Katrina Byrd, writer and playwright living in Jackson, MS, received her MFA in Creative Writing from Mississippi University for Women. An emerging writer published in several magazines, Byrd is the recipient of several Mississippi Arts Commission mini grants. 

Byrd and Dora, her partner of 23 years, created the Boa Flouncer alter ego in 2010.

The Boa Fluncer is a social media influencer who encourages followers to be themselves.  “If who I am offends you, then,  prepare  yo’self!” With attitude, flair and feather boas, she delivers  messages of hope. “Honey, keep struttin’ yo’ strut. Don’t give up.”

Diagnosed with ALS November 18, 2019, Dora lived seventy-six days.  After her death on February 2, 2020, Byrd was fully aware of the devastating impact of ALS on the body, soul and spirit. With no legal ties to each other, Dora and Katrina navigated the 100% fatal disease alone. Byrd cared for Dora alone with no money, no family support, no real understanding of ALS, no understanding of how to navigate the healthcare system, and minimal equipment. 

Shortly after Dora’s death, Byrd’s advocacy work began. Notable accomplishments include testifying before the FDA in support of amx0035, speakng at the 2022 STAT News Summit and being selected as a 2023 ALS/MND Patient Fellow to attend the ALS/MND conference in Basel Switzerland. While there, Byrd represented two posters including a poster on a community created mental health panel for people of color living with and or impacted by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS). Byrd is a NEALS Ambassador who advocates with several ALS organizations including ALS Problem Solvers, ALS/TDI, Honey Badgers, R1 ALS Clinic Survey team, Healey Retention and Recruitment team, ALS Hope Foundation Veteran Action Committee and the Morris ALS Principles team.

Life coach, feminist and disability advocate, Byrd is lead writer and owner of Daily Flounce which is dedicated to inspire, educate and advocate through storytelling.

Byrd is honored to serve on the LEITH Lab board. 
I flounce my boa at you!