Anna DeShawn: Empowering QTBIPOC Communities Through Media
Anna DeShawn is a transformative powerhouse in the realm of digital media and social entrepreneurship. Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Anna’s roots in her community run deep, fueling her lifelong commitment to amplifying marginalized voices. Her journey in radio began as an intern for the Tom Joyner Morning Show while studying at Drake University. This experience, which allowed her to “talk to thousands of people and make an impact while wearing sweatpants,” was a pivotal moment that ignited her passion for radio.
In 2009, Anna founded E3 Radio, a pioneering platform dedicated to queer music and news. Inspired by trailblazers Ella Baker and Fannie Lou Hamer—public speakers, educators, prominent figures of the civil rights movement, and all-around remarkable Black women—Anna envisioned E3 Radio as a beacon for underrepresented voices. This online radio station, built on the pillars of educating, empowering, and entertaining, provides a vital space for queer and independent music. Anna’s unwavering commitment to advancing media is evident in E3 Radio’s mission to share music and stories that resonate deeply with the community. The vibrant and dedicated E3 Radio team exemplifies “Queer Radio Done Right,” bringing this unique station to life.
In 2014, Anna launched the “Purple Tie Affair: Concert & Silent Auction,” a charitable initiative supporting small nonprofits making a “big impact.” Her vision continued to expand with the founding of The Qube in 2020, a podcast production company centered on BIPOC and QTPOC voices. Among her many endeavors, Anna hosts “Black HIV in the South: How Did We Get Here,” a poignant series exploring the Black community’s experiences during the early days of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the American South.
Anna’s influence extends beyond her professional achievements. As a board member of Affinity Community Services, a Chicago-based LGBTQ social justice organization focusing on Black women, she continues to advocate for justice and equality.
Queer News Podcast: Amplifying Marginalized Voices at the Intersection of Race, Sexuality, and Culture
Queer News is a groundbreaking podcast that stands at the intersection of race, sexuality, and culture, providing a vital platform for stories that mainstream media often overlooks. Hosted by Anna DeShawn, the podcast is released weekly and covers a broad range of topics, from politics and current events to culture and entertainment. Each episode is meticulously crafted to deliver a comprehensive look at the issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community, with a particular focus on communities of color.
Episode Highlights
Below are some episode highlights from recent shows of the Queer News podcast, offering a glimpse of what to expect:
July 15, 2024: Taylor Casey’s Disappearance, Trump Assassination Attempt, and New Leadership at The Trevor Project
Politics: Taylor Casey Missing Report
Anna continues to shed light on the disturbing case of Chicago native Taylor Casey, a Black trans woman who went missing in the Bahamas mid June of this year. Despite the family’s pleas, there has been minimal involvement from the American government. Anna’s reporting emphasizes the systemic neglect and prejudices faced by transgender individuals, particularly those of color. She calls for greater visibility and advocacy, urging listeners to support Taylor’s family in their quest for justice.
Politics: Trump Assassination Attempt
In a gripping segment, Anna discusses the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. She delves into the complexities of political violence and the role of inflammatory rhetoric in escalating tensions. Anna reflects on her experiences as a Black queer woman during Trump’s presidency, highlighting the intersection of her identities and the personal impact of his policies and rhetoric. “Every single one of my identities as a Black queer woman has been attacked by [Trump], his administration, and his supporter. From where I sit ‘Make America Great Again’ was a time when we were 3/4ths of a person in the Constitution. On top of that, [Trump], has put together a Supreme Court that has dismantled Roe v Wade.” Anna continues passionately by saying, yet at the same time, it can not be understated that political violence is a threat to every American’s right and something we all must advocate against. This segment is a powerful reminder of the importance of accountability and the dangers of divisive political discourse.
Culture and Entertainment: The Trevor Project’s New CEO
Anna celebrates the appointment of Jaymes Black as the new CEO of The Trevor Project. As a Black nonbinary lesbian, Black’s leadership represents a significant milestone for the organization and the broader LGBTQ+ community. Anna’s excitement about this new chapter for The Trevor Project underscores the importance of representation and leadership diversity in advocacy organizations. She discusses the potential for transformative change under Black’s leadership and the importance of supporting organizations that uplift marginalized voices.
June 3, 2024: Pride Reflections, Remembering Darri Moore, and Walmart’s Pride Collection
News: Remembering Darri Moore
Anna pays tribute to Darri Moore, a Black trans woman found dead alongside the Mississippi River in early May. She was 23 years old. Despite police claims of no foul play, Anna amplifies the family’s concerns and calls for further investigation. This segment is a stark reminder of the ongoing violence against transgender individuals and the need for persistent advocacy. Anna’s reporting highlights the systemic issues that contribute to such tragedies and the importance of community support and activism. Anna ends the segment with this solemn cry “Dari Moore we speak your name today.”
