We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Daroneshia Duncan-boyd. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Daroneshia below.
Daroneshia, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
Growing up in Norwood, “The Bottom,” I witnessed drug transactions, daily violence, and experienced bullying in public school for being different. As I transitioned into adulthood and embraced my identity as a trans woman by 18, I quickly understood the challenges that lay ahead—employment discrimination, homelessness, substance abuse, and engaging in survival sex work.
What I once considered my “mess” has now become my powerful message. On April 27, 2013, I founded T.A.K.E. Peer Group to create a space where trans women could have their voices heard. What started as a peer group quickly evolved into an organization dedicated to addressing the needs of trans people of color. With only one volunteer staff member, my best friend, De’shunika Hayes, by my side, we worked countless hours together for almost six years. Through unwavering dedication and perseverance, we pushed forward until TAKE was able to secure a large enough grant to begin providing compensation. De’shunika’s support and commitment during those early years were truly invaluable, and I am forever grateful for the foundation we built together.
Today, T.A.K.E. Resource Center stands as a testament to resilience and purpose, working tirelessly to empower and uplift our community.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My life is devoted to improving the quality of life for trans people, with a strong focus on prioritizing Black trans folks. As a Black trans woman and Executive Director of T.A.K.E. Resource Center, I am committed to dismantling systems of oppression, including patriarchy, capitalism, and misogyny. I work daily to educate others on the importance of supporting the trans community by ensuring equitable resources are accessible to us.
At T.A.K.E. Resource Center, we offer a wide range of services, including:
A drop-in center
Life coaching and peer-to-peer support
Outreach services for sex workers
The T’s Boutique
Hot meals provided daily
Empowerment and educational healing retreats
A crisis assistance fund
Emergency crisis housing
Leadership development programs
A Reproductive / Birth Justice Initiative
H.E.L.P Program
Linkage Care / PREP Navigation
Transportation
Monica Roberts Freedom School
We are actively working to expand our housing program to provide permanent supportive housing in the near future. Additionally, we are preparing to launch a capital campaign to build a brand-new, state-of-the-art safe haven from the ground up, offering more beds to serve unhoused community members.
This mission is my passion, and I will continue to advocate for the dignity, equity, and rights of our community.
Lastly, Mrs. Duncan-Boyd is not only a dedicated community leader but also a celebrated showgirl and pageant queen, known professionally by her stage name, Daroneshia D’Nae Starr. She successfully reigned as Ms. Central Alabama Pride 2023 and achieved a lifelong dream last November by capturing her first national title as Miss Renaissance Opulence 2024-2025. This service-based pageant is affiliated with Renaissance Kares, a community-focused organization based in Atlanta, Georgia, under the Executive Director leadership of Randall K. Smith.
Daroneshia reigns alongside her Royal court: AL Milan, Bianca Nicole Mayari, and Kane Connors, as they collectively represent the mission and vision of Renaissance Kares.
#BeRoyal
#BeRegal
#BeRENAISSANCE
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three key qualities and skill sets have helped me become effective in my work.
First, being raised by a strong, independent Black woman my mother Guelivia Pharris ( Mama Dee) who showed me unconditional love instilled in me resilience, compassion, and determination.
Second, my experiences as a survivor of sex work taught me invaluable skills like strong customer service, negotiation, and self-marketing. These skills have been instrumental in my leadership journey, particularly when building T.A.K.E. Resource Center and advocating for funding by confidently presenting my vision and brand.
Lastly, I’ve continued to grow by expanding my education and participating in various leadership development cohorts. Learning from powerful advocates and activists in the movement—like Janetta Johnson, Bre Rivera, Sharyn Grayson, Dr. Tatyana Moaton, Dr.Evonne Khao, Octavia Lewis the late Monica Roberts—has shaped me into the leader I am today.
These experiences and lessons drive my work and empower me to create meaningful change for the trans community.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
I must say, the first person who has been most instrumental in my development is my first boss in the nonprofit sector, Dafina Ward. She saw something in me that I couldn’t yet see in myself. Her guidance, belief in my potential, and constant push—especially when I felt uncomfortable—have shaped the leader I am today.
I also want to honor Genie and George Taylor, who have been an incredible blessing to me and my work. They ensured that T.A.K.E. Resource Center received the support it needed—whether financially, physically, or emotionally. Although Genie is no longer with us, her legacy lives on in her words and actions. She often said, “I may not see the change I want in my lifetime, but I know I’m a part of the change that will happen.” For that, I am forever grateful.
Lastly, I must uplift LeNell, who truly feels like a sister from another mother. She is a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, and a constant source of motivation and encouragement in every aspect of my life. Her unwavering support means the world to me.
To these incredible individuals, I am deeply thankful. They have played a significant role in shaping not only my work but also my journey as a person.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.takebhm.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daroneshia_duncan?igsh=MTdqY3FnYnk3eGFucQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daroneshia.duncan?mibextid=ZbWKwL
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