Michael S. Hinson Jr., a respected LGBTQ advocate in Philadelphia, has reportedly died at the age of 55.
Hinson, who was founder and former executive director of the Colours Organization and co-founder of Philadelphia Black Gay Pride, died on Saturday at Penn Rittenhouse Hospice, reported Philadelphia Tribune.
Hinson was the first liaison appointed by Mayor John F. Street for Philadelphia’s LGBT Affairs in 2020.
On Saturday, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney tweeted: “We mourn the loss of Michael Hinson, Jr., a community icon and advocate who led the charge for LGBTQ rights in Philadelphia and beyond. Thank you for your incredible leadership over the years.”
We mourn the loss of Michael Hinson, Jr., a community icon and advocate who led the charge for LGBTQ rights in Philadelphia and beyond. Thank you for your incredible leadership over the years. https://t.co/GpYONJK7FJ
— Mayor Jim Kenney (@PhillyMayor) August 27, 2022
Hinson was CEO of SELF, Inc., a human services agency he founded. He was also an HIV/AIDS awareness advocate, and engaged in issues concerning homelessness, child welfare, and education in the Philadelphia area.
Celena Morrison, executive director of LGBT affairs for the City of Philadelphia, said in a statement, “Mike was a true champion for marginalized communities. We will grieve his passing but he left behind an inspirational legacy of advocacy, leadership and dignity.”
More about the passing of Hinson can be found here.
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