Milestone Celebration United Thousands for a Weekend of Black LGBTQ+ Culture, Leadership, Visibility and Wellness while Advancing Vital Conversations around HIV Prevention, Care and Health Equity.
Gilead Sciences made a powerful and lasting impact throughout the 2026 Atlanta Black Pride Weekend, helping bring together thousands of members of the Black LGBTQ+ community and its allies for a milestone weekend centered on visibility, culture, wellness and celebration. Through its support of signature events including: Cultural Architects, the 7th Annual Mayor’s Black Pride Reception, Pride + PrEP at V12, the Influencers’ Gala and the Pure Heat Community Festival – Gilead reinforced its longstanding commitment to advancing health equity and providing communities with greater access to HIV education, prevention and care resources.
The weekend began with Nathan Hale’s Cultural Architects, an intimate evening of culture, connection, conversation and celebration exploring “Reimagining the Black Swan,” honoring the enduring creative, emotional and cultural bond between Black gay and queer men and Black women. Gilead’s presence continued at the 7th Annual Mayor’s Black Pride Reception, where community members, elected officials and local leaders gathered at Atlanta City Hall to celebrate the people and organizations helping make Atlanta a more inclusive city, featuring proclamations presented by Atlanta’s Mayor Andre Dickens.
Native Son’s Black Gay Leadership Forum, powered by Gilead Sciences, under the leadership of Emil Wilbekin, brought together an influential group of Black gay leaders, executives, entrepreneurs, creatives and advocates for an important conversation about leadership, visibility, health equity and the future of the community. Moderated by Nicco Annan, Tre Melvin, Hakim Asadi, Dr. Leo Moore and Craig Washington, the forum created an intentional space for attendees to exchange ideas, strengthen relationships and explore how collective leadership can help address the issues affecting Black LGBTQ+ people. Gilead’s support of the forum further demonstrated its commitment to investing in the voices, organizations and leaders working to create healthier and more equitable communities.
At Pride + PrEP at V12 Restaurant & Sports Bar, guests enjoyed an engaging social experience that placed conversations about sexual health and HIV prevention within an accessible, culturally relevant environment. The activation encouraged attendees to learn more about PrEP and empowered members of the community to make informed decisions about their health.
The Influencers’ Gala celebrated excellence and honored individuals whose work has created a meaningful impact across entertainment, entrepreneurship, advocacy and the LGBTQ+ community. 2026 honorees included Jesseca Harris-Dupart, Vinny Watson, Carlos King, SG, Cliff Vmir, MC Fatha Flex, Karen “KD” Douglas, Niesha Dupree and Dr. Felicia Ivey. The weekend culminated with the Pure Heat Community Festival at Piedmont Park—one of Atlanta Black Pride Weekend’s largest and most anticipated events. The outdoor celebration brought the community together for live entertainment, health and wellness resources, community engagement and messages of empowerment.
A special award was presented to A Vision For Hope – a non-profit organization located in Fulton County, Georgia, dedicated to providing support, resources, and opportunities for individuals and communities to thrive and create a brighter future. A Vision For Hope’s mission is to create a comprehensive safe haven for youth, seniors, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Special guests and performers throughout the weekend included Durand Bernarr, Saucy Santana, Tamar Braxton, Cynthia Bailey, Oliver Twixt, Patrice “Sway” McKinney, Big Sexy, Billy The Goat, Terrell Carter and more. Their participation helped create unforgettable moments while amplifying the weekend’s message of pride, purpose and collective progress.
By powering these important cultural experiences, Gilead Sciences helped ensure that health education remained at the center of the celebration. The sponsorship demonstrated how meaningful partnerships can meet communities where they are, reduce stigma and connect people with information that can support healthier futures.
To learn more about HIV prevention and care—and to find resources created with culture and community in mind—visit CareForTheCulture.com.
