community
Then I worked as an Executive Director for Georgia Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, and Coordinator for Georgia Interpreting Services Network. I manage and supervise the quality interpreting services to the deaf community. I am an actor, working for ASL Films Company. The name of the movie is “Beyond the Embers.” I’m also featured in a documentary film called LOVE HEARS, the documentary which will be released next year. Other than Atlanta Pride, what other organizations do you work with? I have volunteered interpreting for Starlight Cabaret shows at Atlanta Pride since the year 2000. It has been my passion to make it a language accessible to the deaf community.
David Hero:
David Cowan by Mike Fleming
photo: Rroject Q
SOME HEROES ARE FLASHY, OTHERS FLY UNDER THE RADAR. DAVID COWAN IS USUALLY THE LATTER, THRIVING AS PART OF THE COMMUNITY WITH A TRUE PURPOSE, GIFTING ALL OF HIS GOODNESS BACK TO THE WORLD.
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ou’ve seen Cowan around town. He’s a staple at Atlanta Pride’s Starlight Cabaret each year. Although the performers might clench your attention, he’s one of the annual stars. The 51-year-old American Sign Language interpreter translates the show, including each drag performance including lyrics, and much more for audience members who are deaf. Cowan’s talent, whether during that annual event or other, more serious occasions like the Pulse vigil this summer at the Center for Civil & Human Rights held for the victims of the deadly Orlando shooting, is inspiring to witness. He artfully fuses together the cultures of the non-hearing and hearing. With a career spanning decades, Cowan has not only worked as an interpreter but also an actor, an activist and a beloved friend and family member. He was an easy choice to be named our David Hero for July. By way of honoring him, we caught up with our hero to find out what makes this amazing man tick. 20 | 7.27.16
How long have you lived in Atlanta?
I’m also a member of an organization called “Deafhood.” We have monthly meetings to discuss community events, accessibility, accountability and education for our future deaf children. We promote a language accessibility and awareness of our Deaf Culture. We support the program called “LEAD-K” (Language Equality & Acquisition for Deaf Kids) by Nyle DiMarco Foundation. Nyle DiMarco is the winner of two reality shows, America’s Next Top Model, and Dancing with the Stars.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare I have been living at Norris Lake, which is time? Is there a special someone? about 25 minutes outside east of Atlanta, since 1998. When I am not working or volunteering, I enjoy spending time with my friends and What was your motivation to be- families. I enjoy dancing country-western at Heretic. I enjoy traveling to San come an interpreter for the deaf? Francisco and Hawaii. When I went to Gallaudet University, the only liberal arts college for the deaf in the As for dating, I enjoy my life. I do not believe world, located in Washington, D.C., there in “seeking.” If it happens, it was meant were several deaf and blind students on to happen. If it doesn’t happen, it wasn’t the campus who needed assistance. I de- meant to happen. It would be nice to have cided to take courses on “Interpreting for a partner or a soulmate. It helps when you Deaf and Blind.” I’ve been working as an have lonely days. I do believe that there’s interpreter for 30 years, although it is not someone out there somewhere. It’s just a a full time job. matter of when and where and who. What are your favorite or most inspiring experiences? There are quite a few. I worked in the field of HIV/AIDS for several years. I worked for National AIDS Hotline as a Supervisor for the Deaf Services, to ensure that all HIV/ AIDS information are accessible in ASL, American Sign Language.
Watch each month as David Atlanta unveils a new hero. These select recipients show all of LGBT Atlanta what it takes to enhance the city and the community. If you have a suggestion for an upcoming David Hero, e-mail mike@davidatlanta.com.