Webinar Recap: Balancing Hope, Joy, and Challenge: Navigating Life on the Registry

Lived ExperienceSex Offense LawsAdvocacy
Written By Robert Suttle

A symbolic road or path winding through a diverse landscape, representing the long, complex journey of life on the registry.

When we talk about life on the registry, the conversation often stops at fear, punishment, and shame. However, on May 21, 2025, during the Restorative Action Alliance webinar, something remarkable happened: three individuals, each directly impacted by the registry, came together to share their journeys not just of hardship, but also of hope, joy, and transformation.

Moderated by Jason Wasserman, this webinar featured Kim, Willie, and me: three individuals who have experienced profound loss and limitations under registry laws, yet have built lives of purpose and resilience.

What We Explored

This conversation moved beyond stigma and statistics, and into the deeply human experience of navigating:

  • Travel

  • Education

  • Family and Relationships

  • Parenting

  • Community Involvement

Each of us told a different version of the same truth: that life on the registry doesn’t end your ability to dream, to love, or to lead. It changes the rules, but not the game.

Stack of sticky notes to represent storytelling and reflection.

Storytelling is Resistance

I spoke about how public education, visibility, and truth-telling have been my lifeline. Sharing my story as a Black gay man living with HIV and surviving registry-related criminalization has not only educated the public, but it’s also helped restore my own power.

Robert provided personal testimony about his lived experiences during a committee hearing at the Louisiana State Capitol in April 2024.

“They can’t take away my voice. So I use it, and it has opened doors.”

Dreams Are Still Possible

Kim, a mother and artist, shared her story of taking a three-month solo RV trip across the U.S. despite being told it couldn’t be done. Her determination, preparation, and spiritual faith transformed a long-held dream into a life-changing reality.

A scenic photo of an RV on an open highway with dramatic skies at sunset.

“They can take things from my outer world, but not from within me, unless I let them.”

Persistence Breaks Barriers

Willie, who was incarcerated for 12 years, was denied admission to multiple colleges due to registry status. After six years of relentless effort, he earned his BA in Criminology from John Jay College and is now pursuing his Master’s in Forensic Mental Health Counseling.

Graduation cap thrown in the air.

“This is a long game. Relationships you build today can change your future tomorrow.”

Actionable Strategies

Whether you’re directly impacted or an ally, here are some ways to engage and push forward:

A directional signpost, a way forward for readers.

For Individuals on the Registry

  • Know Your Rights: Especially when relocating or traveling. Laws vary drastically by state.

  • Build Support Networks: Join peer-led circles, such as those hosted by the Restorative Action Alliance or Fearless Groups.

  • Tell Your Story: Publicly or privately, your truth matters. Reclaim it.

For Advocates and Allies

  • Educate Legislators: They often don’t know, and they won’t until someone tells them.

  • Lift-Up Lived Experience: Partner with directly impacted people in your organizing and messaging.

  • Challenge Dehumanizing Language: Call out labels that reduce people to their past instead of their present.


For Families and Loved Ones

  • Speak Up Together: Parents, spouses, and children, your voices have unique power in advocacy spaces.

  • Join Support Spaces: Many groups welcome allies and loved ones to heal and organize side-by-side.

An empowering quote calls for self-awareness, continuous learning, and a proactive life approach.

Final Thoughts

This webinar reminded us that no matter how isolating the registry can feel, none of us are alone. Every time we show up, whether at a school board meeting, a podcast, a protest, or a Zoom call, we’re breaking the silence. We are our own best advocates. We are teachers, travelers, parents, students, healers, and leaders.

“We are more than the sum of our worst mistakes.” – Kim

If you’re on this journey, I hope you find strength in our stories. If you’re not, I hope you find the courage to stand with us.

The next webinar in this series will explore navigating holidays while on the registry. Stay informed with the Restorative Action Alliance for updates.


Related Resources 

Robert Suttle
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Black. Gay. HIV. Criminalized.