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Ms. Mikalya Denise Robinson is the former Miss Gay Ohio 2018. She is continuing her work as a Trans Health Navigator within her community.
HISTORIANSPEAKS: Could you begin by telling us a little about yourself and your involvement in the LGBTQ community in Columbus, OH?
ROBINSON: I am a black gay male, with a non-binary identity. I recently turned 34, and I reside on the South Eastside of Columbus, Ohio. I graduated high school. Afterward, I attended trade school at Aveda Institute for a managing cosmetology license. I am currently working in STI/HIV prevention health care.
HISTORIANSPEAKS: How did you become interested in serving as an HIV Navigator and what inspired you to become involved in health issues in the LGBTQ community?
ROBINSON: I became involved in health care issues in the LGBTQ community because I realized there were few people like me actively involved in Black and Brown communities trying to promote prevention and safety information about HIV/STI. What inspired me was changes in my personal health and among my friends, so I decided to help with changing lives and outcomes.
HISTORIANSPEAKS: You have received many awards and accolades. How did you use your platform as Miss Gay Ohio 2018 to promote the causes you are passionate about?
ROBINSON: I was able to use the system to help aid in bringing awareness to LGBTQ issues You must have a community platform. My platform included bringing attention to the needs of youth and young people who identify as Transgender, Gender non-conforming or non-binary, as well as boost PrEP awareness for all.
HISTORIANSPEAKS: Could you also tell our readers about your appearance in POZ Magazine’s 100 Issue featuring Transgender, Gender Nonconforming and Nonbinary advocates?
ROBINSON: That was something you had to be nominated for, so it was a surprise when I was contacted to submit a bio and photo. It means so much to be recognized for the work I have been doing and I plan to do more important work in the community.
HISTORIANSPEAKS: What do you think is the biggest challenges facing Black Transwomen and the Black Transgendered community, locally and nationally? What role can advocacy play in correcting the problem?
ROBINSON: I think respect for who Trans folk really are and the sacrifices and the contributions they have for made toward the liberation of those in the LGBTQIA community, and the cis gender community is not well understood. The laws are not fair in preventing and prosecuting crimes against trans folk. Protections in housing, employment and even public restrooms are virtually nonexistent. One of the biggest challenges involves securing regular medical care. Advocacy allows voices to broadcast the information not shared publicly and nationally. It allows folk of Trans identity to share their stories and experience to help create the dialogue for those who can use it to create change to better serve and protect the community.
HISTORIANSPEAKS: The murder and harassment of Black Transwomen has reached epidemic proportions. According to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), more than 26 Transgender people have been murdered in 2020 alone. This has led to the hashtag #AllBlackLivesMatter on social media. How has this problem personally affected you and what effect is it having on the community?
ROBINSON: I have seen many friends and the community mourn the great folk life has taken too soon. Numerous murders of Trans people have occurred at the hands of men who claim to love trans women. Yet society cannot accept that fact that Trans people want and deserved to be loved, so that leads to them having lots of insecurities or mental health issues that must be addressed.
HISTORIANSPEAKS: What initiatives and programs would you like to see at the national, state, and local levels to address the plight and concerns of Black transgendered people?
ROBINSON: Greater opportunities in housing and employment and much greater protection in health care, justice for actions of violence against Trans people.
HISTORIANSPEAKS: In closing, what is your message to the broader cis community when they see or think about Black Transwomen?
ROBINSON: First, RESPECT all identities and allow Trans women and Trans men the space to live their lives just as a cis person live an unbothered life. Second, learn to accept and support your Trans kids, friends, family, and strangers. Third, stop shaming men who love outside of societal norms. LET FOLK LIVE AND LOVE. IF THEIR HAPPINESS IS SOMETHING YOU WANT FOR THEM, THEN SUPPORT WHOEVER MAKES THEM HAPPY AND STOP BEING SO CONCERNED ABOUT OTHERS AND JUST FOCUS ON WHAT TRULY IMPACTS AND BENEFITS YOUR PERSONAL HAPPINESS. Understand not everyone approves all the decisions that a cis person make in their journey of self-acceptance and self-awareness, so why work so hard to block another’s journey.
In closing, as I always say. “Every negative can become a positive, and every positive a greater positive!”