Springfield Black Tie announces UnderTheDeskNews host as this year's keynote speaker

Springfield Black Tie, the largest fundraiser for LGBTQIA+ organizations in southwest Missouri, announced its keynote speaker on Tuesday: Vitus "V" Spehar.

The 41-year-old Spehar is commonly known as the host of UnderTheDeskNews , a TikTok account that boasts more than 3.1 million followers. Spehar, who uses they/them pronouns, launched their account in 2021, breaking down national and international news into concise videos that are popular among Gen Z and Millennial audiences.

Spehar created UnderTheDeskNews as an initial response to the events of Jan. 6. Spehar crouched under an office desk to record themselves discussing the attacks that occurred at the United States Capitol.

In addition to UnderTheDeskNews, Spehar is the host of two news podcasts: V Interesting and American Fever Dream. In 2023, V Interested was nominated for GLAAD Media Awards' Outstanding Podcast. The GLAAD Media Awards recognized media for their "fair, accurate and inclusive representations" of the LGBTQIA+ community. The same year, Spehar received the 2023 Webby's Special Achievement Award for their journalism.

More: More than 900 tickets sold in less than 12 hours for Black Tie's 20th anniversary dinner

When is Springfield Black Tie?

The 21st annual Springfield Black Tie is Saturday, Nov. 16 at the Oasis Hotel & Convention Center. Tickets go on sale this fall. Last year, the event sold out in less than 12 hours.

Since its establishment in 2003, Springfield Black Tie has raised more than $1.75 million for LGBTQIA+ organizations in the Ozarks. In 2023 alone, the event raised $250,000 for 14 organizations.

Greta Cross is the trending topics reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. She has more than five years of journalism experience covering everything from Ozarks history to Springfield’s LGBTQIA+ community. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretacrossphoto. Story idea? Email her at gcross@news-leader.com .

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Springfield Black Tie announces UnderTheDeskNews host as this year's keynote speaker