MassLive recently asked readers to identify people who are leaders from the LGBTQ+ community throughout the state, working to make a difference in their own area of interest, be it politics, education, business or the arts.
Profiles of these leaders will be published through the rest of February. These are people our readers have identified as inspirational, who may be doing good acts for their communities. They are being recognized for their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to inspire change.
Chastity Bowick (Courtesy photo)Courtesy of Chastity Bowick
Age: 38
Community: Lives in Dorchester; works statewide
Her Story: Chastity Bowick currently provides “education, training and awareness” through her own company, Chastity`s Consulting & Talent Group, she told MassLive.
“This work is important as it gives a voice to the voiceless who are trapped in a cycle of oppression placed upon them by society,” Bowick said.
She also brings extensive advocacy experience to the table, with 13 years spent as a health advocate for transgender individuals, and more time as a housing advocate and “activist fighting for basic human rights for underserved communities,” she told MassLive.
Bowick spent seven years leading the Transgender Emergency Fund of Massachusetts, a Boston-based organization that provides assistance for low-income and homeless transgender people across the state.
There, she played a “a crucial role in the opening of the first transgender-only transitional house in New England,” she said.
Bowick’s experience as a survivor of homelessness, sexual abuse, and sex work “gave me a greater understanding of how I want to be of service to others. Since I was lucky enough to make it out of the cycle of oppression I was in, I felt obligated to pay it forward to those who are still stuck in that cycle of oppression.”
In her words: “Do this work for the greater good of others who may not be able to advocate for themselves. This work is empowerful, impactful, and draining so remember to take care of yourself. You can’t save everyone, all you can do is what you can with the resources your provided. If you don’t have enough resources, fight for more or create your own!”
We’re always open to hearing about more inspiring people. If you’d like to suggest someone else who should be recognized, please fill out this form.
