#kNOwSHADE VOGUE ENSEMBLE with DENA STANLEY:
#kNOwSHADE VOGUE ENSEMBLE is a vogue performance ensemble based out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that creates brave, experimental, hyper queer art through visual, dance, and theater. kNOwShade speaks from the perspectives of today’s urban LGBTQ youth/young adults of color with goals to build a diverse community of support for both the performers and their respective artistic expressions. #kNOwShade is currently in its 3rd year of productions since its debut at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater’s 9th Annual New Moves Contemporary Dance Festival in May 2016. https://www.truetpgh.com/knowshade-vogue-performance-ensemble
Dena Stanley is the founder of Trans YOUniting a non-profit organization in Pittsburgh that advocates for the transgender community and provides participants with positive role models, and opportunities for those in need of supportive services. Dena has over 15 years of baking experience, and she is the owner/operator of Maddezsweetz, a boutique bakery which specializes in an array of delicious goods (www.maddezsweetz.biz). The company Dena Operates is also used to help Transgender individuals build their resume and job experience by mentoring through her catering company and offering interning opportunities through a program at TransYouniting. Dena is a fierce advocate for her community, and she serves on the board of the Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh and the steering committees of the International Women’s Day Strike Coalition, TransPride Pittsburgh, and SWOP Pittsburgh. She is also a member of Pittsburgh DSA, and the Trans Justice Program which is a campaign through the ACLU of Pennsylvania. Dena believes that collaboration and conversation with organizations and individuals is the key to educating people about the trans community, who just wanted to be treated with dignity and respect. https://www.transyounitingpgh.org/