Brandy Rodriguez
Brandy Rodriguez was born on the 4 th of July 1971, and lived as a fierce transgender
activist and advocate. She was dedicated to fostering inclusivity, equality, and social and legal
justice for the transgender community. Her legacy began (in the late 80’s, early 90’s) when
she witnessed the stigma and discrimination meted out her community members in the public
health care system. The absence of a trauma-informed ethics of care, for persons of trans
experience and sex workers, especially those seeking HIV/AIDS health care, propelled her to
speak up against this grotesque miscarriage of social injustice. And so, without the support of
funders, NGOs, or an organization of her own, she fearlessly took up the mantle to educate
her peers about their human rights, inherent dignity, safer sex practices, and importance of
testing and treatment adherence.
Ms. Rodriguez grew up in the rural southern village of Rancho Quemado, where she
navigated the challenges and triumphs of self-discovery within the broader context of gender
identity. When Brandy was coming to terms with her gender and self-concept, very little was
known about the transgender identity or experience. At that time, persons of trans experience
were referred to as “drag queens”, or “dress up girls”. There was no language, scholarship or
gender affirming acknowledgement for one to identify as a transwoman.
It was in this lonely and unchartered space of trans identity, Brandy took fledging
steps to living on the outside, the person she knew on the inside. The evolution from filling
balloons with water to create cleavage, carrying a hammer in her handbag for protection, to
her renowned classic, elegant and sophisticated style, was marked by courage, determination
and resilience. These qualities would later become the hallmark characteristics in her
advocacy work.
Secured with the knowledge and a firm belief in her Human Right to live life in
harmony with her identity, she became a self and community advocate for transgender rights.
She never feared or hesitated to correct people who misgendered her or others. Her
partnership with ……(ITECH) and Medical Research Foundation (MRF) pioneered the
training of medical professionals to deliver trauma informed health care to all gender and
sexual diversities. Brandy’s dream was to create a society where diverse identities and
orientation, including sex workers and persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV), could be free
from stigma and discrimination (S&D). To achieve this vision, she would not and could not
take “no” as a final answer when confronted with barriers to social justice and equitable
health care.
Brandy is arguably one of our nations first peer navigator and educator for persons of
trans experience and sex workers. With an indomitable spirit she led by example, teaching
her community about safer sex and the importance of condom use, regular testing practices
and treatment adherence. She would accompany persons to testing sites, often standing as a
buffer between the person and an abusive and discriminatory health care system. When
someone was diagnosed as sero-reactive (HIV+), she would be their steadfast support as their
bodies adjusted to the medication, and later their champion for treatment adherence. Brandy
was certain to give psychological comfort, moral and financial support to those who were
hospitalized or bedridden.
Additionally, her love and generosity gave dignity and hope to many nearing the end
of their battle with HIV/AIDS, and to those starting their individual journey to self-awareness
and acceptance. It is common knowledge that young trans persons are often deprived of a
family of origin (FOO), home, employment, and space(s) to just be their authentic selves. As
a “House Mother”, she opened her home to many who needed a place to stay or a plate of
food to eat. Her home was a safe place to come and be who you are, free from judgement and
shame. Brandy’s passing left an immeasurable void for young trans persons with unanswered
questions about themselves, without a safe space to meet and socialize or a mentor to guide
and protect them.
On October 28th, 2021 Ms. Brandy Rodriguez, the 5th Commonwealth Point of Light
from Trinidad and Tobago, and the 180th Commonwealth @beapointoflight from across the
Commonwealth since 2018, died without warning.
(I think the Bio should end here. The rest can be categorized and placed elsewhere, even as a
continuation under the current headings)
Activism and Advocacy:
Driven by a deep commitment to social justice, Brandy began her activism journey by
participating in local LGBTQ+ organizations and other community initiatives. She
recognized that trans needs were obscured by Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual focused advocacy,
and became a visible and vocal advocate for persons of trans experience, pushing for policy
changes and societal acceptance.
As her influence expanded, Brandy sought out collaboration with various advocacy
groups, in particular Family Planning Association of Trinidad & Tobago (FPATT) leveraging
her platform to amplify the voices of those who often go unheard. Her work encompassed a
range of issues, including and not limited to, healthcare access, legal recognition, anti-
discriminatory practices, and mental health support for transgender individuals.
3TC roots began in 2007 when Brandy, the founder, created a movement for the
advancement of fundamental rights for transgender women. Her activism came about after
witnessing first-hand the stigma, discrimination and hostility metered out to transgender
persons, PLHIV’s, women and sex workers, in Trinidad and Tobago.
On July 19 th , 2017, under the Companies Act of Trinidad and Tobago, The Trinidad
and Tobago Transgender Coalition (3TC) was registered as a non-profit organization. 3TC
is a human rights-based organisation, dedicated to the eradication of stigma and
discrimination, and the health and well-being of persons of trans experience.
Notable Achievements:
Successfully campaigned for a place at the table assuring transgender healthcare issues are
heard. Now, 3TC is invited. This has led to increased accessibility and inclusion for those of
trans experience.
She spearheaded initiatives advocating for inclusive workplace policies, contributing to
positive changes in various corporate environments.
She collaborated with other LGBTQIA+ leadership and pushed for legal reforms to protect
the rights of transgender individuals, including non-discrimination laws and accurate
identification documents. While this is yet to be realized it is no longer ignored.
She regularly spoke at conferences, and public forums to raise awareness about transgender
issues and promote understanding.
Points of Light
Brandy is only the second transgender volunteer from the Commonwealth to receive this
award, which coincides with International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and
Biphobia. The daily Points of Light award recognises outstanding individual volunteers -
people who are making a change in their community. In 2021 she was presented with the
award.
At that time she shared “For 22 years it has been an uphill battle, especially in the Caribbean.
My conviction to not be silenced and to help vulnerable people keeps me committed to my
goal of a better more inclusive future for all. This award gives further encouragement and
will allow me to continue shedding light on the importance of including all people,
particularly the transgender community. I will also use it to shine a spotlight on the
importance of sexual and reproductive health rights. I know that, together, we will all be able
to create a Trinidad and Tobago where everyone is comfortable and free to be themselves.”
Media Presence:
Brandy is unofficially recorded as having to most media pics. She was a sought-after speaker
and commentator on transgender issues, frequently contributing to national and international
media outlets. She had been featured in interviews, documentaries, and articles that shed light
on the unique challenges faced by the transgender community and the importance of fostering
an inclusive society.
Personal Mission:
At the core of Brandy's activism is the belief that everyone deserves to live authentically
without fear of discrimination or prejudice. Her work strives to create a world where those of
trans experience are not only accepted but celebrated for their unique contributions to society.
Brandys was a powerhouse, an inspiration, a motivating force and a leading light in the fight
for transgender rights, inspiring others to join the movement towards a more inclusive and
compassionate world.