that we are doing enough, asking why we aren't "flipping tables in Congress" given the current political climate. To her, radicalism is the only logical response to systems that seek to erase marginalized identities.
The Audacity to Care: Roots of Rebellion
One of the most poignant moments of the discussion centered on the "audacity" of a Black trans woman to care for others while facing her own systemic hurdles. Queen Jean credits her spirit of rebellion to her Haitian heritage and her grandmother. This ancestral fire fuels her belief that the fight for freedom cannot be an individual pursuit.
She spoke passionately about the effects of colonialism and imperialism, which have historically sought to separate marginalized groups. Whether it is the struggle of trans people, immigrants, or those fighting for their homes globally, Queen Jean sees a singular thread: the right to exist and "exhale" without permission from a system.
"We have a responsibility and obligation to ensure that our people... have that freedom and that they’re not tied to this antiquated idea that I have to fight for my freedom independently," she stated. This collective mindset is what drives her work today.
Honoring the "T" in LGBT History
As we navigate the complexities of 2025, Queen Jean issued a stern reminder to the broader community: there is no LGBT without the T. She paid homage to the spiritual mothers and ancestors who paved the way through literal fire and blood, including:
Marsha P. Johnson: A central figure in the Stonewall Uprising.
Sylvia Rivera: A tireless advocate for trans people of color and those experiencing homelessness.
Stormé DeLarverie: The butch lesbian whose scuffle with police is often cited as a spark for the Stonewall riots.
Miss Major Griffin-Gracy: A veteran of the movement who has spent decades fighting for trans women of color in the prison system.
Queen Jean reminded listeners that these individuals did not comply with fascist systems in 1969, and the community must not comply now. She urged the audience to reject the "fear of losing a gig" or social standing in exchange for silence, asserting that fear is a tool used to keep people hidden.
The Black Trans Liberation Kitchen (BTLK)
The conversation highlighted the tangible ways Queen Jean is making life "comfortable" for a community that society often ignores. Angelica Ross recalled a divine encounter where she stumbled upon a fellowship hall in New York City, only to find Queen Jean feeding the community and providing a stage for creative expression.
This space, known as the Black Trans Liberation Kitchen (BTLK), is a weekly Wednesday fellowship where people can be "greeted with love and fed with dignity." It is a sanctuary for those who are often treated as "wallpaper" by major institutions.
The Power of Creative Space
Angelica noted that seeing a trans woman perform—even without the high-budget costumes of mainstream drag—was a deeply moving experience. It highlighted the "luxury" of having a space to emote and be creative, a luxury that Queen Jean works tirelessly to provide for free.
A Journey Through Housing Insecurity
Queen Jean’s passion for providing housing and food security stems from her own lived experience. While attending NYU as a graduate student, she found herself unhoused and filled with shame. Navigating the shelter system while surrounded by "well-appointed" students was a period of intense isolation.
Everything changed when she found sisterhood. She credited her friend and "national treasure" Whitney White for offering her a stable place to stay, which became the turning point in her life. "I went from being housing insecure... to literally having a piece of stability. And from there, I said, I have to pay this forward."
Key Takeaways for Activists and Allies
Reject Fear: Fear is a mechanism of control. Authentic living requires the courage to be seen, even when it feels dangerous.
Collective Liberation: No one is free until everyone is free. We must move away from "independent freedom" and toward community support.
Mutual Aid as Activism: Providing basic needs like food and housing (as seen with BTLK) is a revolutionary act that restores dignity.
Know Your History: Understanding the roles of trans women of color in the civil rights and LGBTQ+ movements is essential for moving forward.
Do Not Comply: In the face of rising fascism, visibility and resistance are non-negotiable.
Conclusion: A Call to Resist and Empower
The dialogue between Angelica Ross and Queen Jean is a reminder that the fight for trans rights is a fight for humanity itself. As Queen Jean noted, if we allow systems to dictate how we move, we have already lost. The fire seen in the streets over the past few years—sparked by the tragedies of 2020 and the ongoing violence against Black trans women—is a sign that the community is no longer willing to wait for permission to exist.
As we celebrate Pride, let us remember that the movement was started by those with the "audacity" to fight back. Whether it’s through feeding a neighbor, speaking truth to power, or simply refusing to hide, we all have a role to play in the collective struggle for liberation. As Queen Jean so eloquently put it: "We are not a nuisance. We are divine."