Appoints Six New Members from Across the State
DOVER — Governor Matt Meyer announced today additional appointees to the Delaware LGBTQ+ Commission, strengthening its ability to more fully represent and serve Delawareans across the state.
“The Delaware LGBTQ+ Commission plays a critical role in ensuring that all Delawareans are seen, heard, and protected,” said Governor Matt Meyer. “Now more than ever, it is vital that our government institutions reflect and promote the diverse experiences and perspectives of the constituents we serve, and I’m proud to welcome these six Delawareans to the Commission.”
The Delaware LGBTQ+ Commission was established by Executive Order #1 in January 2025 to advise the Governor, General Assembly, and other policymakers on issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community in Delaware. Under Executive Order 20, the Commission will expand from nine to fifteen members. Members will serve three-year terms at the pleasure of the Governor, with vacancies filled by gubernatorial appointment.
The expansion reflects the breadth and diversity of Delaware’s LGBTQ+ community across all three counties, encompassing a wide range of identities, experiences, advocacy backgrounds, and areas of expertise. All other provisions of Executive Order #1, including the powers, duties, and responsibilities of the Commission, will remain in full force and effect. This order supersedes Executive Order #1 solely with respect to the size of the Commission’s membership.
New Members of the Delaware LGBTQ+ Commission:
Stephan Browne-Blackman
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Stephan Browne-Blackman is a dedicated advocate for Black and LGBTQIA+ communities everywhere, drawing on his experience of standing at the intersection of both to inform his work and perspective. His passion for advocacy began in high school when he founded a Black Student Union alongside his classmates and school leadership. During this time, he developed strong skills in organizing, fundraising, and strategic message development. He went on to earn a degree in Communications at Delaware State University, graduating cum laude. There, he helped to revitalize DESU-TV, the university’s student-run television station, contributing to partnerships with brands such as Foot Locker and HBCU Week. He currently serves on the Communications team for Delaware’s House of Representatives, where he collaborates with legislators and stakeholders to craft clear, concise messaging and support the communication of key legislative initiatives across the state.
Trisha Danah
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Trisha Danah is a Deaf, queer professional, spouse, and mother to a Deaf/Hard of Hearing child, bringing lived experience and a strong commitment to equity and inclusion. She serves as the Statewide Programs Coordinator for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind, where she leads initiatives focused on access, family-centered practices, and culturally responsive services. Her expertise spans early intervention, early childhood, K–12, and special education, with an emphasis on equitable systems and bilingual (ASL/English) approaches. Trisha is dedicated to advancing inclusive policies and ensuring that individuals with diverse identities and communication needs are meaningfully represented and supported across Delaware.
Sequioa Rent
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Sequoia Rent is the Chief of the Bureau of Health Equity and Deputy Health Equity Officer serving within the Delaware Division of Public Health, where she leads statewide efforts to advance equity through policy, partnerships, and cross-sector systems change and improve health outcomes by strengthening the systems and conditions that shape people’s lives. With over 18 years of experience in nonprofit and public-sector leadership, she has dedicated her career to advancing youth development, community well-being, and equity for vulnerable and underrepresented populations.
Her career spans policy, partnerships, health literacy, and cross-sector collaboration and alignment, and she has helped drive initiatives addressing youth homelessness, developmental assets, food access, and health equity legislation across Delaware. Sequoia’s leadership, including as Co-Chair of the Health Literacy Council of Delaware and Chair of its Policy and Advocacy subcommittee, is grounded in multi-solving and the Vital Conditions for Health and Well-Being framework, recognizing that true health is built through housing, education, economic opportunity, and community connection, not just health care alone.
Kaelea Shaner
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Kaelea Shaner (she/her) is a law student at Temple University’s Beasley School of Law. Prior to her legal studies, Kaelea spent a decade in DEI work in higher education and government. She holds a Master’s in Education from Neumann University and Bachelor’s from Penn State. Outside of her professional work, Kaelea serves on the Interdisciplinary Review Committee for the Philadelphia Trans Wellness Conference. She is also a member of the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association’s Law Student Congress. She currently lives in Wilmington.
Dr. Keonna Watson
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Dr. Keonna Watson is a Queer Black Woman, Educator, and Community Advocate dedicated to advancing equity, healing, and liberation for LGBTQ+ communities across Delaware. Since 2005, she has created affirming spaces that center joy, visibility, and justice, particularly for Queer People of Color. She is the Founder and President of FreeLee Life Services for Individuals & Families, Inc., established on March 17, 2016, a nonprofit organization committed to dismantling systemic oppression impacting LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and Women through advocacy, resource access, and healing-centered programming. Dr. Watson is also the owner of a holistic mental health practice that provides affirming, multipath care for individuals across the lifespan, with a strong emphasis on LGBTQ+ wellness of mind, body, and spirit. In addition to her clinical and community work, Dr. Watson serves as a Professor of Psychology and Sociology, where she integrates psychosocial, sociocultural, socioeconomic, and sociopolitical perspectives into her teaching. Through her ordained ministry, she also affirms and celebrates Queer love by officiating commitment and marriage ceremonies. Dr. Watson’s work is rooted in ensuring that LGBTQ+ individuals, especially those at the intersections of race and identity, are seen, supported, and able to thrive.
Zach Workman
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Zach Workman (he/they) is the current President & CEO of Delaware Pride Inc, focused on creating events and supporting community initiatives throughout the DMV and Greater Philadelphia area. Since moving to Delaware just a few short years ago, Zach has assumed the role of the only state Pride festival and grown the nonprofit to see well over 20,000 Delawareans a year at local events in each of the three counties while creating support groups, town halls, and more. Zach is also known as the entertainer Scarlet Masters, a prolific performer and local area favorite who has been performing for over 12 years. Zach has also been in the healthcare space for many years as a trainer, consultant, and analyst working closely in the Behavioral Health and Rehab spaces while educating healthcare systems across the country on DEI initiatives. Zach is looking forward to being a part of the LGBTQIA+ Commission for the State of Delaware and working with Governor Myer to continue to make Delaware a safe space for all who inhabit it.
