Briona “Bri” Jenkins is a 31-year-old Black, queer woman based in ATX. Celebrating activism, joy and vulnerability, Bri is a public speaker, activist for the LGBTQIA+, female, and people of color communities, and has years of experience using her platform to evoke change.
Over the years, she’s worked for a variety of nonprofit organizations where she served as a Direct Client Support Specialist, Development Coordinator, and now as Associate Director of Development. In 2019, Bri launched her podcast The Tea with Bri. She also hosts BARE with Giddy. Speaking of The Tea, its 100th episode will drop soon! Keep your eyes and ears peeled for that.
In addition to all this, Bri uses her Instagram account to talk about uncomfortable conversations, sustainability and experiencing joy. We asked her what we can look forward to seeing more of in 2022.
I will be sharing way more of my personal life, more of the day-to-day behind the scenes sort of stuff. I am also trying to grow my account so that I can share my podcast (and those stories), my work (trying to grow my company), and to just show a Black queer woman enjoying life.
You know we couldn’t let her go without answering some of our Totally Texas questions!
What’s your favorite Austin shot movie and TV show?
This may not count but I really loved that season six of Queer Eye was here – also, Spy Kids, Walker and What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.
Who is your favorite Texas band/ musician?
Top Five: Beyonce, Megan the Stallion, Lizzo, Kelly Clarkson, and Usher or Barry White.
Who would you classify as “totally Texan?”
Ann Richards, RIP.
What’s your theme song?
“I was here” by Beyonce or “Iris” by The Goo Goo Dolls.
Who would play you in the movie of your life?
Amber Riley.
What advice do you have for Austinites looking to be successful in social media?
Be authentic and share what you love. I think so many people are concerned about having something so curated and I have found such success in, yes having a nice photo, but also sharing what is relatable.
Who are some of your favorite accounts to follow?
Oh my gosh this is way to long to list. There are so many amazing BIPOC, Queer, and Woman accounts that I love to follow but here are my top 10 Austin based people to follow.
- Evelynfromtheinternets
- FindingPaola
- ShelbySorrel
- Mama.Duke
- ATXFYI
- ChubbyDiaries__
- OriginStudioHouse
- InBoldCompany
- JustinMadeThat
- Hallease.mp4
You can learn more about Briona Jenkins here and on her consulting page here.
All photos by Shelby Sorrell.
