Eboné Bell

Eboné F. Bell is an entrepreneur, media professional, and activist whose work has contributed to the evolution of LGBTQ+ media. Bell founded "Tagg Magazine" to address the lack of lesbian and queer women's stories and images in LGBTQ publications and news outlets across the United States. The print and online publication, primarily serving the Washington, D.C., area, spotlights, as its tagline reads, "Everything Lesbian, Queer, and Under the Rainbow." The inaugural issue of the magazine featured Alicia Hardesty of Project Runway on the cover.

Bell's decision to establish "Tagg" was motivated by a personal commitment to telling the stories of queer women and amplifying their voices. She left her full-time job to launch the bi-monthly print publication, believing LGBTQ women would value a tangible resource. Bell has described "Tagg"'s growth as a grassroots effort, starting with limited resources. Identifying as lesbian, queer, and genderqueer, Bell has spoken openly about the challenges of navigating racism and sexism within the LGBTQ media industry.

Bell has developed "Tagg" into an award-winning media company and expanded her impact beyond publishing. "Tagg Magazine" has been recognized as one of the "Top 25 LGBTQ-Owned Companies" by Washington Business Journal. Bell also founded the Tagg Scholarship Fund, supporting young, queer women of color who face financial barriers to education. Earlier in her career, she established the University of Maryland College Park's first group for queer people of color, which continues to operate. The Rainbow History Project honored Bell with the Community Pioneer Award for her service to the LGBTQ+ community. She has also received DC Black Pride's Wellmore Award, the Image Award from Mautner Project of Whitman-Walker Health, and the Legacy Award from the GLBT Latino History Project.

Bell is also a keynote speaker, addressing topics such as leadership, allyship, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at organizations including Microsoft, Accenture, Deloitte, Vanderbilt University, and Penn State. She contributed to NBC's Pride and Protest special, offering insights on social activism and pride. Forbes Magazine featured Bell as an "Inspiring Black Entrepreneur Changing Our World." Through her work in entrepreneurship, LGBTQ advocacy, and media, Bell continues to promote visibility, belonging, and storytelling as tools for social change.