Deaunte Damper will step in as guest host of Back2Besa this weekend and will rotate with Converge Media talents TraeAnna Holiday, Takiyah “TDUB” Ward, and Curtis Delgardo II

Besa Gordon, the beloved host of the show Back2Besa on FOX 13 Seattle, recently opened up about her ongoing struggle with eczema and topical steroid withdrawal (TSW). In a heartfelt blog post, she shared the physical and emotional toll these conditions have taken on her, revealing the embarrassment and discomfort she has experienced due to her skin's appearance.

Despite the formidable health challenges she's been facing, Besa Gordon has shown remarkable resilience. Her determination to share uplifting stories from the Pacific Northwest and beyond has been unwavering. However, she's also come to recognize the importance of her own self-care, especially when pushing through becomes impossible.

Besa's decision to take a break from Back2Besa stems from her need to prioritize her health and well-being. During her absence, Deaunte Damper, the charismatic host of the show We Live In Color on Converge Media, will step in to fill her shoes starting June 29th. Deaunte's vibrant energy and passion for storytelling make him an excellent choice to continue the show's mission of highlighting inspiring stories.

Alaia D'Alessandro, the Head of Production at Converge Media, the production company behind Back2Besa, has expressed the company's full support for Besa's decision. She stated, "As a company and as Besa's friends, we stand fully behind her decision to take a break for healing. We're fortunate to have a deep bench of talent at Converge Media, including Deaunte Damper, TraeAnna Holiday, Takiyah Ward, and Curtis Delgardo II, all of whom are ready to step in for Besa until she's ready to return."

FOX 13 General Manager Amber Eikel shared, “We wish Besa all the best in her recovery and look forward to her return. Her health and well-being are what matter most, and we support her decision to take this necessary time for herself."

In her blog post, Besa also shared valuable insights into TSW. This condition occurs when individuals who have used topical corticosteroids for an extended period suddenly stop or reduce their usage. Symptoms can include redness, burning, itching, skin thinning, swelling, oozing, crusting, dryness, flakiness, and pain.

Besa Gordon has underscored the crucial importance of seeking professional medical guidance when considering discontinuing steroid creams. She has warned that abruptly stopping their use can potentially worsen symptoms. In her blog post, she also encouraged open conversations about eczema and TSW, stressing that no one should suffer in silence.

While Besa takes this much-needed break to focus on her health, her fans eagerly await her return to Back2Besa. In the meantime, they can find comfort in knowing that Deaunte Damper will continue to deliver the show's signature blend of uplifting stories and community connection.

About Deaunte Damper

Deaunte Damper is a dynamic and passionate individual deeply committed to serving the Black LGBTQ+ community. He is an award-winning host, a well-known figure in the local LGBTQ+ community, and a long-time community activist and advocate around issues of mental health, gun violence disruption, and substance abuse disorder. Damper has made significant contributions through his work on HIV awareness, LGBTQ-affirming education, and leadership development. His show, We Live In Color, reflects his dedication to providing a safe and empowering platform for Black LGBTQ+ voices, fostering a sense of community, belonging, and pride. The show celebrates the diversity within the Black LGBTQ+ experience, addresses systemic issues, and encourages viewers to become allies, advocates, and change-makers. Through insightful interviews, engaging discussions, and inspiring stories, We Live In Color highlights this community's unique challenges and triumphs, serving as a beacon of hope, inspiration, and empowerment.

Please show your support for Besa and tune into Back2Besa, which airs Saturdays at 10:30 pm on FOX 13 Seattle and replays Sundays at 10 am on FOX 13 +. You can see past episodes and segments of Back2Besa, at whereweconverge.com/back2besa or on the FOX Local app. Not sure how to download the FOX local app? Head over to bit.ly/watchfoxlocal to learn how to download the free FOX Local app to watch Back2Besa for free nationwide.