Meet Danielle Bonanno | Outreach Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Danielle Bonanno and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Danielle, why did you pursue a creative career?

As a trans woman in long term recovery from substance use disorder with an extensive history of sex work, I knew all too well the challenges that our trans brothers and sisters face when they are ready to begin their recovery journeys. Residential recovery services are not readily available to trans individuals in the state of Georgia. When I came into the addiction recovery field I made it my purpose to reach this population, and to make affirming education readily available to our community and its decision makers.

My personal challenges in life have fed my drive in a professional capacity. I firmly believe in a fully equitable recovery community that is accessible to all regardless of race, sexual orientation, gender expression, religion, etc.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally? How did you get to where you are today professionally.

How did I get to where I am today? That’s a good question. I would say my difficult life experiences have given me drive and purpose. As a trans woman who spent years trapped in a cycle of addiction and prostitution, recovery gave me the ability to heal, as well as an opportunity to help others trudging down the same road I sometimes got lost on. Acceptance Recovery Center is leading the way in the recovery community here in the state of Georgia. I believe what sets us aside from other recovery centers is the fact that we are a fully equitable organization that is primarily queer led. We encourage our residents to make their own decisions regarding their recovery journeys, and we provide them with care, support and education that is affirming so that when they leave our care they are better humans.

My professional journey began with the organization I continue to work for, Acceptance Recovery Center. Founder Brandy Anderson has served as my mentor since day one, has challenged me professionally, and has given me free reign to expand our program to serve trans individuals. When I first shared my vision with her she immediately responded with “let’s do it!” Both Brandy and myself love a good risk, and when we first began this conversation we knew that we had many challenges ahead.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We are definitely making a stop at The Atlanta Selfie Museum to make some memories. I would follow that up with dinner at STK Steakhouse, and a maybe a stop at Blake’s on the Park for a little fun after. If we decide to stay up in Athens I would definitely say let’s hit up Seabear for the best oysters in town followed up by a stop at Hendershots or The Soundtrack to enjoy some music and maybe a drag show.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My recovery journey began at a local grassroots organization called Divas Who Win. The mission at Divas is to help women overcome sex trafficking, prostitution, and addiction and promote wellness. The founder Chanda Santana helped me to unpack my trauma from years of addiction and prostitution. In turn I was able to finally break free from the chains that bound me for so long.

My professional joinery began with the organization I continue to work for, Acceptance Recovery Center. Founder Brandy Anderson has served as my mentor since day one, has challenged me professionally, and has given me free reign to expand our program to serve trans individuals. When I first shared my vision with her she immediately responded with “let’s do it!” Both Brandyband myself love a good risk, and when we first began this conversation we knew that we had many challenges ahead.

I would like to give my shoutouts to both of these amazing women and organizations, because without them I wouldn’t be in a position to share this story with you now.

Website: Www.arc-ga.org

Facebook: Www.Facebook.com/acceptancerecoverycenter.com