Duane Binion || NEEKLJAME$

Bio

Duane Binion is the Co-Creator of True T Pittsburgh (PGH), a Pittsburgh-based 501-c3 organization that serves the LGBTQIA+ Community of Color through creative art & entertainment, social activism, and meaningful resource sharing. He is a social change-maker, producer of art, and community leader working to build social awareness for LGBT+ POC and community members of the iconic underground ballroom scene for over 10+ years.

Duane is a 2013-2014 Pittsburgh Public Ally Alum, and former Producer at Pittsburgh's historic Kelly Strayhorn Theater. Through his five-year tenure with the theater, Duane adapted a diverse background in arts management, program development, community engagement, marketing, media, and performance art. Under the curatorial leadership of then-Executive Director of the Kelly Strayhorn Theater, janera solomon, he has managed projects for an exciting mix of artists including Carmen de' Lavellade, David Rousseve, Bill Shannon, Thaddeus Phillips, Staycee Pearl Dance Project, slowdanger, and more!

Duane has a passion for creating platforms that aid in dismantling the negative stereotypes and portrayals of Black and Brown queer people. In 2019, he was awarded his first Advancing Black Arts grant by The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Heinz Endowments to create a new project highlighting the rich creativity of the underground ballroom scene. He has served on a number of panels and committees, and most recently was recognized by Coro Pittsburgh with the 2019 "Distinguished Coro Alumni Leadership" award.