Catch up with LGBTQIA+ Safe Space Creator & New Author — Julio Roman
| Alex Martinez, Writer, Social Advocate Inc
At the age of sixteen, Safe Space Expert and LGBTQIA+ Rights Advocate, Julio C. Roman, accepted his calling in LGBTQIA+ activism and safe space design.
Julio has dedicated over twenty-two years to creating LGBTQIA+ safe spaces and advancing the health equality and social justice initiatives of Black and Brown Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender communities, and other marginalized communities affected by HIV/AIDS and its related health, social, and economic disparities.
His experience lies extensively in Safe Space Design, HIV Prevention and Harm Reduction Programming, Community Engagement, LGBTQIA+ Advocacy, Leadership Development, and LGBTQIA+ Organizational Development. He has a passion for mentoring, building highly effective teams, and working with other amazing change agents in and outside of the LGBTQIA+ social movement. He champions the idea that
“Highly effective leaders, coupled with highly engaging and inspirational LGBTQIA+ Empowerment Centers and safe spaces, save lives and create other leaders.”
Julio is a founding member and co-founder of two LGBTQIA+ centers in the city of Newark. He often presents and publishes his public health findings on local, state, and national levels. He has been honored to represent the LGBTQIA+ community on Capitol Hill DC, State Department DC, World Monetary Fund DC, and the United Nations NYC. And continues to be featured in Insider NJ’s “Out 100: The LGBT Power List” for his leadership in community organizing and HIV/AIDS work.
He currently serves on the Board of Directors at ARK of Freedom Alliance, a national anti-human trafficking organization, and proudly serves as an LGBTQIA+ Commissioner for Newark, New Jersey. He continues to work with LGBTQIA+ organizations nationally.
I was able to catch up with him for a quick interview while he hosted an OUT-Agency event.
(AM) First thank you, for you time joining us today. Let’s jump right in, why safe spaces and why have you chosen to dedicate your life to this?
(JR) As a native from Newark, I began my search for a safe space as a twelve-year-old kid after a life-changing encounter acting as a caretaker for my aunt Naomi, who was dying of AIDS. My mother acted as an incredible safe space for my aunt imparting in me the desire to want to do the same.
(AM) Congratulations, you just finished your first book, OUT OF SPACE: Creating Safe Space In Unlikely Places. Can you tell us a bit of why this book and what it is about?
(JR) The purpose of this book is to pass on knowledge of how to truly create safe spaces and be a safe space for yourself and others, no matter how hard things get. I’ll share with you my experiences in the hopes you can relate and perhaps also find your own strength and story through the lessons I learned as an advocate.
(AM) You talk about the city of Newark a lot in your book Are you form Newark?
(JR) I was born in Brick City Newark and raised in the Central Ward on 7th Street in a 6- family house where I spent my early childhood with all my aunts, uncles, and cousins, your typical large Puerto Rican family.
At nine, we began a new chapter where my mom moved my twin brother & me into the Prince and Spruce Street Stella Wright Public Housing Projects on the South Ward, where I attended Quitman Street Elementary School and adjusted to a world I had never known existed.
At twelve, due to a continued increase in gang violence and targeted bullying, we moved out the projects and into Newark’s North Ward, aka “Little Puerto Rico,” where I attended Rafael Hernandez Elementary & Barringer High School.
(AM) So it’s safe to say the city has an impact on you and how you see the world today?
(JR) I am super proud of Newark and all its amazing history, people, and “Brick City” lessons that helped shape who I am today.
The experience of living in three of the four city wards has not only enriched the lens through which I see life but why I greatly appreciate the multi-layers of cultures that make up any one community or city. Being Puerto Rican and gay this city taught me resilience and what being true to yourself, and your art really means.
(AM) How did you first start working with the LGBTQIA+ community and why?
(JR) I first got involved in LGBTQIA+ activism with at-risk LGBTQIA+ youth at 16 years old and never looked back. I have proudly dedicated over 22 amazing years to creating LGBTQIA+ safe spaces and advancing the health equality and social justice initiatives of Black & Brown Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgender (LGBTQIA+) and other marginalized communities affected by HIV/AIDS and its related health, social and economic disparities.
I was a part of this community and saw myself in each kid I saw. The why become easy for me as I knew I could play a part in making some of their lives better.
(AM) What is it about your experience you believe is worth sharing?
(JR) I have a passion for mentoring, building highly effective teams, and working with other amazing change agents in and outside of the LGBTQIA+ social movement. I love the process of taking unsafe spaces and turning them on its head to be examples of safety meccas in our community especially for our LGBTQIA+ community.
My professional experience lies extensively in HIV prevention programming, LGBTQIA+ Public Health, safe space design, community engagement, digital service design, advocacy, non-profit administration, leadership development, contract management, community research, and LGBTQIA+ organizational development.
“I believe highly effective programming coupled with highly engaging and inspirational LGBTQIA+ Empowerment Centers & Safe Spaces first, saves lives and then, creates leaders”.
(AM) How do you create centers and safes spaces what’s your process?
With my talented team of superhero experts, we build safe spaces with years of uniquely informed experiences. And we lead on the foundations of facts, truths & the expertise of the talent, experiences, and voices at the table. It’s a partnership between community, organizations and the experts that can guide ideas and visions to fruition.
(AM) What do you do to relax
(JR) When I take my moments to pause, I love to travel, read self-help books, and spend time with my friends and family. I travel to all corners in my journey to build human connections, discover life, and learn from all the life lessons that present themselves.
(AM) Thank you so much for the work you do and making yourself available.
(JR) Thank you it ’always a pleasure to see you!
Julio Roman has dedicated over twenty-two years to creating LGBTQIA+ safe spaces. He has represented the LGBTQIA+ community on Capitol Hill, to the U.S. State Department, to the World Monetary Fund, and to the United Nations. He continues to be featured in Insider NJ’s “Out 100: The LGBT Power List” for his leadership in community organizing and HIV/AIDS work.
Today, Julio Roman is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of OUT Agency, harnessing the power of storytelling, safe spaces, and content creation to Organize Unique Transformations. Learn more at outagency.org.
Julio resides in Newark with his partner and two four-legged children, the Duke and Duchess.
For the latest information, or to contact Julio, please visit www.juliocroman.com.