The Table On Air with Darius Caffey is a vibrant talk show that celebrates the diversity and accomplishments of the BIPOC LGBTQ+ community, featuring candid conversations with artists, social change makers, and entrepreneurs in a safe, brave space, while utilizing social trends and pop culture moments to reach a wider audience.

Tuesday’s ⦿ 7:30PM (CST) ⦿ CAN TV19 or https://cantv.org/thetableonair/

Program Overview

Host Darius Caffey interviews fine art and portrait photographer Loren Toney about her artistic practice and vision.

Blaque Report

Do you remember when they used to tell us as kids “be seen, not heard”? Well, I do, and let me tell you why I’ve always had a problem with it. When we tell kids, or people, to be seen, not heard, we’re unintentionally telling them that what they have to say is not important. And it conditions them to believe that their presence in spaces is enough. But that’s not the truth. 

Our presence IS enough to help us be seen, but if society truly wants to know how we feel about things, we must be heard as well. This is why creating space at the table is simply not enough. We have to take up space too – especially as Black Queer folks. 

When we create more opportunities for the Black LGBTQIA+ community to not only be seen, but also heard, we create more opportunities for diverse voices to join us at the table. Being able to take up space as a marginalized voice helps our experiences become validated, and can unintentionally help others validate theirs. 

When you listen to someone, you are intentionally creating space for them to share their story. And for a lot of us, there’s power in telling it. It gives us more control over our own lives, helps us express how we feel, and trains us to become comfortable in the parts of ourselves that we’ve hidden from the world. I’m here to tell you now, that this space, at our table, is meant for you to be heard. So, let’s talk. 

When I think about taking up space and letting our voices be heard, two things come to mind. One is the recent book We See Each Other by Trevell Anderson with a foreword by Angelica Ross. It explores Black Trans representation throughout TV and Film, which, in my opinion, is a direct example of us taking up much needed space. 

Another example of this is the new PBS show Brave Spaces hosted by Devin Norelle. In the 8-part docuseries, Black Queer, Trans, and Nonbinary communities come together detailing their experiences about living and existing in society. These stories are important because they help our people be seen for who they are, and heard for what they’ve been through. Which is really all we ever want. 

I commend these two changemakers for continuing to take up space in a world that has historically tried to deny them and I thank them for their courage. So, for you too, I know you’re on your own journey of learning how to take up space. I thank you because it’s not an easy fight. But together, we will continue to be heard. 

That’s a wrap on our Blaque Report with a Q-U-E, and until next week, keep finding ways to celebrate yourself.