In a world where authenticity is often met with resistance, 24-year-old Nekia Zulu stands firm. A Brooklyn native, Zulu wears many hats—dancer, actor, teacher, and advocate. But above all, she is a beacon of visibility for Black trans women and other marginalized communities.
“I am a multi-talented, multi-faceted individual,” she says, her voice unwavering. From teaching dance and voguing to speaking on national and international panels, Zulu’s work spans creativity and activism. Her passion for visibility has taken her from the underground ballroom scene to the stage in London’s Sun Down Kiki Reloaded and to appearances in music videos and documentaries focused on humanizing the Black trans experience.
Zulu’s advocacy is deeply rooted in her lived experience. “I speak for the advancement of Black trans bodies,” she explains. “We are under attack right now. For years, systems have worked to keep marginalized communities separated. But that only makes our unity more essential.”
When asked how she feels trans people are treated today, Zulu points to the exhaustion within communities that have been on the front lines for years. “Marginalized groups are fatigued. But just because we’re tired does not mean the work stops,” she insists. “If anything, we should be working harder to make sure each other is okay.”
That sense of responsibility is personal. Zulu recounts an incident where she was denied a flight by Turkish Airlines, a reminder of the discrimination she often faces. “I have learned to protect myself by controlling how I present to the world,” she says. “I carry myself with grace and speak with intention, because I know some people are just waiting for a reason to treat me less than human.”
Yet, for Zulu, Pride Month in 2025 is not just about celebration—it is about resistance. “Pride means protest. It is about resilience. It is a call to get back to what Pride was originally about: fighting back,” she says. “And that resistance? It is not going anywhere.”
Zulu draws strength and inspiration from the Black trans women who came before her—and the ones watching her now. “I love seeing Black trans women win. And I am proud to be one of the women others look up to,” she says. “I am inspired by music, art, and everything Black people create. That is the legacy I want to contribute to.”
To young LGBTQ+ people coming of age today, Zulu offers this: “Welcome to life. You can exit quietly, or you can be a ripple in time. You have the power to be remembered, to leave an impact—whether it is on one person or an entire generation.”
Nekia Zulu is not just surviving—she is thriving. And through her work, her voice, and her visibility, she is making history one step at a time.
Featured image credit: DepositPhotos.com
