Making Space for Transgender, Queer People of Color

Bush Foundations 2018 Fellows. Photo by Ackerman + Gruber 2018 @ackermangruber

Roxanne Anderson, or ROX, is the co-host of “Fresh Fruit” on KFAI, the longest running weekly queer radio show in the country. Anderson is also a community organizer; their work is focused on creating spaces where queer and trans people of color feel seen and safe. 

Safiya Mohamed reports: 

 

Roxanne Anderson, or “Rox,” is the co-host of “Fresh Fruit” on KFAI, the longest running weekly queer radio show in the country. 

 

Anderson is also the co-founder and CEO of RARE Productions, an arts and entertainment media production company. 

 

Their work is focused on creating spaces where Black, brown, and indigenous people feel safe.

 

“When folks are coming to RARE events or things that we’re showing up to, and they feel safe and they feel heard and they feel like that event was created for them, that means everything.” 

 

In addition to being an on-air personality, Anderson is also a community organizer. They are the director of the Minnesota Transgender Health Coalition and a board member of POC Pride. 

 

Anderson says it’s important to create events and spaces for trans and queer people of color. 

 

“Because often when we’re talking about the gay community, the thing that comes to mind is white gay men, and that is definitely not our focus,” said Anderson. “We’re really focusing on how we create events that brown, Black, and Indigenous folks feel comfortable and they’re welcomed in.” 

 

Anderson says the LGBT community is not immune to white supremacy. BIPOC people who identify as queer face both racism and homophobia. 

 

Anderson says their work as an artist and activist aims to combat the racial injustices faced by trans and queer people of color. 

 

“I think for me, success looks like liberation through abolition and social justice with art rolling and pushing, formulating the way.” 

 

Anderson sees their role in the social justice movement as creating space and sharing resources while making great radio. 

 

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