Tabytha Gonzalez: From Prison to Pride Icon 🌈

What does it truly mean to rise above life’s challenges and create a legacy of empowerment and community? In this compelling conversation, Angelica Ross sits down with Tabytha Gonzalez, a proud femme queen and advocate, to explore her remarkable journey. From growing up in Newark’s Brick City to enduring 14 years of incarceration and emerging as a beacon of hope for the LGBTQ+ community, Tabitha’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and pride.

A Childhood Rooted in Community

Tabytha Gonzalez grew up in North Newark, New Jersey—an area affectionately known as "Brick City." Despite the challenges of living in an impoverished neighborhood with "pissy hallways" and other struggles, she recalls a deep sense of community that shaped her identity. "We didn’t care about what we didn’t have because we had each other," Tabytha reflects. Her early years were filled with belonging, from joining swim and cheer teams to participating in dance schools. These formative experiences instilled in her a lifelong commitment to service and togetherness.

The Reality of Incarceration

At a young age, Tabytha found herself caught in the school-to-prison pipeline, a systemic issue that disproportionately affects marginalized communities. Her 14 years in a men’s prison were transformative, albeit challenging. “Prison was home, and the streets were a run for me,” she recalls, shedding light on the institutionalization that often takes hold.

Yet, Tabitha's resilience shone through. She used her time in incarceration to sharpen her survival skills and reflect on her life. When the opportunity for freedom came in 2013, Tabitha seized it, vowing never to look back. “If they ever gave me a chance, I would never look back. And I haven’t,” she declares triumphantly.

Embracing Sisterhood and Transition

For Tabytha, sisterhood has always been a cornerstone of her identity. Whether it was the "femme queen" community she found in her youth or the sisters who supported her during her transition, these bonds gave her strength. “Language wasn’t as developed back then,” she explains. “But we reclaimed words like ‘sissy’ and turned them into terms of endearment.”

Tabytha’s transition wasn’t just physical—it was a complete transformation of her life. From learning to navigate technology post-incarceration to finding her voice as an advocate, she embraced every opportunity to grow and evolve. “I knew I had a second chance at life, and I wasn’t going to waste it,” she says.

A Voice for Change

Since her release, Tabytha has dedicated her life to empowering others. She’s developed re-entry programs to help those impacted by incarceration transition back into society. Her "Seek and Safety" module leverages her lived experience to guide others. “I disclose my journey to let them know I see them, and I am them,” she explains.

Tabytha is also passionate about advocating for trans leadership in organizations, working with executive staff to ensure that trans voices shape policies and initiatives. “I don’t believe in safety,” she says boldly. “I believe you have to be brave to show up.”

The Power of "Fem Queen Crazy Sexy Cool"

One of Tabytha’s most exciting ventures is co-creating the podcast "Fem Queen Crazy Sexy Cool" alongside her sisters Asia and Temperes. This platform amplifies the voices of trans women and the broader LGBTQ+ community, tackling everything from personal narratives to systemic issues. “Since everyone else is having conversations about us, let’s let them hear it from us,” Tabytha says.

The podcast, now in its fourth season, has become a space for guests to share their stories authentically. “Our episodes are about more than just conversation—they’re about shaping narratives and creating visibility,” Tabytha adds. With a mix of humor, intelligence, and heart, the podcast is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the multifaceted lives of trans women.

What Pride Means to Tabytha

For Tabytha, pride is both a celebration and a call to action. “We’ve gone from receiving services to providing them, from being unseen to being on TV, in civic engagement, and creating organizations,” she says. “Joy is a selective act of resistance, and we should be proud of what we’ve accomplished with nothing.”

While acknowledging the work that still needs to be done, Tabytha encourages the LGBTQ+ community to focus on its triumphs. “Even in the face of adversity, we will prevail,” she says with conviction. Her message is a reminder that pride is about honoring progress while continuing to fight for a more equitable future.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Empowerment

Tabytha Gonzalez’s journey from incarceration to becoming a pride icon is a testament to the power of resilience, community, and self-belief. Her story reminds us that every challenge can be a stepping stone to greatness and that advocacy and service can transform lives—not just our own, but those around us.

What does Pride mean to you? Share your thoughts in the comments on Youtube and Substack and join us in celebrating the incredible individuals who make our community stronger. Don’t forget to tune into "Fem Queen Crazy Sexy Cool" for more empowering conversations.