Nearly five years ago, Bri Tollie, a former Southern Methodist University (SMU) and Delaware State women's basketball player, embarked on a profound personal journey. Her experience with an ACL injury became a turning point, leading her to publicly come out as a Black, queer woman. This decision not only brought her personal peace but also paved the way for her to become a significant advocate for change within her community.
Tollie faced the challenge of seeking acceptance from her family while navigating the complexities of being both Black and queer in the American South. Her coming out was met with overwhelming support, and she leveraged her status as a student-athlete to drive positive change at SMU. She organized peaceful protests for the Black Lives Matter movement and played a pivotal role in establishing the Black Student-Athlete Committee at the university. In October 2020, she also contributed to SMU's Diversity for National Coming Out Day by recording an influential video.
Activism and Personal Growth
Two years ago, Tollie shared her experiences in the "Being Out" video series, where she reflected on her life as an openly queer athlete. "Being part of this series was a significant moment for me as a Black lesbian actively involved in LGBTQ+ advocacy on my college campus," Tollie explained. This period coincided with her transition to graduate studies in Public Administration at a historically Black college, where she encountered a supportive environment that no longer required her to constantly prove her worth.
At Delaware State, Tollie found herself in a nurturing community characterized by Black excellence and acceptance. She described it as a healing experience, free from the pressures she had previously felt to validate her identity through activism. She learned to embrace her identity beyond her roles as "the activist" or "the organizer," allowing herself to rediscover her own worth and interests.
Life Beyond the Campus
Today, Bri Tollie channels her passion for advocacy into her work with Brady United, focusing on gun violence prevention. Her intersectional identity as a Black, queer woman informs her efforts in Washington, D.C., where she strives to amplify the voices of those often marginalized in discussions surrounding gun violence.
"Being out means fully embracing my identity as a Black, queer woman and letting my truth guide my work," she said. "Our experiences are not just important; they are essential. Too often, the impact of gun violence on Black queer lives is overlooked, but we are here, surviving and building. Being out empowers me to advocate from this place of authenticity."
Finding Balance and Joy
As she navigated a period of significant personal growth, Tollie realized the importance of balance and self-care in advocacy work. She returned to her love of basketball and found new passions in flag football and improv, reconnecting with activities that brought her joy from a young age. This rediscovery of personal interests has reinvigorated her spirit and allowed her to pursue advocacy with renewed energy.
Professionally, Tollie is deeply involved with Dream Defenders, a Black-led abolitionist group that advocates for transformative justice and community care. Her role as finance lead for the DC chapter allows her to contribute to a movement rooted in safety and liberation.
In Washington, D.C., Tollie is an active participant in the Black and queer community. Surrounded by affirming and inspirational individuals, she finds joy in community events, panels, and celebrations. "I show up in the world differently now. I'm more confident, grounded, and present. I've carved out a life where I am not just surviving but truly living," she shared.
A New Chapter
This new chapter in Tollie's life is characterized by a commitment to self-discovery and living authentically. She has embraced the freedom to be curious and explore different facets of her identity. "The journey hasn't been linear, but it's mine, and I'm proud of how far I've come," she said. "I've learned that I am more than what I do for others. I can be deeply committed to my community while also prioritizing my own joy and humanity."
As she continues to advocate for change, Tollie remains focused on being present and open to what the future holds. Her story is an inspiring testament to the power of authenticity and the importance of finding balance in life.
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