Derrick Clifton is a former communications manager for ProPublica Illinois. Previously, they worked in media relations and public affairs with teams at a major energy company, on campaigns and at an international PR agency.

An MSJ graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Clifton is a frequent writer, speaker and commentator on various cultural, wellness and social justice issues. Their work has appeared or been featured at NBC News, The Guardian, Vox, The Root, Quartz, MSNBC, Out, HLN, The Triibe, various NPR affiliates and more. Clifton also served as a staff writer covering identities for Mic.com.

Clifton’s work as the “Identity and Culture” columnist at the Chicago Reader won awards from the National Association of Black Journalists, NLGJA - The Association of LGBT Journalists, the Chicago Headline Club (Society of Professional Journalists) and various other media organizations. Clifton is also an avid volunteer and has served on boards for scholarship organizations, education nonprofits and causes serving LGBTQ people.