Native Son Launches Inaugural Fellowship for Black LGBTQ+ Leaders

Native Son launched the inaugural Native Son Fellowship, a new initiative designed to support Black LGBTQ+ content creators, advocates and cultural leaders who are shaping conversations about wellness, representation and HIV awareness.

Launched during Native Son’s milestone 10th Anniversary Awards Weekend (June 19-21) and supported by Gilead Sciences, Inc., the fellowship marks a significant new chapter in both organizations’ shared commitment to advancing health equity and to investing in trusted community voices who can amplify culturally competent HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care resources through authentic storytelling and community-centered engagement.

The Fellowship marks a natural extension of the longstanding partnership between Gilead Sciences and Native Son. Over the years, the organizations have collaborated to elevate community-driven perspectives, foster meaningful dialogue, and create opportunities that center the lived experiences, leadership, and cultural contributions of Black queer people. Created to recognize the vital role storytellers, creators, and cultural leaders play in shaping public understanding and influencing culture, the Native Son Fellowship invests in a new generation of voices whose authenticity, credibility, and reach can help drive lasting impact within their communities.

“Gilead Sciences is proud to support platforms like the Native Son Awards that celebrate leadership, elevate culture, and amplify trusted voices across Black communities,” said Rashad Burgess, Vice President, Corporate Responsibility, Gilead Sciences. “Our work at Gilead is grounded in the belief that scientific breakthroughs only matter if they reach the people they are designed to serve. Through partnerships like this, we’re helping confront stigma, remove barriers to care, and advance healthier, more equitable futures.”

The inaugural fellowship cohort comprised a diverse group of Black LGBTQ+ creators, artists, journalists, cultural commentators, and advocates whose work spans media, mental health, fashion, visual art, storytelling, and community engagement. Fellows participated in a series of immersive experiences throughout Native Son’s 10th Anniversary Weekend, including a Creator Lab and Story Incubator focused on culturally relevant health communications, the Native Son Awards, Native Son House, and a fireside conversation with accomplished R&B singer and actor Terrell Carter and award-winning playwright and actor Jordan E. Cooper. Fellows will continue their engagement through a post-event advisory roundtable and ongoing content creation focused on health equity, HIV awareness, and community wellness.

The inaugural Native Son Fellows include:

• Osaze Akil (@osaze_akil) – Contemporary visual artist and experiential designer.
• LaQuann Dawson (@laquanndawson) – photographer, filmmaker, and multidisciplinary artist.
• Frank Grimsley (@franknthecity) – Content creator, motivational speaker, and the Season 4 winner of Netflix’s The Circle.
• Shahem McLaurin (@5hahem) – Licensed therapist, social worker, and host of the Freedom Collective Therapy podcast.
• Trey Sherman (@treymous) – Filmmaker, television producer, and co-host of the talk show Just Press Play with Ell & Trey.
• Jay Tibbitts (@jaytibbitts) – Fashion critic, style and culture commentator, and content creator

The fellowship reflects Gilead’s broader commitment to eliminating barriers to care in HIV by supporting community-led solutions and trusted voices. By equipping fellows with resources, access, and opportunities for engagement, the initiative aims to foster year-round conversations that reduce stigma, increase awareness, and encourage healthier outcomes across Black LGBTQ+ communities.

The 2026 Native Son Awards arrive at a pivotal moment. Over the past decade, Native Son has evolved from a digital platform created to increase visibility and representation for Black queer men into a nationally recognized movement and cultural institution dedicated to year-round advocacy, leadership development, cultural engagement, and community-building. Through workshops, panel conversations, networking events, wellness initiatives, mentorship opportunities, and strategic partnerships, Native Son continues to create intentional spaces that uplift, connect, and invest in Black queer communities.

For additional information on Native Son and its Pride events and initiatives, please go here.