I just a few minutes ago found out that Monica Roberts has died. I can barely even begin to express what a devastating loss this is. Monica was a trailblazer for trans journalists and advocates. A lovely, powerful, force of nature. Her long running, award winning blog, “Trans Griot” was always an inspiration to me in my own work as a writer and columnist. Monica’s writing and reporting was the high water mark to aim for. I first met her back in about 2009 or 2010, when she was the keynote speaker for Trans Pride here in Northampton. Afterwards all the organizers went out to dinner with her and she was really very friendly, sweet, and full of life and energy. And even a little shy. She made a huge impression on me and was one of my earliest trans role models, as an advocate for trans rights, and as a trans woman generally. The last time I saw her was just this past January in Dallas at the Creating Change Conference. We greeted each other happily and took a selfie together. But we were both rushing off to other things. And I figured I'd have plenty of opportunity to catch up.... I never did get the opportunity that weekend. And now, I never will. We, as a community have lost an irreplaceable leader today. One of our most powerful voices has fallen silent. And I have lost one of my heroes, and a friend. #monicaroberts #trans #transisbeautiful #heroes #sheroes #transgriot #advocates #transadvocate #activists #journalists #writers (at Dallas, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/CGG-ssVH8Dd/?igshid=wkyj25dc560g
