Donna Payne-Hardy Releases New Memoir, I WAS HERE, Chronicling Self-Discovery, Love, LGBTQ+ Rights

WASHINGTON - Sept. 14, 2026 - PRLog -- WASHINGTON, DC — I WAS HERE by Donna Payne-Hardy is a deeply personal memoir about a young Black girl from Memphis who travels North in search of a life where she can discover—and ultimately accept—who she truly is.

Through honesty, vulnerability and reflection, Payne-Hardy takes readers on a journey through the challenges of growing up Black, confronting fat phobia, navigating family expectations and coming to terms with her identity as a lesbian. Her story is not only about finding herself; it is also about finding the courage to stand up for others.

As Payne-Hardy's personal journey unfolds, so does her evolution into a passionate advocate and leader in the fight for LGBTQ+ civil rights. Her experiences offer readers a firsthand perspective on the intersection of race, sexuality, family, faith, self-worth and social justice.

"I WAS HERE is my story of learning to love and accept myself—and understanding that my life, my voice and my journey mattered," says Payne-Hardy. "I hope readers see themselves somewhere in these pages and are reminded that they, too, have the right to live authentically and proudly."

[ Watch video: https://youtu.be/F_aflh-UUZk?si=8ylzvN_MMLadwuYq ]



Payne-Hardy brings significant experience to the story she tells. She spent 16 years with the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), working closely with civil rights organizations across the country to strategically increase the visibility of the LGBTQ+ community within religious and communities of color. She was instrumental in the fight for Marriage Equality and founded HRC's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Program.

She is also a Co-Founder of the National Black Justice Collective, an organization focused on advancing racial justice and LGBTQ+/SGL equality.

I WAS HERE brings together the personal and the political—showing how a young woman's search for acceptance ultimately became part of a lifelong commitment to creating greater acceptance and equality for others.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Donna Payne-Hardy is a civil rights advocate, community engagement professional and LGBTQ+ equality leader whose work has centered on the intersection of race, identity and social justice. Through her memoir, she offers an intimate look at the personal experiences that helped shape her life, her activism and her commitment to helping others find the courage to embrace who they are.

BOOK INFORMATION

Title: I WAS HERE
Author: Donna Payne-Hardy
ISBN:  978-1665311960
Genre: Memoir / LGBTQ+ / Black History & Social Justice
Available: Publication 8/21/2026; AMAZON

MEDIA & INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES

Donna Payne-Hardy is available for interviews, book discussions, podcasts, panels, speaking engagements and community events.

Suggested interview topics include:

• Coming out and the journey toward self-acceptance
• Growing up Black and confronting fat phobia
• The intersection of Black identity and LGBTQ+ identity
• The fight for LGBTQ+ Civil Rights and Marriage Equality
• The importance of LGBTQ+/SGL visibility within communities of color
• Her work with HRC, HBCUs and the National Black Justice Collective
• Why telling our personal stories matters

Media Contact:
Donna Payne-Hardy
dpread8@yahoo.com
202-716-1633
FB- Donna Payne-Hardy/Instagram @paynehardy