Monica Roberts facts for kids

Monica Katrice Roberts (May 4, 1962 – October 5, 2020) was an African-American blogger and writer. She was known for her important work as an advocate for transgender people. Monica used her blog, TransGriot, to share news and ideas. She worked hard to make sure transgender people, especially black transgender people, were seen and heard.

Early Life and Education

Monica Roberts was born and grew up in Houston, Texas. When she was young, Houston had segregated areas. This meant that people of different races were kept apart. Her mother was a schoolteacher, and her father was a DJ.

Monica finished Jones High School in 1980. Later, in 1984, she graduated from the University of Houston.

Career and Activism Work

In the early 1990s, Monica worked as an airline gate agent in Houston. She became a founding member of the National Transgender Advocacy Coalition. This group worked to support transgender rights. From 1999 to 2002, she led their efforts to talk with lawmakers.

In Louisville, Kentucky, Monica was part of the Fairness Campaign. This group worked for fairness and equality. She also helped organize the Transsistahs-Transbrothas Conference in 2005 and 2006. This was a gathering for transgender people.

Starting the TransGriot Blog

Monica started her blog, TransGriot, in 2006. She noticed that there were not many blogs about transgender issues that focused on black people and other people of color. Her blog allowed her to quickly share important community news and discuss issues.

Awards and Special Recognition

Monica Roberts received many awards for her important work.

• In 2006, she won the IFGE Trinity Award. This was a top award for helping the transgender community. She was the first African-American Texan and the third African-American openly transgender person to receive it.
• In 2015, she got the Virginia Prince Transgender Pioneer Award from Fantasia Fair. This made her the first African-American openly transgender person to be honored with this award.
• In 2016, GLAAD gave her a Special Recognition Award. GLAAD is a group that promotes understanding of LGBTQ people. She also became the first openly transgender person to receive the Phillips Brooks House Association's Robert Coles "Call of Service" Award. This award recognized her dedication to helping others.
• In 2017, the Human Rights Campaign gave her the HRC John Walzel Equality Award. This group works for LGBTQ equality.
• In 2018, Houstonia magazine named her one of "8 Houston Women to Watch on Social Media." Her blog also won "Outstanding Blog" at the GLAAD Media Awards.
• In January 2020, she received the Susan J Hyde Award for Longevity in the Movement from the National LGBTQ Task Force.
• In June 2020, Queerty named her one of fifty heroes. This was in honor of the 50th anniversary of the first LGBTQ Pride parade. These heroes were recognized for leading the nation toward equality and acceptance.
• In April 2021, after her passing, her blog TransGriot won another GLAAD Media Award for "Outstanding Blog."

Death and Lasting Impact

Monica Roberts passed away on October 5, 2020. Her family shared that she had been feeling unwell before her death. The medical examiner later said that she passed away due to health complications.

Many activists, writers, and famous people shared their sadness and respect for Monica after her death. They remembered her important work and how much she helped others. These included Janet Mock, Raquel Willis, and Alphonso David.

In January 2021, Dee Dee Watters, another activist from Houston and a friend of Monica, announced plans. She wanted to continue Monica's work by creating a new publication. This publication would also be named TransGriot. It would keep covering black and transgender issues, just like Monica's blog did.

See also

• History of African Americans in Houston
• LGBT culture in Houston