Nearly two months into his role, Dewayne R. Queen, Atlanta’s new Director of LGBTQ Affairs, is making it clear that listening comes first. After officially stepping into the position on June 30, Queen has been meeting with community leaders, hosting town halls, and gathering input to shape the future of the Division of LGBTQ Affairs in the Mayor’s Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
“The town hall was absolutely fantastic,” Queen said. “It gave space for community leaders and residents to be in the same room, share what’s working, and talk openly about what needs to change. My immediate goal has been to listen and give people the chance to be heard. That will guide what programming comes out of this office in the next year.”
Queen says his long-term vision is rooted in both economic and social impact. Priorities include boosting economic mobility for LGBTQ residents, supporting LGBTQ-owned businesses, and ensuring the voices of the trans community are amplified, especially as they face unique challenges across the country.
His leadership approach, he says, is grounded in collaboration: “I know I can’t do this work alone. I’m one person in this office, and I rely on the community to guide the work. My style is to listen first, take action, and build structure so that change is meaningful and lasting.”
Outside of work, Queen enjoys music, true-crime shows, and Atlanta’s food scene, and says his perfect Sunday is spent outdoors on a walk in the park. “I don’t think any talent is useless,” he said with a smile, sharing that even the smallest skills can bring people together in unexpected ways.
As Queen settles into his role, residents can expect more listening sessions, community partnerships, and programs designed to advance inclusion across housing, health, and economic opportunity. It’s a start, he says, toward building a city where every LGBTQIA+ person feels valued, protected, and empowered.
