Before I Knew the Word Ally, I Was Already Living It

I grew up in the Bronx, where community felt like family. If prejudice was happening around me, I didn’t see it — what I saw most was love, connection, and people just being themselves.

One of the most important people in my life was my mom’s partner, who was also my godmother. She loved me fiercely, and I loved her even more, losing her broke my heart, but it also planted a seed: love like that deserved to be celebrated and protected, not judged.

In 2016/2017, I met an artist at work who asked me to support her music. That simple moment turned into a friendship, and later, a working relationship. That experience gave me a deeper look into the creative world — and introduced me to more members of the LGBTQ+ community who inspired me with their strength and resilience.

By 2020, after years of working in and around the community, I noticed the unfairness and inequality that too many people were facing. I knew something had to change. That year, a close friend presented the idea to launch I Am Me Inc., a nonprofit organization that didn’t have a name at the time to focus on creating safe spaces, offering resources, and bringing people together like family, and I accepted being one of the three allies of a board of five.

Through I Am Me Inc., we’ve hosted:

• ME Fest – a community festival where music, education, and empowerment come together to celebrate diversity.

• ME Seminar events – intimate gatherings that explore topics like the writings of James Baldwin and the history of Stonewall, helping educate allies and deepen understanding of the LGBTQ+ community.

• The Holiday Party – an annual celebration designed to bring people together, spread joy, and remind everyone they have a place where they belong.

Looking back, I realize I had been advocating long before I ever called myself an ally — through the videos I made, the events , and the way I tried to bring people together.

Today, allyship isn’t just a word for me. It’s how I live. It’s showing up, speaking out, and making sure people know they belong — not just in June, but every single day.

Sometimes, allyship starts before we even have a word for it. Sometimes, it starts simply with loving people as they are — and choosing to keep showing up for them, again and again.

If you’re into it, go ahead and like, comment, and share — it really helps us spread the love!

Got an idea for a future blog or want to collaborate? Hit us up at Latoya@iammecorp.org — we’d love to hear from you!