Claiming Space and Leading Boldly in the Fight Against HIV

Leading a new era in HIV prevention and care

Just as I step up as a leader at The National Minority AIDS Council, we're facing a moment that feels both hopeful and urgent. With scientific breakthroughs like PrEP, PEP, U=U, and long-acting injectables, we've transformed HIV from a life-threatening diagnosis toward something manageable. But, despite these advancements, we're up against a lot when it comes down delivering these life-saving tools effectively.

Public health and LGBTQ+ advocacy in uncertain times

Public health efforts are getting tangled in political crossfire these days. Solid scientific facts are being questioned, and basic civil rights feel increasingly fragile. For LGBTQ+ folks, particularly Black and Brown queer and trans people, safety isn't always a given. In some parts, just talking about LGBTQ+ topics in schools isn't okay, and getting access gender-affirming care's becoming harder. All while HIV quietly continues affecting communities that have always been overlooked. Taking on this role fills me with both urgency and pride. I've been underestimated my whole life. As a Black, church-going, gay kid from Chicago's South Side, I grew up in places that didn't see me or protect me, let alone imagine me leading a national movement. But here I am, far from alone.

Building on a legacy: Activism and resilience

I walk in footsteps left by legends like Marsha P. Johnson, Bayard Ruston, Magic Johnson, and Ryan White— and countless other activists who shouted "Silence = Death" loud enough that folks had no choice but pay attention. I'm fueled by wisdom from Black grandmothers who've shown resilience in hard times and by young changemakers who aren't afraid let their voices be heard, especially at ballot box. Our mission at National Minority AIDS Council? It's more than tackling a virus. We're out here challenging systems that let HIV stick around. We're fighting racism in healthcare, transphobia in policies, and social stigma. We're standing up Black and Brown communities, LGBTQ+ youth, and older folks living with HIV because they deserve dignity and visibility.

Answering a call: Uniting against HIV

For me, this isn't just a job; it's a call—a call that's asking all us step up and speak out. We've got raise our voices against negativity, ensure we're visible in places have always tried shut us out. We need funding that matches urgency our needs, defending vital programs like Ryan White, HOPWA, and PEPFAR, and opening doors wider so more people can access innovations like long-acting PrEP. Ending HIV goes far beyond science; it's about justice. We must tackle poverty, housing instability, criminalization, and attacks civil rights. Our focus needs be on supporting those living at cross-sections multiple oppressions. It's mission that demands love, radical empathy, and unyielding leadership. I'm ready lead, but I can't do all alone.

Join us: Let forge future together

To every activist, healthcare provider, policymaker, and person living with HIV: this movement belongs you. Your voice counts, your story matters, and your survival lights our path forward. Together, let's work build future where HIV's no longer threat—not because we ignored it, but because faced it head on. Let's build a society where public health's top priority, science remains intact, and every person—no matter their race, gender, or sexuality—lives with respect dignity. Together, we'll shape this future. - Harold Phillips