Black queer leaders continue to shape the world through advocacy, storytelling, and transformative activism. Their work uplifts marginalized voices and fosters equity across media, policy, and community spaces. This Black HERstory Month, we celebrate five Black queer womxn whose leadership is driving meaningful change.
Shar Jossell (Journalist & Media Luminary)
Shar Jossell is an award-winning journalist, host, and cultural commentator whose work explores the intersections of entertainment, gender, politics, and pop culture. With bylines in ESSENCE, Variety, them., and ZORA, Shar’s voice has become a powerful force in media. She’s appeared on BuzzFeed, FOX Soul, TMZ, and NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour, and recently starred in Netflix’s Outstanding documentary.
Beyond her work as a media personality, Shar is the President of the National Association of Black Journalists of Los Angeles (NABJLA) and a consultant for GLAAD. She made history as a keynote moderator for the KNX News LA Mayoral Debate between Mayor Karen Bass and Rick Caruso. Through her podcasting ventures—including We See Each Other and We’re…Just Like That—Shar continues to amplify LGBTQ+ stories and perspectives in mainstream media.
Mariah Barber (Equity Leader & Spoken Word Poet)
Mariah Barber is a Black, queer, disabled, and non-binary advocate at the forefront of intersectional equity, technology, and the arts. As the founder of Invisible Strengths, they empower organizations to foster inclusive workplaces through disability training and equitable hiring practices.
An internationally ranked spoken word poet, Mariah placed 20th in the Womxn of the World Poetry Slam and 19th in the Stonewall International Poetry Slam. Their powerful words have resonated on stages worldwide, including a keynote at the Biden White House World AIDS Day Youth Leaders Convening. With a background in global health, they’ve worked on issues ranging from HIV and MPOX to racism and food policy, securing grants to create youth poetry curriculums in Washington, DC. Mariah also co-chairs the DC Board of StartOut, an organization supporting LGBTQ+ startup founders.
Tee Sanders (Comedian & Digital Creator)
Raised on the South Side of Chicago, Tee Sanders fell in love with comedy by studying the styles of her hometown’s comedic legends. She learned early on that no matter how tough life got, laughter was the best remedy. With almost a decade in stand-up, Tee has become an internet sensation, amassing over 200 million views across social media.
Her signature dipping dance and role in The Round Table Game Show have made her a recognizable figure in the comedy world, particularly within the MASC community. Tee’s mission is simple: to create content that not only makes people laugh but also makes them feel good. And she’s just getting started.
Anna DeShawn (Media Innovator & Entrepreneur)
Anna DeShawn, pronouns anything respectful, is a multi-award-winning podcast producer, host, and social entrepreneur who has dedicated her career to uplifting BIPOC and QTPOC creatives. As the founder of E3 Radio, she created an online radio station dedicated to queer music and intersectional news coverage. Expanding her media impact, she co-founded The Qube, a podcast production company and curated discovery platform amplifying the best in BIPOC and QTPOC music and podcasts.
Anna’s contributions to media and community have earned her a place in the Chicago LGBTQ Hall of Fame (Class of 2023). She’s determined to ride media into its next era by using digital platforms to tell the stories that deserve to be heard. When she’s not building new media spaces, Anna is a daughter, wife, sister, and friend who loves cooking and running.
Marquia Parnell (LGBTQ+ Activist & Marketing Leader)
Marquia Parnell is a dedicated activist and marketing strategist uplifting LGBTQ+ visibility as the Director of Marketing and Communications for the Capital Pride Alliance in Washington, DC. Since joining as a volunteer in 2018, she has been instrumental in fostering diversity, inclusion, and equity within the region’s LGBTQ+ movement. Now, Marquia is leading the charge for WorldPride Washington, DC 2025, one of the most highly anticipated global Pride celebrations.
Her impact extends beyond community organizing—she has authored an Op-Ed in the Bay Area Reporter and been featured in Passport Magazine, using her voice to advocate for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ rights. Outside of her activism, Marquia is a visual artist who finds peace in painting and drawing. When she’s not creating, she’s traveling or enjoying time with her partner and their three senior pups.
These leaders are making waves in media, activism, and entertainment, proving that Black queer voices are essential to shaping a more inclusive and just world. Through their work, they continue to challenge norms, inspire change, and build spaces where Black queer communities can thrive.