About lorae

Lorae V. Bonamy-Lohve is a lover, dreamer, and a writer who uses her voice to build peace, fight injustice and create opportunities for reconciliation. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Strategic Communication from Temple University and her Master of Science degree in Higher Education Counseling/Student Affairs from West Chester University of Pennsylvania.

Lorae is currently a doctoral student studying Higher Education, Student Affairs and International Education Policy at the University of Maryland, where she also works as a Student Affairs educator. Her research interests include racism, racialized religious oppression, racialized heterosexism, student organizations, and inclusive campus environments. The goal of Lorae’s work is for queer people of color and faith to be fully loved in families, communities and institutions of higher education. Lorae comes to this work understanding both the elitism and oppression that are built into the structure of higher education and the real economic benefit of a college degree.

While in college, after seeing countless people experiencing homelessness in the area surrounding her school, Lorae was inspired to start an organization. 21 Days of Love began as an effort to raise awareness about the public interest issue of homelessness in Philadelphia, and since it first started, 21 Days of Love has gone on to impact hundreds of people in southeastern Pennsylvania, Maryland and Washington, D.C. 

Lorae is also a barista at Starbucks (prn), a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, and an active member of a radically inclusive faith community. She loves deep conversations, running, facilitating groups for people of faith, and quality time with her spouse, Ryan.