In celebration of Black Gay Men’s Wellness Month and to commemorate the 20th anniversary of  In The Meantime Men’s Group, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) and iN-Hale Entertainment hosted “INside | OUTside: Celebrating Our Storytellers” on Aug. 13 at NeueHouse Hollywood.

The multimedia exhibit honored past and present black gay men who have made significant contributions to the arts and entertainment. Black Gay Men’s Wellness Month was created in August 2014 by In The Meantime Men’s Group to raise awareness about black gay men’s health and to empower black gay men to take charge of their well-being through sustained healthy lifestyle choices.

The exhibit coincides with a month-long men’s health and wellness awareness campaign calling for individuals, organizations and policy makers to direct attention and resources to black gay men’s disease prevention. The campaign also encourages early detection and treatment of health-related issues.

“We live in a complex society where black gay men are being called and challenged to stand up to issues including racism, homophobia, stigma, HIV and managing our mental, emotional, spiritual and physical wellbeing,” said Jeffrey King, founder and executive director of In The Meantime Men’s Group. “Black Gay Men’s Wellness Month is a focal point to help reinvigorate our movement to develop and sustain healthier communities around the country and ultimately the world. This year’s Black Gay Men’s Wellness Month theme is ‘We Are Family, Together We Are Made Stronger’ and is inspired by the expressed needs of men that we encounter locally and nationally seeking help in gaining and maintaining their balance. More than 120 local and national organizations and institutions have signed on to endorse Black Gay Men’s Wellness Month.”

Prior to “INside | OUTside: Celebrating Our Storytellers,” Native Son hosted its first event in Los Angeles in partnership with AHF. Launched in November 2016 by journalist, content creator and LGBT activist Emil Wilbekin, Native Son is a movement that honors and celebrates the achievements of black gay men.

“AHF is excited to partner with iN-Hale Entertainment and Native Son to promote Black Gay Men’s Wellness Month and celebrate Jeffrey King and his impact on the community and the fight against HIV/AIDS through In The Meantime,” said Christopher Johnson, associate director of communications for AHF.

For information, visit aidshealth.org.