At OUTMemphis, we are celebrating Black History Month with a focus on African American LGBTQ community leaders. We kicked off the month by honoring local LGBTQ heroes and sheroes of color on our facebook page, and every week we will be highlighting an African American community member whose work has impacted the lives of same-gender loving and transgender communities of color nationwide.

Spotlight: Phil Wilson

Phil Wilson has been a tireless advocate for HIV prevention and care by and for African American LGBTQ people. In 1999, Wilson founded the Black AIDS Institute, where he has served as CEO for 19 years. His work with Black AIDS Institute includes the national Greater than AIDS Campaign, and reaches across the country. He has traveled extensively, telling his story and supporting the work of LGBTQ organizers of color fighting the spread of HIV. Wilson has come to Memphis on several occasions, including for the International AIDS Conference HUB in 2012, and has provided invaluable support for OUTMemphis. Wilson announced his retirement from the Black AIDS Institute on February 5, 2018.

Learn more about Phil Wilson: HIVPlusMag, NBC News, GLAD, HuffPost