Oral History of Keyanna Monae Devoreaux -Vorhees

Abstract

Keyanna Monae Devoreaux -Vorhees is a trans activist and advocate in Baltimore and the surrounding DC/Maryland/Virginia (DMV) area. In this interview, Keyanna speaks about her experiences with foster care, sex work, and the ballroom scene. She talks about the intergenerational ties and support networks in LGBTQ and trans communities, and the ways they have shaped her life. She discusses her experiences being diagnosed with HIV as a teenager, moving to the Baltimore, her current activism, and her hopes for the future. This oral history was conducted by undergraduate students enrolled in Dr. Joseph Plaster’s Queer Oral History course, which was taught at Johns Hopkins University in spring 2022.