The Risk It Takes to Bloom By Raquel Willis

"The Risk It Takes to Bloom" is a passionate memoir by Raquel Willis, a trailblazing Black transgender activist, recounting her transformative journey and dedication to collective liberation. Born in Augusta, Georgia, to Black Catholic parents, Raquel navigated years of isolation and self-discovery before finding community and love at the University of Georgia.

The unexpected death of her father prompted a profound examination of her identity, fostering a period of grief, understanding, and personal growth. Raquel's journey unfolded against the backdrop of significant social movements, including the Movement for Black Lives and the increasing visibility of the trans community.

Entering a journalism career, she grappled with hiding her identity as a newspaper reporter until the epidemic of violence against trans women of color and the heightened suicide rates of trans teens motivated her to come out publicly. In just a few years of community organizing, Raquel emerged as one of the most formidable Black trans activists in history.

"The Risk It Takes to Bloom" is a candid exploration of Raquel's experiences straddling the Obama and Trump eras, highlighting the transformative power of tragedy and the importance of taking risks to achieve collective liberation 📚❤️