Joelle Bayaa-Uzuri Espeut – OutSmart Magazine

“Being named Grand Marshal has great meaning for me. Today’s Pride celebrations are only possible because of the unapologetic activism of
Marsha P. Johnson and countless other Black trans women who often remain anonymous and forgotten. I want to continue to provide visibility and representation to Black trans women and the legacy of Black trans liberation. — Joelle Bayaa-Uzuri Espeut

Famous for:
Espeut works with The Normal Anomaly Initiative, Inc. as Program Director. Normal abnormality breaks down barriers and creates new norms for Black LGBTQ+ people. She is also a board member of the Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus, where she helps increase the representation and visibility of Black trans people within political spaces.

Advocacy:
Espeut’s work focuses on the uplift of Black LGBTQ+ people; helping to co-create, organize and build spaces of queer and trans black joy. The narrative and stories of Black queer and trans people are generally marked by trauma, pain and injustice.

Her work centers on hope, joy, and the widespread belief that community is the answer.

Preferred causes:
Those that impact black trans women, economic justice,
and gender and racial justice.

Dreaming of changing the world:
That we can co-create spaces centered on joy and liberation, spaces that hold room for vulnerability, transparency, grace and growth.

Ultimate life mission:
Normalize Black identity and existence
trans women.

Favorite hashtags:
#HotGirlCityGirlIcyGirlMaterialGirl; #YourManFirstChoice

What: The 46th Annual Official Houston LGBT+ Pride Celebration: Festival and Parade
When: Saturday June 29 (The parade takes place from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.)
Or: Houston City Hall, 901 Bagby Street
Info: pridehouston365.org