We were lucky to catch up with Regina Duggins recently and have shared our conversation below.

Regina , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Growing up in a single parent home with a very supportive and loving mother; I often wondered as I became older why some of my siblings lived closeted lives? At the age of 25, I decided to let my family, friends, and my community into my life. I was finally comfortable in my skin as a Black Lesbian Woman. It took lots of courage and a tough skin to walk in these shoes. With hearing the many challenges and obstacles that other LGBTQ+ of color individuals faced, the creation of starting Charleston Black Pride – an LGBTQ+ of Color organization where individuals could walk in their truths and know that representation does matter. The mission is to provide a space where LGBTQ+ people of color can live out their lives freely without bias, shame, or doubt. They can look in the faces of the board members and see themselves.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Dr. Regina Duggins and I am an openly Black Lesbian Special Education educator. I am also an auntie/mom and grandmother as well as the caregiver of my 79 year old mother. I am a three time published author/poet, I am a mentor and founder of an LGBTQ+ Of Color organization named Charleston Black Pride. I became involved in this industry because of the need for more representation of individuals who were LGBTQ+ of Color whom seek outlets for acceptance, supports, and visibility. Charleston Black Pride is an grass roots organization that provides social engagement, financial literacy, empowerment, spirituality, youth and adult mentoring, community outreach, and HIV/AIDS awareness to our LGBTQ+ of Color community. Through programming and planning of events and social outlets; we provide numerous supports to our community to help them with living and walking bravely and safely in their truths.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Growing up in the Coney Island section of Brooklyn, NY was not always a great experience for me but I turned a trauma induced situation into a strength for me as well as the youth in my community. I was a product of childhood rape and molestation. I refused to allow rape to be a hinderance for me and at the early age of 11 I started my dance group entitled “New York Styles” which I created to help save young girls within my building and community but they ended up saving me from my trauma. I put my hurt, fears, shame, and doubt into my work and craft; with the power of prayer I am able to continue the work that I love so dearly which is community outreach and planning events for LGBTQ individuals. This is how I became resilient and a warrior Survivor of rape, molestation, and childhood traumas.

Have you ever had to pivot?

A time I had to pivot in life was when I sit out on a journey for change when I moved myself and my family to Charleston, SC in 2010. The change was actually wish that my deceased sister and I dreamed to conquer together. Two years after her passing, I decided to uproot my family and begin life all over again in a new city. My oldest three were going to begin High School and honestly, I wanted a change for them from the hustle and bustle of Brooklyn, NY. My youngest was going to begin 1st grade and my other child was starting 4th grade. I know that if I continued to provide stability, structure, and guidance; this would be a great move for us all and I am very pleased with partaking in the transition. Twelve years later and I have grown academically, emotionally, spiritually, financially, and socially. My mom also relocated with me and my family nine months after I had moved to Charleston, SC and we have been her for 12 years.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.CharlestonBlackPride.org
• Instagram: CharlestonBlackPride
• Facebook: Regina Duggins
• Twitter: CharlestonBlackPride
• Other: Email: [email protected]