Humans: Queer Activist

Director of Microw Rainbow, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ refugees, Moud Goba’s dedication is inspired by her own background. Moud, a lesbian woman, left Zimbabwe in the early 2000s, seeking safety and refuge in the United Kingdom. She has been an advocate for the community for a long time but began her professional involvement after receiving her refugee status in the UK. Goba's activism earned her recognition, including the Attitude Pride Award in 2017 and a spot on the BBC 100 Women list in 2022. Her work continues to focus on advocating for the rights and well-being of LGBTIQ+ individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities. Goba finds hope in the women she helps every day despite a system that constantly goes against the work she’s trying to accomplish. Nonetheless, she gets to experience the people she’s worked with return to Micro Rainbow and watch them not only live but thrive.

Founder of BEAM, an organization dedicated to removing barriers to emotional and mental healthcare for Black communities, Yolo Akili is a Black queer mental health advocate. Through BEAM, Akili has provided training and resources to individuals and organizations, empowering them to support mental well-being within Black communities. Yolo has over 20 years of experience in community mental health, focusing on intimate partner violence intervention counseling, HIV/AIDS counseling and case management, and TLBQ+ youth peer care under CDC and NIH-funded projects. His work emphasizes the importance of culturally competent care and community-based healing practices that center on Black and queer experiences. His advocacy has been featured in major outlets, including Shondaland, GQ, Women’s Health, USA Today, Vice, and Ebony. He’s also the author of Dear Universe: Letters of Affirmation & Empowerment for All of Us, a social justice-themed affirmation book offering daily reflections and support for collective healing. His leadership continues to reshape how mental health is understood and addressed in Black communities across the U.S.

Indya Moore (they/them) is a trailblazing actor, model, and activist who uses their platform to advocate for Black trans and non-binary communities. Rising to prominence through their role as Angel Evangelista on FX's Pose, Moore has consistently merged artistry with activism. In 2020, they initiated a grassroots COVID-19 relief effort via Cash App, raising over $20,000 to support more than 400 individuals, primarily Black trans women, but also extending aid to Latinx, Asian, Indigenous, queer, disabled, and differently-abled people. Moore's commitment to justice extends beyond financial support; they have been actively involved in protests advocating for trans rights and racial justice. Notably, they were among hundreds arrested during a 2023 rally at Grand Central Terminal, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Through their unwavering dedication, Moore continues to challenge systemic oppression and uplift marginalized voices.

Gerren Keith Gaynor (he/him) is a prominent Black queer journalist and political editor, currently serving as the White House Correspondent and Managing Editor of Politics at theGrio. With a career spanning major media outlets, Gaynor has held editorial roles at Fox News, BET Networks, and VIBE Magazine, showcasing his versatility in both political and entertainment journalism. An alumnus of Morehouse College and Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism, he brings a rich educational background to his reporting. Gaynor is known for his commitment to amplifying Black LGBTQ+ voices and advocating for inclusive representation in the media. Through his work, he continues to shed light on issues affecting marginalized communities, striving to foster a more equitable media landscape.