Julio Roman

Julio Roman, who has a beard and is wearing a suit and tie with a rainbow pocket square, crosses his arms and looks into the camera looking serious.
Recorded by:
Kathielee Cruz and Shantell Rondon
Interview Date(s):Sunday, May 14, 2017
Location:Project WOW
Transcript(s):PDF icon transcript
At the age of sixteen, Safe Space Expert and LGBTQIA+ Rights Advocate, Julio C. Roman, accepted his calling in LGBTQIA+ activism and safe space design.

Julio has dedicated over twenty-two years to creating LGBTQIA+ safe spaces and advancing the health equality and social justice initiatives of Black and Brown Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender communities, and other marginalized communities affected by HIV/AIDS and its related health, social, and economic disparities.

His experience lies extensively in Safe Space Design, HIV Prevention and Harm Reduction Programming, Community Engagement, LGBTQIA+ Advocacy, Leadership Development, and LGBTQIA+ Organizational Development. He has a passion for mentoring, building highly effective teams, and working with other amazing change agents in and outside of the LGBTQIA+ social movement. He champions the idea that “highly effective leaders, coupled with highly engaging and inspirational LGBTQIA+ Empowerment Centers and safe spaces, save lives and create other leaders.” 

Julio is a founding member and co-founder of two LGBTQIA+ centers in the city of Newark. He often presents and publishes his public health findings on local, state, and national levels. He has been honored to represent the LGBTQIA+ community on Capitol Hill DC, State Department DC, World Monetary Fund DC, and the United Nations NYC. And continues to be featured in Insider NJ’s “Out 100: The LGBT Power List” for his leadership in community organizing and HIV/AIDS work. 

He currently serves on the Board of Directors at ARK of Freedom Alliance, a national anti-human trafficking organization, and proudly serves as an LGBTQIA+ Commissioner for Newark, New Jersey. He continues to work with LGBTQIA+ organizations nationally. 

Julio resides in Newark with his partner and two four-legged children, the Duke and Duchess of Forest Hills. 

For the latest information, or to contact Julio, please visit www.juliocroman.com.

Photo of Julio Roman's book release cover, spring 2022

More photos:
Photo of Julio Roman Selfie of Julio Roman
Photo of Julio Roman with friends
Photo of Julio Roman and friend
Photo of Julio Roman and friend