By Staff
Kenan Cooper-Gilmore is a visionary leader whose voice carries the weight of advocacy, artistry, and authenticity. From his Memphis roots to his transformative work in Chicagoland, he has become a beacon for the Black and Brown LGBTQIA+ community—creating spaces where truth, healing, and representation are not only celebrated but demanded. As the founder of Black Gay Table Talk® and Tapping Into Talent Inc.™, Kenan continues to uplift, educate, and empower through storytelling, creativity, and unapologetic visibility. His journey embodies resilience, love, and an unwavering commitment to helping others discover the power of their own voice.
What does “soul” mean to you in the work that you do and the life that you live?
For me, “soul” is about tapping into that inner spark that fuels our best selves. It means using my platform to educate and uplift our LGBTQIA+ community by shining a light on the artists, trailblazers, and leaders within our own ranks. It also means offering my loved ones a deeper understanding of my lived experience in a society often centered on whiteness and heteronormativity.
How has your personal journey—from Memphis to Chicagoland—influenced your voice as an advocate and community leader?
My journey has been one of searching for representation and belonging. Growing up, I longed for voices that reflected my own, but they were rarely visible or promoted in ways that reached me. That absence fueled my determination to create Black Gay Table Talk®—a safe space for honest, healing, and liberating conversations.
What kinds of transformations have you witnessed through this platform?
I’ve witnessed people step into their voices with newfound courage, articulating truths they once kept silent. Many have built connections they never imagined possible. Collectively, we’ve grown—expanding our perspectives, deepening our commitments, and learning to shape our own narratives with faith and intention.
In founding Tapping Into Talent Inc.™, you’ve committed to uplifting Black and Brown creatives. How do you see the arts contributing to overall health, healing, and resilience in our communities?
The arts are essential to our wholeness. Music, dance, painting, performance—all of these are nutrients for the soul. They allow us to process love, loss, and trauma while giving us freedom, voice, and healing. For many, creativity is not only therapy—it’s survival, and it sustains our emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.
How do you balance your roles as a husband, father, and advocate while still prioritizing your own wellness and self-care?
The truth is, I don’t always balance them—and I’ve learned to accept that. At times I’m stretched thin, and at other times I’m centered and grounded. Giving myself grace while holding myself accountable has become my rhythm, and it’s teaching me resilience in the midst of imperfection.
You’ve had multiple careers—author, realtor, nonprofit founder, and host. What has each season of your life taught you about purpose and adaptability?
I’ve learned that dreams aren’t fixed; they evolve. You don’t have to be bound to one vision—there’s power in revising, rediscovering, and pursuing new passions. Adaptability is essential, because we are all constantly evolving. Purpose is not one path, but a journey of many seasons.
Representation is a word that carries weight in your work. How do you define representation, and why is it so vital to the future of our communities?
Representation means being present and visible. It’s about using your voice when it matters and extending a hand to bring others along as you grow. Without it, communities remain unseen, and futures remain limited. With it, we create possibility.
What advice would you give to LGBTQIA youth who may be struggling to embrace their authentic selves while navigating family, culture, or faith?
You are not alone. Many of us have faced similar challenges and have found freedom on the other side. Seek out local resources, events, and communities that affirm you—and if they don’t exist, know that you have the power to create them. Surround yourself with those who will uplift you, because your authenticity is a gift the world needs.
What’s one practice—spiritual, physical, or creative—that keeps you grounded and inspired each day?
Music. It allows me to journey inward and outward, to explore emotion and imagination. Beyond music, family time with my husband of 21 years and our 7-year-old grounds me deeply. Movie nights are sacred for us—they are as much a journey as any song.
Looking ahead, what do you hope your legacy will be—not just for your family, but for the larger community you serve?
I hope my legacy reflects resilience, unconditional love, and the grace to forgive and grow. I want to leave tools and examples of how to dream, how to adapt, and how to manifest vision into reality—not only for my family, but for every community I’ve touched.
About The Author
