TONI MARIE PRESTON
SOCIAL WORKER | ADVOCATE| SPEAKER | TRAINER & CONSULTANT
In order to protect ourselves and our brothers/sisters/siblings, we must educate, agitate and resist because violence and oppression should no longer exist. (Toni Marie Preston, Guest Column of Windy City Times 2017)
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Since day 1 Toni Marie Preston has had to represent herself and marginalized communities not only to survive but thrive. Survival alone is dependent on her advocacy.
“I had to learn how to take care of myself and advocate for my health care needs, [...] learn how to interact with medical professionals. [...] I experienced microaggressions because of my race, gender identity, disability, and sexual orientation. I didn’t have language to explain my lived (around) experiences.”
(Gina Stinnet; Community Voices Women’s and Gender Studies Newsletter - Student Spotlight: Toni Marie Preston)
It is not Sickle Cell Disease or her identities as a Black Trans Woman that defines her. These factors are what makes her - while the work, is what defines her. Her roots in early activism work developed while attending Illinois State University. It is here that Preston gained the language and knowledge to express her lived experiences and systematic oppression.
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Preston has worked as a Graduate Assistant at the University of Illinois at Chicago Gender & Sexuality Center. She has also interned at The Chicago Urban League & Metropolitan Family Services. Her goal is to work towards dismantling systems of oppression so all marginalized people can be free. It is through education, activism, research, and practice that Toni works to achieve this.
