HOUSTON – Journalist and transgender activist Monica Roberts died on the 5th of October 2020 at the age of 58, according to the Harris County Medical Examiner.
Monica Roberts was an African-American blogger, writer, and transgender rights advocate. She was the founding editor of TransGriot, a blog focusing on issues pertaining to trans women, particularly of color.
Many LGBT activists, writers, and other celebrities paid tribute to Roberts via social media following the announcement of her death, including actress Laverne Cox.
Cox paid an emotional tribute to Monica via her Instagram page stating that she has learned a lot from her.
“I met Monica Roberts 8 years ago. Monica was on a panel for the NBJC that I moderated. But I knew of Monica from her iconic blog, Transgriot. Monica’s journalism, activism and her unearthing of black trans history have been essential resources in our community and for me personally. It was through her blog that I learned the names Tracey “Africa” Norman and Anita Wilson for the first time. Learning those iconic names in the pantheon of black trans history changed for me what I thought was possible.
Monica always showed me so much love on her blog and whenever I saw her in person. Monica was essential and necessary. The thought of her no longer being on this planet is truly devastating. I don’t even know how to process it. Thank you Monica for your work, your activism, your kindness. Thank you for everything. Rest in power!!”
