The voices of Black queer youth are powerful, necessary, and deeply deserving of amplification. In a world that too often seeks to silence them, it is imperative that we advocate for their right to be heard, supported, and celebrated. The intersection of Blackness and queerness carries a legacy of resilience and radical change, and the young activists leading today’s movements continue to push boundaries in pursuit of justice, equity, and self-acceptance. Their work is not just about personal expression; it is about systemic change, community empowerment, and redefining what it means to exist freely in a world that often resists their very being.
These young leaders are more than just the future—they are the present. Four of them have recently been highlighted in GLAAD’s 2024 20 Under 20 Program. They are speaking out against censorship, reshaping economic systems, challenging oppressive policies, and using art to explore the complexities of identity and freedom. The following Black queer youth activists exemplify what it means to stand boldly in one’s truth, and their efforts are paving the way for a more just and inclusive world.
Da’Taeveyon Daniels (he/him, 17) – The Voice Against Censorship
Da’Taeveyon Daniels stands on the shoulders of legendary writer and activist James Baldwin, drawing inspiration from his belief that voices are powerful tools for change. As a fearless Black queer activist, Daniels has fought against censorship and worked tirelessly to protect the rights of young people to access and express ideas freely.
His activism began in his freshman year of high school when he joined the National Coalition Against Censorship’s (NCAC) Student Advocates for Speech cohort. He not only spoke out against censorship but also played a pivotal role in enrolling hundreds of members in Texas. His impact was so significant that he became the youngest-ever member of NCAC’s National Advisory Council.
Beyond fighting censorship, Daniels has expanded his activism to civic engagement and mental health advocacy. Through leadership roles at organizations like the Youth Legislative Action Center and Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT), he has helped register over 4,000 high school seniors to vote across multiple states. His work is a testament to the necessity of youth leadership in shaping policies that directly affect them.
Dilinna Kgochukwu (he/they, 20) – The Poet of Hard Truths
For Nigerian-American poet and writer Dilinna, storytelling is a means of survival and a tool for liberation. With a poetic voice that oscillates between romantic and unflinchingly honest, he challenges societal norms and redefines narratives around queerness, identity, and global injustice. His work highlights the harsh realities of being queer in Nigeria while also offering moments of tenderness and hope.
His poem “Poem About Boys Who Died Before They Were Born” reframes the closet not as a place of shame, but perhaps as a temporary refuge for young queer kids navigating a hostile world. His work has been published in TAB Journal, Rigorous Magazine, and 1455 Movable Type, and he made history as the first California Youth Poet Laureate selected by Urban Word. As a prose reader for the Adroit Journal, he continues to champion diverse literary voices.
Inspired by Rebecca Sugar, the mind behind Steven Universe, Dilinna dreams of one day writing a novel that explores the complexities of queerness, culture, and self-discovery. His art is a powerful reminder that literature has the ability to change hearts and minds.
Kelsey Parker (she/her, 19) – The Entrepreneurial Advocate
When the COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately impacted Black business owners, Kelsey Parker took action. As an advocate and entrepreneur, she founded ThinkBlack, a digital platform that connects consumers to Black-owned businesses, providing economic opportunities for Black entrepreneurs nationwide.
Launched in 2020, ThinkBlack now supports over 10,000 Black-owned businesses and fosters economic growth within the Black community. Parker’s impact extends beyond her platform—she is an employee and representative for the Greater Baltimore Chamber of Commerce, helping to drive meaningful change in local economies.
While balancing her work and studies as an Agricultural Business major at Florida A&M University, Parker has received numerous accolades, including the Point Foundation Flagship Scholarship and the U.S. Small Business Administration Maryland Rising Star Student Entrepreneur of the Year Award. She encourages LGBTQ youth to embrace their identities, take their time discovering themselves, and seek out communities that uplift them.
Safara Malone (she/her, 19) – The Trans Policy Powerhouse
Safara Malone is a force to be reckoned with. As a Black trans woman and ballroom community member, she has built spaces where she and others can thrive, even in institutions that were never designed to include them. Now a student at Harvard, she brings her ballroom confidence into every space she enters, ensuring that queer and trans people are seen, heard, and valued.
Her activism began with the GSA Gender Justice Leadership Program, where she advocated for trans and nonbinary youth. Since then, she has worked with the Transgender Law Center, served as an intern for the ACLU, and co-chaired TransHarvard, which in 2023 became one of the largest trans-centered student-run events in the world. She currently works as a policy intern at Transgender Education Network Texas, where she combats anti-trans legislation and fights for trans youth’s access to healthcare.
Malone’s mentor, Emmett Schelling, Executive Director of the Transgender Education Network of Texas, has been instrumental in shaping her advocacy. She hopes to continue his work and build upon the progress made for trans Texans and beyond.
The Future is Theirs to Shape
The brilliance, passion, and resilience of these young Black queer activists underscore why it is critical to protect and uplift our Black queer youth. Their voices challenge oppressive systems, demand justice, and remind us all that queerness and Blackness are not just identities—they are sources of strength, creativity, and leadership.
As a society, we must invest in their futures by ensuring access to education, mental health resources, economic opportunities, and safe spaces. We must listen to their stories, amplify their messages, and stand beside them as they carve out a world that embraces their full humanity. Because when Black queer youth are supported, they don’t just survive—they lead, they thrive, and they change the world.