Just over one month into his new role as Atlanta’s head of LGBTQ Affairs, Dewayne R. Queen is developing a vision that supports various groups by working with city partners and local organizations.
But he knows it won’t be easy.
While Atlanta is often viewed as a welcoming and progressive place, many are grappling with Gov. Brian Kemp’s recent embrace of religious freedom laws and state efforts to restrict transgender rights and ban LGBTQ books in schools.
For Queen, he knows his work can have a significant impact on LGBTQ communities and especially the trans population.
“There were 647 anti-trans bills that have failed so far this year,” Queen told Capital B Atlanta. “[I want to] continuously support them in making sure that they’re seen, heard, felt and kind of loved on during this time. And just give them the necessary tools that’s needed for them to be successful.”
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The former flight attendant and president of Delta Air Lines LGBTQ business resource group, Queen also founded The Trans Life Awards, which honors trailblazing transgender and nonbinary artists, advocates and community leaders.
“If I had the opportunity to impart anything to trans youth, their existence is resistance, is my thought process,” Queen said. “Continue to exist in the spaces that they’re in, continue to be your authentic selves. Find support in a community that can give you the tools to continue to grow into who they authentically want to be.”
Appointed by Mayor Andre Dickens, the city’s LGBTQ Affairs department is housed within the Mayor’s Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion to focus on strengthening civic relationships and dismantling systemic barriers.
“As a city dedicated to creating opportunities for all, we welcome Dewayne Queen to our team in a role that will continue our Administration’s work to create innovative programming and opportunities for the LGBTQ community,” Dickens said in a press release. “Dewayne is well-equipped to coordinate efforts among community partners, amplify intersectional voices and implement data-driven solutions that address the needs of marginalized groups, including LGBTQ youth, veterans, seniors and communities of color.”
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In a city still grappling with an HIV crisis that is further exacerbated by CDC budget and staffing cuts, Queen wants to call leaders of local organizations together to address vulnerable populations.
According to the CDC, Georgia had the second-highest HIV diagnosis rate and the second-highest rate of HIV related deaths in 2023 in the U.S.
“I want to [bring] thought leaders to the table and say, ‘How can we make sure that community is still supported and seen?’” Queen said. “I am also very keen on the HIV rates among Black women.”
Queen said Black women need to request HIV tests during their physical checkups. He also wants to educate more people about the benefits of PrEP, a medication to prevent HIV infection.
When it comes to another vulnerable LGBTQ group, Queen wants to support youths and their parents.
“Our LGBTQ youth could use additional support as well as guidance,” Queen said. “But also parents as well, helping them navigate the conversations they need to have and making sure that they feel supported in that aspect as well.”
To better inform his outreach and efforts, Queen said he wants to hear directly from residents at the LGBTQ Town Hall Breakfast he’s hosting Friday, Aug. 8, from 10 a.m. to noon at Atlanta City Hall.
“This position does not exist without community, and so I’m making sure that the office is tangible, that I am seen, that I’m felt, so that people know that this office and its mayor supports the LGBTQ community,” Queen said.
Click here to RSVP for the event.
