Interview of Rona Love

Rona Love discusses her early childhood hardships, three decade long incarceration and experiences in psychiatric hospitals. She details abuse, violence and the extreme isolation of being a trans-femme person in the prison system. Prior to being imprisoned, Rona describes going to Limelight and other nostalgic clubs, visits to Riis beach and the general aura of the 70s in downtown NYC. She is an advocate today with Black and Pink and is committed to helping girls on the inside with the love and support she has from friends who were there for her and from “the younger generation” of prison abolitionists that are committed to standing up for injustices within the LGBT community.

Date of Interview:

November 30, 2021

Location of Interview:

Chinatown, New York City

Place of birth:

Toa Alta, Puerto Rico

Pronouns:

Ms, She/Her

Interviewed by

Aviva Silverman