Biography
NAHSHON DION, born April 1, 1978, in Los Angeles, hails from an African American Louisiana Creole heritage. She is a talented nonfiction writer, photographer, arts advocate, humanitarian, producer, video editor, grant writer, and fundraiser.
Early in life, Nahshon Dion developed a love for writing and TV production sparked by a high school drama class trip to a live taping of the popular sitcom Family Matters. This led her to work in various positions within the production industry, including at Universal Studios Hollywood, Tupac's Look Hear Sound & Vision Productions, The Keenan Ivory Wayans Show, Buena Vista TV (Walt Disney), Russell Simmons' One World Music Beat, Master P's film Da Last Don, Shauna Garr's documentary 1 More Hit, and First Option Entertainment for Magic Johnson's annual A Midsummer Night's Magic event and All-Star Charity game.
Nahshon Dion has also appeared on screen and was represented by Beverly Hecht talent agency, appearing in commercials for Chuck E. Cheese and Nintendo. She has danced in music videos for Jazz Pianist/Singer Diana Krall's, "Let's Face the Music & Dance," Gospel singer Yolanda Adams' "Yeah," and Sheryl Crow's performance at the American Music Awards in 1999.
Nahshon Dion is a fiercely creative individual whose art is heavily influenced by her past experiences.
From a young age, she developed a deep understanding and compassion for those with special needs. She often assisted her illiterate grandfather, blind grandmother, and dyslexic mother with tasks involving counting, reading, and writing. In her teenage years, she supported developmentally disabled adults in a summer youth employment program.
March 3, 1991, was a day that had a profound impact on Nahshon Dion. After watching the news coverage of Los Angeles Police officers violently attacking their close family friend Rodney Glen King, chaos erupted at Nahshon Dion’s front door - the same place where King and his wife used to live. The ensuing media frenzy only added to the turmoil. At fourteen years old, Nahshon was deeply affected by the aftermath of the Rodney King incident and the ongoing violence within her community. She felt compelled to share her thoughts in an essay contest sponsored by Discovery Card, for which she won $500.
Then, at the age of nineteen, she was shot in a violent homophobic encounter in Los Angeles but still managed to shoot her attacker. The traumatic incident caused her years of physical recovery, and the psychological impact lingers.
Years later, Nahshon Dion would find a sense of belonging and acceptance living in the LGTBQ hub of West Hollywood, but she felt a deeper calling. In 2013, Nahshon Dion left her life behind in Los Angeles and started a new chapter in New York. This move allowed her to focus on her writing, self-acceptance, and healing. Writing became a form of therapy and inspired her to advocate for herself, other survivors, and the LGBTQ community. She has contributed to literary works featured in various anthologies and journals centered around themes of identity formation, mental health, and survival. Her writing reflects the voices of marginalized communities and sheds light on their daily struggles.
Nahshon Dion is known for her impeccable memory, keen observational skills, and storytelling. Her creative efforts and advocacy have earned her multiple grants, fellowships, and national recognition and support from several southern California Politicians. She is working on a memoir that has received development funding from prominent figures in the publishing, arts, entertainment, and media industries, and the United States Government.
In 2021, Nahshon Dion was interviewed for Changes: An Oral History of Tupac (Simon & Schuster). She also collaborated with Aim4theHeart, Tracy Robinson, and Leila Steinberg to organize a virtual tribute for Tupac Shakur's 50th birthday and the 25th anniversary of his passing. The event was later streamed on Nahshon Dion’s TRANSBRATIONS YouTube channel.
In 2024, Nahshon Dion experienced significant achievements and recognition. She successfully organized the 25th anniversary of Transgender Day of Remembrance to honor victims of transphobia. The California State Senate acknowledged her for her impact on the community. Additionally, she received a leadership fellowship from the Intercultural Leadership Institute and an Individual artist grant from the New York State Council on the Arts.
Nahshon Dion remains dedicated to advocating for the arts. She generously volunteers her time as a grant writer, grants panelist, and awards juror. She has helped numerous artists, entrepreneurs, and victims of crime secure significant grants, funding, and essential resources.
Nahshon Dion’s life is a shining example that, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges, anyone can succeed and flourish through determination and a desire to uplift others. Her impact and invaluable lessons will continue to ring true, spark inspiration, and guide future generations.
She uses both he/him and they/them pronouns.