July 21, 2026

Greetings!

This past April, the newest members of the Texas Health Impact Cohort (THICohort), supported by ViiV Healthcare, gathered in Dallas for the first in-person convening of their three-year journey together. Hosted by Texas Pride Community Foundation, the convening brought together representatives from 12 organizations across Texas united by a common goal: creating communities where education, access to care, and compassion replace fear, misinformation, and HIV stigma.

The gathering began with an evening of connection, allowing participants to build relationships and prepare for two days of learning and collaboration. Through guided activities, cohort members reflected on their leadership, personal purpose, and the experiences that inspire them to serve communities disproportionately impacted by HIV.

Each organization also shared "Works in Progress" (WIPs), highlighting innovative efforts to expand HIV education, increase access to prevention and care, connect people with life-saving resources, and foster environments where individuals feel seen, supported, and valued. While every organization's approach is unique, they share a common belief: reducing stigma is essential to improving health outcomes. When people feel safe seeking information, testing, treatment, and support, entire communities become healthier.

“We are limitless because we are poured into by our community, family, friends, and Texas Pride Community Foundation.”

That reflection became a guiding theme throughout the convening: lasting change happens when we pour into one another with knowledge, empathy, and love and allow ourselves to receive that same care in return.

As we recognize Zero HIV Stigma Day today, July 21, we are reminded that ending HIV stigma requires all of us. Through continued investment in grassroots leadership, education, and equitable access to care, Texas Pride Community Foundation and the Texas Health Impact Cohort are helping build a future where every Texan can seek care without fear, live with dignity, and thrive. Together, we can create communities where stigma has no place and compassion leads the way.

Want to see the impact in action? We invite you to explore the Texas Health Impact Cohort Impact Report (2022–2025) to learn how the inaugural cohort of community leaders reached tens of thousands of Texans, strengthened grassroots organizations, and advanced HIV prevention, education, access to care, and stigma reduction across the state. Their achievements are a powerful reminder of what is possible when communities are equipped, connected, and invested in for the long term.

Legacy Society Spotlight: Melanie Fraim

For Melanie, legacy isn't measured by what you leave behind it's measured by the people you help along the way.

Coming out at 28, Melanie built a life rooted in authenticity, resilience, and community. She and her late partner, Katie, shared 42 years together, creating a life centered on faith, service, and chosen family. Katie, a pastor at MCC El Paso, modeled a deep commitment to caring for others, while her close friends, her chosen family, or as Melanie called them “framily,” reinforced the importance of showing up for community. Together, they shaped Melanie's belief that we all have a responsibility to leave the world better than we found it.

Like so many LGBTQ+ people, Melanie found strength in the family she built rather than the one she was born into. She credits mentors, friends, and guides with helping her grow throughout her life and believes those relationships inspired her own commitment to giving back.

When it came time to consider her estate plans, Melanie wanted to invest in an organization that reflected her values. Meeting CEO Ron Guillard and seeing the professionalism, integrity, and vision of Texas Pride Community Foundation made that decision an easy one.

"I knew this was an organization I could trust," she shared.

For Melanie, joining the Legacy Society is about ensuring future generations of LGBTQ+ Texans have the opportunities, resources, and support that helped shape her own journey. She believes that philanthropy isn't reserved for a select few it's about recognizing that each of us can create lasting impact through thoughtful planning and generosity.

When asked what legacy means to her, Melanie's answer was simple: mentoring. She hopes the knowledge, wisdom, and opportunities she's received throughout her life will continue to be passed on to others long after she's gone.

She also believes that building stronger communities begins with compassion. Whether through charitable giving or everyday conversations, Melanie encourages people to listen with understanding, extend hospitality in the face of hostility, and remember that meaningful change starts one person at a time.

Through her legacy gift, Melanie is helping ensure that LGBTQ+ communities across Texas will continue to have advocates, resources, and opportunities for generations to come. A reflection of a life defined by love, generosity, and an unwavering belief in the power of community.

Building Our Next Chapter Together

Questions? Ideas? Comments? We are all ears. 

Write to us at info@TexasPrideCF.org.