Innovation, Strength, and Love: A Look at the 2024 Translife Awards
The vibe is electric as we draw closer to the fourth annual Translife Awards. The event has clearly come a long way since its inception under the watchful eyes of Dewayne Queen, founder and chairman. What’s the mission? To celebrate those transgender and non-binary folk who’ve been doing the most for their community in and around Atlanta. This year’s theme is a reflection of Queen’s beliefs – innovation, strength, and love.
The theme works like this. “Innovation, cause we’re focusing on those making new, groundbreaking strides for our community. Strength, cause the journey ain’t always easy and it takes some serious grit to keep pushing forward. And love, because at the root of it all, is genuine respect for our community,” says Queen.
The 2024 awards are set to be bigger and better, shining a light on the work done within the trans and non-binary community. Locals, you’re invited to be a part of the magic on August 31. Queen tells us why attendance matters, “Our community is beautifully complex. There’s no one ‘trans’ experience. We’re fighting for justice and equality for everyone under the LGBTQ umbrella. That’s reason enough for celebration.”
Moving Hearts and Minds
This year’s awards will celebrate champions tirelessly working for equal rights for trans and non-binary folks. Among the recipients is Dr. Lulu, a cisgender mother of a trans child. Her work in family education has caught national attention, earning her the Pioneer of the Year award. Other honorees include Gabrielle Claiborne, the first-ever recipient of the DeeDee Chamblee Lifetime Achievement Award, named after the late DeeDee Chamblee, a powerful advocate for the trans community and HIV/AIDS.
Towards a Stronger Community
With the awards approaching, and voting season around the corner, the community’s engagement is more important than ever. But Queen’s vision goes beyond awards; he focuses on active advocacy. “This year, we’re getting even more involved in the voting process,” notes Queen. “With the help of our partners, we’ll have voter registration booths and checks on-site at the awards. We aim to prepare everyone for the upcoming elections.”
Starting from next year, the awards are set to expand their commitments. Partnering with the Winters Lane Foundation, they aim to introduce the “Passage” and “Knowledge” programs aimed at professional and educational assistance for the transgender community. The goal this year is to fundraise $10,000 to bring these programs to life.
“It’s a moment for us to come together, to celebrate how far we’ve come, and to embrace the journey ahead. This year’s awards are a testament to what the power of unity, of standing up for each other, can achieve,” concludes Queen.
Meet the TransLife Class of 2024 Pioneers
The awards will honor a range of individuals including Dani Alexander-Burk for Advocacy, Toni Bryce for Community work and 2AM Ricky for Culture influence among others.
The 2024 Translife Awards are scheduled for August 31 at 6pm, at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Tiffany Starr will be the vibrant host. Get your hands on a $50 ticket that includes an appetizing plated dinner, and drinks.Book your tickets and come celebrate this momentous occasion.