Politics: Teen Denied Entry to Prom
Anna shares the story of Sophie, a teen in Florida who was denied entry to prom for wearing a suit instead of a dress. The community’s supportive response to Sophie highlights the small but significant victories in the fight for gender expression and acceptance. Anna discusses the broader implications of this incident for LGBTQ+ youth and the importance of creating inclusive environments where everyone can express themselves freely.
Culture and Entertainment: Walmart’s Pride Collection
In a discussion about corporate engagement with Pride, Anna contrasts Walmart’s steadfast support for its Pride collection with the backlash faced by other retailers. She explores the complex relationship between capitalism and queer visibility, acknowledging the positive impact of corporate support while critiquing its motivations. “Now, let’s be clear, Anna states, I’m not here for the capitalism of Pride, but I’m also very cognizant when capitalism chooses to support, and when capitalism chooses not to support.” This segment encourages listeners to critically evaluate the role of corporations in Pride celebrations and to support businesses that genuinely uplift the LGBTQ+ community.
May 20, 2024: Remembering Jazlynn Johnson, Roller Derby League’s Victory, and Billie Eilish’s New Song
News: Jazlynn Johnson’s Murder
Anna recounts the tragic murder of Jazlynn Johnson, an 18-year-old Black trans woman, and the ongoing search for answers. This story is a powerful call to action, urging listeners to remember Jazlynn and continue fighting against violence targeting the transgender community. Anna’s reporting emphasizes the need for justice and the importance of honoring Jazlynn’s memory by advocating for systemic change.
Politics: Nassau County Roller Derby Rebels: Fighting Back Against Transphobia
Anna DeShawn brings to light the case of the Roller Derby Rebels, a team from Nassau County known for its liberal and inclusive stance. Everything was smooth sailing, until Republican County Executive Bruce Blakeman signed a bill that he introduced, which prohibits transgender athletes from playing in women and girls’ sports at county-owned athletic facilities. “This policy is nothing short of transmisogyny and sexism,” Anna asserts. The Roller Rebels took legal action against this order and won, with a Supreme Court judge ruling that the county executive did not have the authority to enforce such a ban.
Anna celebrates this victory: “I love this story because it’s about the people fighting back against the system and winning. Power concedes nothing, ever. Okay? I love this story!” The Roller Rebels released a statement, declaring, “Today’s decision is a victory for those who believe that transgender people have the right to participate in sports just like everybody else. Blakeman’s order tried to punish us just because we believe in inclusion and stand against transphobia. Trans people belong everywhere, including sports, and they will not be erased.”
Politics: Kansas City Chiefs Kicker’s Controversial Commencement Speech
In another riveting segment, Anna covers the backlash against Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker’s commencement speech at Benedictine College. Butker’s remarks, which included anti-abortion, anti-Pride, and anti-COVID-19 lockdown rhetoric, sparked significant outrage. His assertion that a woman’s most important role is that of a homemaker drew sharp criticism from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups like GLAAD.
Anna calls out the hypocrisy in Butker’s speech: “As a journalist, I wholeheartedly believe in the First Amendment right, that people have the right to speak their mind and express themselves. The problem is that these conservatives don’t really believe in that. They want you to be who they want you to be. They want you to do what they want you to do.”
She continues, “Hate speech is the most dangerous form of free speech because that hate is what is leading to so many of our trans siblings being killed on the street. It’s leading to all this anti-trans hate, it’s leading to polls where people are less supportive of same-sex marriage than they were 10-15 years ago. That is what hate speech does. So yes, you’re free to do it, and we are free to call it out. And this right here is just a bunch of nasty, filthy hate.”
The Power of Storytelling
Queer News is more than just a podcast; it’s a vital resource for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Through its thoughtful and intersectional approach, the podcast empowers listeners by providing them with the information and perspectives they need to stay informed and engaged. Anna DeShawn’s commitment to elevating marginalized voices ensures that Queer News remains a beacon of inclusivity and advocacy in the media landscape.
Anna DeShawn’s Queer News podcast exemplifies the transformative power of storytelling. By focusing on the intersections of race, sexuality, and culture, Anna brings crucial issues to the forefront, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse experiences within the LGBTQ+ community. Her dedication to covering stories that mainstream media often overlooks ensures that marginalized voices are heard, celebrated, and remembered.
In a time when queer stories are increasingly under threat, Anna’s work with Queer News is not just about reporting the news—it’s about creating a platform for resilience, resistance, and hope. Her podcast is a testament to the importance of visibility, representation, and the unwavering fight for justice and equality.
As Anna says at the end of each episode, it’s “Queer News Done Right.”
To stay connected with Anna DeShawn and follow her inspiring work, you can find her on Instagram at @AnnaDeShawn.
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