2019 has been a remarkable year for a remarkable lady! From finding a meaningful purpose to unexpectedly becoming a trailblazer, I’m honored to talk about Jazell Barbie Royale’s incredible 2019 journey.
No one can predict the future. Often the best intentions are foiled by the daily riggers of life, yet through it all this native of Jacksonville has been blessed thanks in part to generational life lessons instilled in her by three dominate women in her life: her great grandmother, Gladys Kyle; her grandmother, Kathy; and her mother, Petria Chisholm. They all taught her the importance of wisdom, perseverance, humility and, most important, failure.
As an Outreach & Prevention/HIV Tester at Bliss Cares — a local healthcare service provider that provides doctors’ visits, testing, access to medication, laboratory, mental health, transgender medicine and community linkage and referrals, as well as educational and awareness activities — all has presented Jazell a unique opportunity to help those predominately young LGBTQ men and women who are unaware of their HIV status. Through Bliss Cares multitude of services, along with her seven year employment at The World Famous Parliament House Orlando, she has become a proud advocate who’s making a difference in the lives of those who have little or no access to testing, treatment or STD education.
As a trans woman living her truth, Jazell’s activism in bringing trans issues to the forefront of Orlando’s diverse community has been instrumental in promoting trans rights and visibility. I was proud to witness her and many local transgender women as they took to the streets of our nation’s capital participating in the first National Trans Visibility March on D.C., marking a huge milestone in the ongoing struggle for equality.
Finally, there are times when preparation, opportunity and knowledge comes together presenting that perfect moment, and in such a moment Jazell was honored to represent the U.S.A. at The Miss International Queen 2019 Pageant; a worldwide transgender pageant presented annually in Pattaya, Thailand.
Only once, in 2005, has the U.S. won this prestigious honor. She, and countless others, were ecstatic as we witnessed Jazell crowned Miss International Queen 2019. Her win also made history as Jazell Barbie Royal became the first transgender woman of African descent to win Miss International Queen. Now as Miss International Queen, Jazell is committed to using her platform to bring about HIV awareness of PEP and PrEP to countries with little or no resources. Realizing this huge endeavor and its many obstacles, the Miss International Queen organization has taken steps in making her desires and efforts successful.
Finally, in my long association with Jazell, I’ve seen tremendous growth in all aspects of her life. I’m proud to bear witness to her multi-fascinated journey for it has truly been an inspiring remarkable year. Mindful of her past, grateful in the present and optimistic about the future; I expect more extraordinary things from Orlando’s Jazell Barbie Royal for which I’m truly excited.
