For over 15 years, Coach Dee has been at the forefront of mental health and social services, becoming a vital resource for those in crisis. Known as the calm in the storm, she’s been the first call for individuals grappling with tumultuous situations, especially in the Black and queer communities that she represents. However, the true story behind Coach Dee reveals that even the healers need healing too.
Raised in a preacher’s household, Coach Dee grew up under the weight of religious expectations and norms. Acknowledged primarily for her ability to serve others, she found herself hiding parts of her identity as a queer, masculine-of-center Black woman. “I was out, in a relationship, living life—but I was still hiding so much of me,” she reflects, explaining the duality that plagued her existence.
That internal conflict eventually reached a breaking point. Coach Dee realized that she could no longer carry others’ truths without acknowledging her own. Her journey toward self-acceptance began through the act of journaling, which served as a refuge during her tumultuous childhood. “Writing gave me the space to express what I couldn’t always say out loud,” she notes, highlighting the cathartic liberation of putting pen to paper.
What began as personal reflections transformed into her first book—a project infused with vulnerability and truth. “I was scared as hell,” she admits, voicing her fears not only of public reception but particularly concerning her family. However, the release of her book was met with an overwhelming wave of support, leading her to recognize that her journey was larger than just her personal narrative.
The success of her first book spurred her on; she published two more, with a fourth on the horizon. Along the way, Coach Dee realized she was not just narrating her own journey but inspiring others to articulate their stories too. This realization birthed Detox Life Coaching, a venture that transcends traditional coaching to become a healing movement where truth and mental health intersect.
Moving away from established systems, Coach Dee defined her own path. “It seems like everything I’ve done has been rooted in mental health—my own, first and foremost,” she states, establishing a clear connection between her personal healing and her ability to aid others. The most profound change came when she promised her inner child she would become the protective force she had always needed.
Despite the challenging journey, particularly stemming from a faith culture that viewed queerness through a lens of shame, Coach Dee found a new theology grounded in grace. “I had to stop giving a fuck about what other people thought,” she states assertively, embracing the necessity of self-acceptance to forge meaningful connections.
Today, her positive impact radiates throughout the community, from queer youth in South Dallas to mothers aiming to interrupt cycles of trauma. The work she does extends far beyond traditional coaching; it empowers individuals to reclaim their identities and heal. One transformative moment came when a queer mother, inspired by Coach Dee, shared that her journey towards healing had sparked a blossoming change in her daughter. “Coach told me—once you heal you, you’ll heal your daughter,” the mother remarked, encapsulating the legacy Coach Dee aims to create.
Coach Dee recently received an honor for her contributions to the community at the Resource Center’s annual fundraising event. When she walked onto the stage, her presence shifted the atmosphere in the room. Celebrated not just for her work, but for embodying the hope and courage that many attendees were seeking, Coach Dee exemplified the power of living authentically.
Although she never intended to become a symbol of hope, Coach Dee’s courageous journey has galvanized a movement for others to follow. “I didn’t know it was going to come to this level,” she reflects, but she is ready for the next chapter, eager to lead a healing revolution.
She emphasizes that the work at hand is not about achieving perfection but about liberating souls. By doing the necessary healing now, individuals can ensure that future generations are not burdened by the same struggles.
“Everything’s not going to be perfect,” she acknowledges, yet the potential for change lies in confronting one’s own challenges. The legacy Coach Dee aspires to build is one where visibility, healing, and power become integral parts of every individual’s journey.
As she continues to navigate this path, Coach Dee’s approach remains unapologetic, courageous, and profoundly impactful. She is redefining what it means to heal and to lead others towards authentic self-discovery. With every book she writes and every life she touches, Coach Dee is not merely making strides for herself but paving the way for an entire community to emerge into their own freedoms.
image source from：dallasweekly
