Dewayne Queen: Leadership at the Intersection of Corporate and Nonprofit Advocacy

This post was adapted from an academic assignment I completed for class. Still, I wanted to share it in a more accessible way because the work and leadership of LGBTQ+ individuals like Dewayne Queen deserve to be celebrated. Too often, their incredible contributions are overlooked due to their identities. Dewayne's story is a testament to the power of empathy, resilience, and action in driving real change. I hope this blog post sheds light on the fantastic work he's doing daily to uplift marginalized voices and create a more inclusive world.

Introduction

What makes a leader truly impactful? For Dewayne Queen, it's not about grand gestures during Pride Month—it's about advocating for marginalized voices daily. As President of Delta Airlines' LGBTQ Employee Resource Group (ERG) and founder of the Trans Life Awards, Dewayne combines empathy and action to bridge the corporate and nonprofit worlds, making an indelible impact on Black and transgender communities.

Let's explore Dewayne's insights on leadership, his most significant challenges, and his advice to aspiring change-makers.

1. Sector and Key Issues: Bridging Corporate and Nonprofit Worlds

Dewayne operates at the intersection of nonprofit advocacy and corporate America, focusing on LGBTQ+ inclusion. His work is shaped by critical challenges, such as:

The rollback of LGBTQ+ protections.
The ongoing fight for transgender rights.
The dangers of performative corporate gestures that lack systemic follow-through.

Reflecting on his experience at Delta Airlines, Dewayne described when the company banned all pins except the American flag after an employee wore a Palestinian flag pin. He pushed back, saying:

"Such actions undermine the very DEI work we claim to champion."

Dewayne believes genuine inclusivity requires holding corporations accountable year-round for their publicly stated values—not just during symbolic celebrations like Pride Month.

2. Empathy and Adaptability Matter in Leadership

For Dewayne, leadership is about creating a vision for positive change and inspiring others to act. He identifies two critical traits:

Empathy: "To lead effectively in advocacy, you must truly understand and feel the communities you serve."
Adaptability: Social justice landscapes constantly shift, and leaders must be ready to pivot strategies.

Dewayne's leadership philosophy was shaped by key moments in his career, such as launching the Trans Life Awards. "The Awards taught me the true meaning of leadership and perseverance," he says. "It's about uplifting people who are often ignored and showing the world they are change-makers."

3. The Challenge of Combating Complacency

One of Dewayne's most significant challenges is addressing complacency in corporate settings and the LGBTQ+ community.

"There's a danger in thinking the work is done," he warns, especially when legislative efforts continue to threaten marginalized groups.

Dewayne critiques corporations for settling on surface-level inclusivity without addressing deeper structural issues. To combat this, he ensures his advocacy efforts remain active year-round and emphasizes resilience and resourcefulness in nonprofit spaces.

"Advocacy is not a sprint; it's a marathon," he reminds us.

4. Advice for the Next Generation of Leaders

Dewayne offers practical advice for aspiring leaders looking to make an impact:

Stay authentic to who you are and what you stand for.
Prepare for setbacks. Social change is incremental and often slow, but small steps matter.
Build collaborations. Cross-community and cross-sector partnerships are essential for meaningful impact.

Reflecting on his journey, Dewayne says:

"It's easy to get discouraged when progress isn't visible right away, but that doesn't mean you aren't making a difference."

Conclusion: Leadership Rooted in Empathy and Action

Dewayne Queen's leadership shows us that driving meaningful social change requires empathy, adaptability, and persistence. Whether advocating within corporate America or celebrating resilience through the Trans Life Awards, Dewayne continues to challenge complacency and push for equity for marginalized communities.

What does leadership rooted in empathy and action look like for you? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's keep this meaningful conversation going.