Bobbi Jean Baker facts for kids

Bobbi Jean Baker (born March 20, 1964 – died January 1, 2014) was an American activist and minister. She worked to help people, especially those who are transgender, find support and spiritual peace.

Early Life

Bobbi Jean Baker was born in Memphis, Tennessee. In 1992, she moved from Tennessee to San Francisco, California.

Helping Others: Ministry and Advocacy

After a significant journey, Bobbi Jean decided to dedicate her life to helping others. In 2001, she got a job at the Tenderloin AIDS Resource Center. There, she led groups for transgender people.

She worked in many roles to support her community. She was a case manager, helping people find the resources they needed. She also worked as a domestic violence specialist, offering help to those experiencing harm. As a housing manager, she helped people find safe places to live. She was also a peer advocate, meaning she used her own experiences to help others.

Bobbi Jean was also a minister. She served at Transcending Transgender Ministries. She was also an ordained minister at City Refuge United Church of Christ. She was a regional minister for the Fellowship of Affirming Ministries.

She worked closely with Bishop Yvette Flunder. Bishop Flunder said that Bobbi Jean believed her mission was to help transgender people connect with their spirituality. She also provided practical help, like finding food and housing. For over ten years, Bobbi Jean was part of the Transcendence Gospel Choir. This choir was made up of transgender people who shared their faith through music.

Death and Legacy

Bobbi Jean Baker died at age 49 on January 1, 2014. This was New Year's Day. She passed away after being in a car accident. She had just led a New Year's Eve service at the City of Refuge Oakland.

Her life and work continue to inspire many. Footage of an interview with Bobbi Jean was included in a documentary film called Major!. This film was about the life of another activist, Miss Major Griffin-Gracy. Later, an actress named Jazzmun played Bobbi Jean Baker in the 2017 TV miniseries When We Rise.