From Tragedy to Joy, a Story of Healing and Empowerment
My story begins with deep loss and pain, but today, I tell it with gratitude and love. At just 11 years old, I lost my pregnant mother, Lucy, to femicide at the hands of my father. The tragedy was unimaginable, leaving me orphaned, scared, and angry. But now, as an adult, I look back not with bitterness but with compassion—for the systemic violence that shaped my parents’ lives and the players trapped within it. My journey is one of rising from the ashes of violence, finding joy, and using that joy as a beacon for others.
Growing up, I was a tall, outspoken child who was told that my outspokenness would cause me trouble. On April 3rd, everything changed when my mother was brutally murdered. At the funeral, I heard for the first time: “Your father killed her.” Even at 11, I knew in my bones that it was true. My father’s presence had always been cloaked in quiet, simmering violence. But I was also surrounded by women—strong, resilient women—who helped carry me through the worst days of my life.
The memory of my mother, Lucy, is one of joy, laughter, and strength. She was vibrant, full of life, and beloved by everyone who knew her. While her life was cut short by violence, her spirit remains alive within me. I carry her with me, not as a story of tragedy, but as a testament to the resilience, strength, and love that can blossom even in the darkest of times.
In the years that followed, my sister and I were left to raise ourselves. We had no real guidance, but we were blessed by a sisterhood of women—friends, mentors, and healers—who nurtured and protected us. These women were my light, showing me that there was more to life than just surviving. They introduced me to Afrofeminist theories and ways of thinking that gave me the tools to not only heal from trauma but to thrive. I learned to see the world with a critical, yet compassionate eye, understanding that systemic violence impacts all of us, but we can break free from its hold.
Through this journey, I became deeply committed to using my story to advocate for others. I didn’t just want to survive—I wanted to thrive, and help others do the same. I became a voice for those who couldn’t speak, an advocate for survivors of gender-based violence, and a guide for others navigating the intersections of race, gender, and trauma. Joy became my mission, not in spite of the violence I endured, but because I know how transformative joy can be.
Out of this personal journey, Hyperdiverse was born. As I grew into my roles as an educator, facilitator, and advocate, I realized that inclusion wasn’t just a concept I taught—it was something I lived. Hyperdiverse became a platform for building inclusive spaces that welcome every part of us—our histories, our identities, and our stories.
The name "Hyperdiverse" encapsulates everything I stand for. It acknowledges the beautiful, complex layers of our lives that make us whole, especially those of us who exist at the intersections of multiple identities. As a Black, queer, femicide survivor, I know how vital it is to embrace every part of who we are, and that’s the essence of Hyperdiverse. It’s about moving beyond survival and stepping into a life of thriving.
Today, I stand in joy, ready to share my story with the world, not as a victim, but as a woman who has embraced healing, sisterhood, and love. I now serve as the Director of Hyperdiverse, working to create inclusive, joyful spaces where individuals can feel safe, seen, and celebrated. My life is dedicated to helping others understand the power of intersectionality, the importance of inclusivity, and the path from trauma to joy.
I am grateful for the journey I’ve had and the women who saved me along the way. My experiences have shaped me into a resilient, compassionate advocate for survivors of gender-based violence and all those living at the margins of society. It is my mission to help others reclaim their voices, find healing, and step into their own joy.
As a speaker and facilitator, I bring my lived experience to every room I enter. I invite others to join me in exploring how we can create kinder, more inclusive communities where everyone’s voice matters. From intersectionality to femicide awareness, my work is rooted in empathy, connection, and a deep desire to spark transformative conversations.
For speaking engagements, coaching, or facilitation services, contact me at info@hyperdiverse.org or call +41 078 235 7622.
Stay happy and talk soon!
Arcy Rosmery