Meet Breanna C. Johnson

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Breanna C. Johnson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Breanna C., really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I found my purpose through poetry and healing. I am a sexual assault survivor of 11 years and counting. That trauma stripped everything from me. My body was stolen. Persistent paranoia permeated my psyche. I was convinced that I would never be okay again. Only through the power of poetry and therapy was I able to heal. And through that healing journey, I learned that my purpose is to heal.

I created and founded my brand, ‘Queer Black Girl Poet’, and started a blog under the same name to provide a safe space for fellow queer people to read and relate. I also independently published 3 poetry books: ‘If Tears Could Talk’, an autobiography told through poetry and prose, ‘Out of the Deep’, a retelling of a painful broken engagement and its effects, and ‘TASTE’, a empowering reclamation of sexuality told through sensual poetry.

I use poetry, my vulnerability, and my voice to advocate for fellow sexual assault survivors, LGBTQIA+ people and issues, human rights violations, etc. Poetry is my lifeblood and my greatest tool to help heal others.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I previously mentioned that I independently published 3 poetry books. Those are all available via Amazon. My third poetry book, ‘TASTE’, also has an audiobook that is mass produced by Findaway Voices by Spotify so it is available on all major platforms like Spotify, Google Play, Apple Books, etc.

I am the creator and founder of ‘Queer Black Girl Poet’, a brand and blog designed for safe, queer poetic expression. I created the blog in honor of my younger self and the way she relied on poetry to survive several traumas during my adolescence. ‘Queer Black Girl Poet’ is going to be featured in an upcoming panel discussion around sisterhood & allyship on June 7th at Wunderkammer Company in Fort Wayne, IN. I am also working on premiering some merch soon!
Check out the blog at: QueerBlackGirlPoet.squarespace.com or find me on Instagram @queerblackgirlpoet for more updates!

I am a founding member of Poetz Portal, a grassroots poetry collective dedicated to liberating consciousness and galvanizing a hueman shift through the power of poetry. We host monthly Poetry Circles at TekVenture Makerspace in Fort Wayne, IN and our next one is June 10th 7-9:30pm. Bring yourself and your poetry! We are also currently collaborating with Fox Island County Park (also in Fort Wayne, IN) on a poetry series called ‘Poetry in the Park’. Our next event is Saturday, June 21st 1-3:30pm and the theme is Abundance & Nourishment.

I do a lot of creative work! I collaborate with local music artists and have been featured on several albums, EPs, and projects. I have been a part of local poetry events. I have done 2 podcast interviews. But more importantly, I am an active supporter and audience member in different creative circles. Anything creative, you’ll see me there!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1. Resilience – to overcome trauma and to continue bounce back when faced with challenges during the healing journey.

2. Vulnerability – to humanize yourself and recognize that emotions and feeling are key to healing.

3. Empathy – to feel and understand someone else’s pain and advocate for their healing.

Leaning into these three qualities have really impacted my growth and relationships with others. My advice to those early in their journey is to be patient with yourself, especially when faced with adversity, and to be kind to yourself and others along the way. This is what helped me to fully heal and develop into the force of talent I am now.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was being actively present. My parents got me involved in different clubs, sports, activities, etc. to help me become a well-rounded individual. They provided guidance and unwavering love that helped me to grow my confidence. My parents prioritized my education to make sure I was prepared for college and career advancement. My parents have been married 30+ years and that foundation shaped the way I approached relationships and knowing my worth in relationships. My parents are my biggest supporters, and they always show up for me. I truly am blessed to have the parents I do because I am loved, cherished, and supported.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

My personal photo – OgKillaKels (Kelsey Martin)

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