Our July 2020 Shero of the Month is Bré Anne Rivera, originally from Detroit, Michigan, but currently residing in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Bré is currently the vice-chair on the board of directors at Positive Women’s Network – USA. Tiommi Luckett, PWN-USA communications and training assistant, said, “Bré is the real deal. When I met her in 2015, she had this vision of providing much-needed resources to the trans community in Detroit. She got it done, and Trans Sistas of Color Project (TSOCP) was birthed. Her love for community extends far beyond Detroit and she knows she has a sista in Arkansas.”

Bré does not identify as an activist. She said, “I am a shifter of resources for Black trans communities. Many folx won’t talk about it, but I was the highest employer and largest resource provider for Black trans women during my tenure with Trans Sistas of Color Project.”

TSOCP paid rent for members, paid members for their contributions to the movement, and secured long-term, high-paying jobs for members. Bré recently transitioned from being a member after stepping down from leadership. “I am most proud of the work I did to create a space for Black trans women to advocate for what’s most important to them, while making sure their financial needs are being met.”

She is most thankful and proud of Ahya Simone and Emani Love for supporting her leadership and for “using their networks to shift money and support to Black trans women living in Detroit. That’s what brings me the most joy! Supporting our own.”

Bré is a newlywed and living with her partner in Albuquerque. Congratulations! Settling into married life, she continues her work in liberating Black trans communities, so how is she balancing the commitments? “How are any of us finding balance, no shade! Honestly, my husband is an Afro-Latino, so Black trans liberation is always a topic of discussion in our household.”

Through communication and incorporating joy and laughter in everything they do, they are finding balance. She said, “It’s refreshing to have a partner that affirms my commitments to Black trans communities that encourages me to keep fighting for liberation, with love!” 

From a fierce love for her community, she created the Black Trans Fund through Groundswell Fund, where she is a program fellow. Black trans-led organizations are often overlooked by funders due to the nuanced needs of the Black TGNC community. Bré wanted to ensure that Black trans-led organizations had a place to build power and access resources that are specific to them and that Black trans leaders are the decision-makers in funding decisions.

“I know how it feels to be overlooked, disrespected, and left out of funding decisions,” she explained. “I put my own money into building TSOCP because I believe in the leadership of Black trans people. I created the Black Trans Fund as a way for Black trans communities to receive justice now and on our terms! The Black Trans Fund is revolutionary and vital to building sustainable Black trans leadership.”

When asked why she has been a longstanding supporter of Positive Women’s Network-USA and the importance of serving on the board of directors, she said, “The women of PWN-USA are badass and I’ll just start there! Being a member of PWN-USA has changed me in so many ways. I am honored to be one of the first Black trans women to sit on our board, with my sister Octavia Lewis. I think it’s important for Black trans women to be included in all spaces that are advocating for women. 

“Women’s issues are not separate from issues that trans women face, and I am proud to be a part of a board that ensures that Black trans women belong, have support, and are seen within the organization!”

Congratulations Bré!