Ray Simpson has one main goal: to make people feel loved and accepted. "We don't have enough of that," he said.
Ray is an advocate for the trans and disabled communities. He came out in 2018 and shortly thereafter, he went from working at Target and teaching Zumba to healing from a surgery that resulted in multiple hospital visits, a depleted immune system and nerve damage. Ray was then diagnosed with disc degeneration.
The social isolation and loneliness that accompanied a slow healing process damaged Ray's mental health.
"I decided I had to do something," said Ray. He asked a friend in his apartment complex if they knew of any community spaces or support groups for the LGBTQ+ and disabled communities. His neighbor introduced him to the Rainbow Support Group.
"They welcomed me like I was their family," said Ray.
Now, Ray partners with the Rainbow Support Group to visit group homes around Minnesota to teach staff about how to better care for LGBTQ+ individuals who have intellectual disabilities. He has also partnered with The Arc Minnesota and through that organization had the opportunity to be panelist at OutFront Minnesota events, lead mindfulness workshops, present on voting rights with Rev Up Minnesota and more.
"I spread myself out with different organizations so that I can help people. That's all I want to do," said Ray.
(Ray Simpson)
In his work and personal life Ray has seen a drastic increase in trans and disabled people worried about their safety. One of his friends from Tennessee is planning to move to Minnesota.
"They visited here a couple weeks ago," said Ray. "I showed them around and they're leaving Tennessee and taking some people with them."
Ray is also a member of a few online community groups for trans folks. He said those groups are now flooded with concern. "I hear so many stories," said Ray. "'Should I detransition?' 'I'm scared of what people are going to do to me if they find out I'm trans.' 'Should I stop taking hormones?' 'Should I leave my community?' 'Should I move across state?' 'Should I move to a different country?'"
"I'm so informed about what's been going on that my stomach hurts," said Ray. "And my heart hearts for our communities."
But despite the darkness, Ray continues his work. "I keep going for my child who's in the LGBTQ community, my mother who's disabled and elderly," said Ray. "I have so many friends in the LGBTQ and disabled communities, and we all inspire each other."