L. Frances Brown

L.Frances Brown, She/Her pronouns, and I am honored to be one of the Founding Members of TRANSforming Futures. 

I exist within the intersectionality of all my lived experiences: Black woman; Mother of Black sons; Parent to a Transgender adult; Graduate of a Historically Black College/University; Registered voter; and retired School Psychologist of urban school districts. 

I was initially led to support the LGBTQIA community as an advisor for the Gender and Sexualities Alliance (GSA) at my assigned high school in Richmond, Virginia where I was the on-campus resource person to queer and questioning students. Outside of a school setting, I quickly realized I too would benefit from a supportive community that would help me to understand how to better navigate the journey of gender identity with my child.  Although I participated in many parent support groups over the years, a good cry and affirming comments were their only offerings. 

Following the closure in 2023 of a national organization that sought to facilitate gender-inclusive environments for children and teens as well as provide education, resources, and support for families and professionals, I co-founded and now have the honor of serving as Executive Director of Replenishing Roots, LLC.  In this capacity, I am the leader of this diverse group where parents and caregivers of BIPOC individuals have the opportunity to give voice, identify, and discuss without censor the complexities of raising BIPOC gender expansive individuals in America. 

I recognize my personal and professional experiences have enabled me to engage more effectively with diverse individuals particularly in underrepresented and marginalized communities.  I live by the motto: “Dignity and respect should never depend on who you are; what you believe; who you love; or what zip code you call home.”