Raquel Willis is a name that resonates strongly within the realms of activism, journalism, and media, especially in the context of advocating for the rights and recognition of Black transgender individuals. With a bold voice, unwavering commitment, and a passion for social justice, Raquel has become an influential leader in the fight for the liberation of marginalized communities. Her work spans across organizing, writing, public speaking, and media strategy, all underpinned by a deeply personal commitment to both Black and transgender empowerment.
Key Information
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Raquel Willis |
| Date of Birth | March 5, 1990 |
| Age | 35 (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Augusta, Georgia, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Gender Identity | Transgender Woman |
| Sexual Orientation | Queer |
| Languages Spoken | English, some Spanish |
| Education | – University of Georgia (B.A. in Journalism) |
| – University of Salamanca (Studied abroad) | |
| Occupation | Activist, Writer, Media Strategist, Public Speaker |
| Known For | Advocacy for Black Transgender Rights, Media Leadership, Writing |
| Notable Roles | – Executive Editor, Out Magazine |
| – National Organizer, Transgender Law Center | |
| – Director of Communications, Ms. Foundation for Women | |
| Famous Works | The Risk It Takes to Bloom: On Life and Liberation (Memoir) |
| Awards | – GLAAD Media Award |
| – Named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People (2025) | |
| Social Media | Twitter: @RaquelWillis_ |
| Residence | United States |
| Hobbies | Reading, Writing, Traveling, Advocacy, Public Speaking |
| Favorite Causes | Transgender rights, Black liberation, Racial Justice |
| Mentors | Ron Curtis (Local news anchor, Georgia) |
| Belief | Advocates for collective liberation, intersectional justice, and the empowerment of marginalized voices. |
| Family | Raquel maintains a close relationship with her family, though she has kept many details of her personal life private. She was raised in a Catholic household. |
| Pet | Has a dog named Toby, often seen in her social media posts. |
| Role Model | Peter Jennings, former ABC News anchor, was a major influence on her career in journalism. |
| Favorite Book | Raquel enjoys reading works by authors who focus on social justice and transformation, including James Baldwin and Audre Lorde. |
| Spirituality | While raised in a Catholic environment, Raquel embraces a more spiritual and inclusive view of life, centered on personal growth and healing. |
Early Life and Education
Born on March 5, 1990, in Augusta, Georgia, Raquel Willis grew up in a Catholic household, where she was exposed to the importance of community service and support for others. As a young child, Raquel knew she was different, but it wasn’t until her teenage years that she fully began to understand her gender identity. Despite growing up in a conservative Southern environment, her upbringing also fostered a deep empathy for social justice causes.
Willis attended the University of Georgia, where she pursued a degree in journalism, graduating in 2013 with a profound desire to use her storytelling skills to advocate for those often overlooked by mainstream narratives. During her time in college, Raquel struggled with societal norms, particularly around gender identity, but this led her to become more actively involved in transgender activism, seeking spaces where her voice could challenge and transform societal perceptions.
Career and Activism
Raquel Willis’s career trajectory is a testament to her dedication to both journalism and activism. She began her professional journey as a writer and media strategist before transitioning into leadership roles at several key organizations dedicated to uplifting the voices of transgender people.
One of Raquel’s most notable roles came when she became the Executive Editor of Out Magazine in 2018. In this groundbreaking position, she became the first transgender woman to lead the publication. Her leadership in this role amplified important issues concerning the LGBTQ+ community, focusing on stories about Black transgender individuals, their struggles, and triumphs. Raquel’s voice in Out Magazine became a powerful platform for advocacy and visibility.
Beyond her work in media, Raquel served as a National Organizer for the Transgender Law Center, where she worked to advance policy and legal protections for transgender people, especially those facing discrimination in employment, healthcare, and housing. Raquel’s influence in this role was pivotal in pushing for greater visibility and rights for the transgender community at both state and national levels.
Her work continued with her tenure at the Ms. Foundation for Women, where she served as the Director of Communications. There, she championed the intersectional causes of women and transgender individuals, pushing for greater attention to the unique challenges faced by Black trans people.
Memoir: The Risk It Takes to Bloom
In 2023, Raquel Willis released her much-anticipated memoir, The Risk It Takes to Bloom: On Life and Liberation. The book is a powerful, personal reflection on her experiences growing up in Augusta, navigating the complexities of gender identity, and the process of embracing both her transgender identity and her Blackness. The memoir also explores the broader struggles of Black trans individuals in America and the need for collective liberation.
The book has been lauded for its honest portrayal of the challenges of transitioning, the violence often faced by Black trans people, and the importance of hope and resilience. It has inspired readers to reflect on their own journeys and consider the roles they can play in promoting equality for marginalized communities.
Awards and Recognition
Willis has received numerous accolades, including:​
- GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Magazine Article (2020). ​
- Named Woman of the Year and one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2025. ​
- Recognized in The Root 100 Most Influential African Americans (2017). ​
Media Projects
Willis is also an executive producer with iHeartMedia’s LGBTQ+ podcast network, Outspoken, and hosts two podcast series:​
- Afterlives
- Queer Chronicles
Interesting Facts About Raquel Willis
- First Trans Woman to Lead Out Magazine
In 2018, Raquel Willis made history by becoming the first transgender woman to serve as the Executive Editor of Out Magazine, one of the leading LGBTQ+ publications. This milestone highlighted her leadership and advocacy within the LGBTQ+ community. - Memoir Publication
In 2023, Raquel released her memoir, The Risk It Takes to Bloom: On Life and Liberation. The book offers an intimate look at her journey from growing up in Georgia to becoming a prominent transgender activist and media personality. - Powerful Advocate for Black Trans Rights
Raquel’s work has been centered on the intersection of race and gender, particularly advocating for Black trans people who face unique challenges in society. Her advocacy for Black trans rights is a central theme in her career. - Embraces Intersectionality
Raquel believes that liberation cannot be achieved without recognizing the interconnectedness of various social justice struggles. She frequently discusses how racial justice, transgender rights, and gender equality are all intertwined. - Influential Public Speaker and Podcaster
Beyond her writing, Raquel is also known for her podcasts and public speaking engagements, using platforms like Outspoken and Queer Chronicles to elevate LGBTQ+ voices, especially those of Black transgender individuals. - Recognized as One of the Most Influential People
In 2025, Raquel was included in TIME’s 100 Most Influential People list, a testament to her profound impact on both the transgender rights movement and broader social justice causes. - She Worked with the Transgender Law Center
Before her role at Out Magazine, Raquel was a National Organizer for the Transgender Law Center, where she contributed to policies and legal protections for transgender individuals. - Committed to Media Representation
Raquel is passionate about increasing the visibility of transgender people in the media. She has advocated for more diverse and accurate representations of trans individuals in journalism and entertainment. - Published in Major Publications
Raquel’s writing has appeared in Essence Magazine, The Advocate, Autostraddle, and Teen Vogue, where she shares her experiences and thoughts on gender, race, and activism. - Role Model for Black Trans Youth
Raquel’s activism has made her a role model for many young Black trans individuals, showing them that their voices matter and they have the power to create change in the world.
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