TJ Richards she/they

TJ Richards identifies as queer, gender nonconforming, maybe non-binary queer and lesbian.  She was born in Florida in 1979.  In this interview she shares her personal journey and her impactful involvement with the LGBTQ+ community in Milton Keynes, primarily through her work with Q:alliance since 2017. She discusses her evolving gender identity, her move from Florida to Wolverton, and the emotional experience that led her to become a trustee of Q:alliance. TJ describes the organisation’s growth, the challenges they faced—particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic—and the resilience required to keep services going virtually. She reflects on initiatives like the LGBTQ+ youth prom and the launch of Milton Keynes Pride Festival, both of which provided safe, joyful spaces for queer people. TJ also shares personal experiences of discrimination, but emphasises how Milton Keynes’s inclusive spirit and the solidarity of its queer and broader communities have made it feel like home. Her story is a powerful testament to visibility, community, and the lasting impact of grassroots activism.