DeAunte Damper to Honor Black LGBTQ+ Voices on Back2Besa
Tonight, in a truly special and deeply heartfelt episode of Back2Besa, DeAunte Damper steps into the guest host role, offering not just a Pride Month recap but a profoundly personal and introspective journey through his unique lens. This isn't just about filling in for Besa Gordon; it's a "monumental opportunity," as DeAunte himself describes it. This special episode of Back2Besa is the result of close collaboration between DeAunte Damper and Converge Media CEO Omari Salisbury. For years, Omari and DeAunte have shared a vision, discussing how to genuinely support the queer community in a way that transcends performance, focusing instead on intentional and foundational action. It was a meeting between Damper and Salisbury three years ago that launched Damper’s show, "We Live in Color." This special Pride episode of Back2Besa is dedicated to the memory of Omari Salisbury's late older brother, Hiram Salisbury, a pioneer in Seattle's Black LGBTQ community in the early 80s who passed away from HIV/AIDS in 2005. Twenty years after his passing, Hiram’s presence is not only still felt but also continues to inspire and uplift voices in the Seattle Black LGBTQ community today.
Damper’s own program, "We Live in Color," hosted on Converge Media, is a vibrant platform exclusively dedicated to amplifying the voices, stories, and experiences of Black LGBTQ+ leaders in Seattle and beyond. DeAunte emphasizes that it is literally "creating a museum for our community," ensuring that vital stories, often unheard, are given a prominent and permanent platform. He views the show as a prism that reveals the "spectacular and brilliant light" of the Black LGBTQ+ community, which has too often been "hidden in plain sight." Beyond showcasing diversity through insightful interviews and engaging discussions, "We Live in Color" provides a safe and empowering space for individuals often marginalized, fostering a deep sense of community, belonging, and pride. It's also a powerful call to action for greater inclusion and equity, bringing to light systemic issues like racism, homophobia, transphobia, and healthcare disparities, and inspiring viewers to become allies and advocates for change.
This week's Back2Besa continues that vital work by intentionally prioritizing the voices of Black queer individuals, a focus that DeAunte passionately asserts "has not been done before, and not in this way." He sees this episode as a foundational and monumental moment, actively creating a "blueprint" for young people to see and hear themselves represented and understood, particularly in the current local and national climate. This episode stands as a beacon of visibility and belonging.
A Glimpse into This Week's Special Episode:
Viewers are in for a deeply engaging and meaningful experience, reflecting DeAunte's heartfelt commitment to the LGBTQ community. The show kicks off with a momentous occasion at City Hall for this year’s Pride Flag Raising Ceremony, an event DeAunte describes as a powerful declaration for fundamental human rights and recognition.
Next, the Central District Forum for Arts and Ideas' 25th-anniversary celebration takes center stage, highlighting their "Food is Art" benefit event at Seattle's McCaw Hall. This segment captures the joyous revival of the Central District Forum for Arts and Ideas, shining a light on Seattle's Black restaurant owners, chefs, mixologists, caterers, and food truck operators. It emphasizes the importance of cherishing both established and new Black businesses in the ever-changing city landscape and underscores the profound connection between food and community. The gathering powerfully illustrates how food and art intersect, fostering connections and creating safe spaces for conversations and shared memories. The message is clear: the Forum, which has tirelessly worked to uplift artists, writers, environmentalists, and the LGBTQ+ community, needs continued support.
The episode then takes a joyful and exhilarating turn to Seattle Town Hall for the Fifth Annual Black Trans Comedy Showcase, an event DeAunte unequivocally calls his "favorite Pride event of the entire year!". Organized by the dedicated team at the Lavender Rights Project, the show was "overflowing with genuine laughter, heartfelt affection, and powerful calls to action," featuring outstanding performances by Pink Foxx, Mx Dahlia Belle, Aryiah Jane, and expertly hosted by the amazing TS Madison. DeAunte's reflection on the event highlights the "pure joy and undeniable strength" of the Black trans community, reminding everyone that their authenticity is their "ultimate superpower".
Beyond the celebratory aspects of Pride, the show also shifts its focus to community and entrepreneurship. Viewers will get to support a fantastic Black-owned business on Capitol Hill, La Cha-Bliss Wines, created by community leader and talented performer Howard Russell. Howard has poured his heart and soul into crafting this genuinely special and welcoming space, and is deeply dedicated to supporting other Black and Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) winemakers, bringing their unique and often unheard stories and rich backgrounds directly to the forefront. DeAunte's admiration for Mr. Russell’s passion and purpose shines through, describing the shop as a "genuine celebration of diverse cultures and compelling stories".
In a "rewind" segment, DeAunte also lifts up Takiyah "TDUB" Ward, the visionary behind The Re-Sole 206. This segment is a poignant reminder that building a business is about "passion, resilience, and the profound impact that we have on our community," illustrating how true success is measured in the relationships forged and the positive ripple effects created.
Finally, the show promises an unforgettable ride with DeAunte's new friend, Jitterbug, and the legendary Buffalo Soldiers of Seattle. What began as an effort at self-care for DeAunte, marking his first time riding a horse, transformed into a deeply educational and calming experience. This opened his eyes to the often-overlooked history of Black cowboys. This segment is filled with laughs, a few tense moments as DeAunte navigates the experience, and a profound sense of accomplishment and learning about the Buffalo Soldiers' legacy of uplifting and inspiring the next generation.
DeAunte's guest hosting of Back2Besa this week is far more than just filling in; it's a powerful example of his deep commitment to community, his passion for authentic storytelling, and his unwavering belief in the power of true representation. It's an episode that promises to be both entertaining and profoundly meaningful, leaving viewers with a refreshed spirit and a deeper understanding of the vibrant and resilient communities highlighted.
Tune in tonight at 10:30pm on FOX13 Seattle, Sunday at 10am on FOX13+, and free nationwide on the FOX Local App.
