In Loving Memory of Phil Michal Thomas – Author, Advocate, Community Leader

On Friday, Phil Michal Thomas passed away, leaving behind a powerful legacy as a storyteller, advocate, and pillar in the LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS communities.

Phil, a behaviorist, was born in Nashville but lived nearly a decade in Atlanta in the early eighties, where he volunteered with AID Atlanta, counseling individuals living with AIDS. He later spent a couple of years teaching at SUNY Stonybrook in New York. While there, he became an early member of ACT UP New York and participated in the organization’s crucial die-in protests. These protests called out the government’s lack of action in supporting AIDS patients and HIV research. Upon his return to Nashville, he continued counseling. He also advocated for the rights of people living with AIDS and/or HIV Positive, working with local AIDS agencies, including Nashville CARES.

Phil was the first person of color in the Tennessee Gay and Lesbian Alliance. As a member, he helped open the Center for Gay and Lesbian Community Services in 1991 which was located in Berry Hill, Tennessee.

He served on the board, From All Walks, that would later become AIDSWALK. He also served on the boards of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI Davidson), Nashville Black Pride, Nashville Pride, and PFLAG Nashville.

Phil’s volunteer efforts included facilitating the first men of color support group at Nashville CARES and fundraisers like “Christmas in July” collecting gifts for clients of Nashville CARES.

One of Phil’s most profound contributions to the LGBTQ+ community was his book “Panels,” which chronicles the lives of his circle of friends living with AIDS. He wanted to leave a memorial of lives not only lived before AIDS but how lives ascended from the initial death sentence to acceptance and the tribulations being experienced. 

In a 2018 interview with Laura Valentine, he was asked if there was a tenet by which he lives to which he responded, “Regardless of what negativity is around us, there is still good and we can work together to overcome hurdles.” This attitude is exactly why you would always find him at community events, pride festivals, and volunteering in the community.

Phil’s words and work brought healing and connection to countless lives. From his leadership with PFLAG Nashville to his service with Nashville CARES and everything in between, Phil lived a life of service, purpose, and love.

We will carry his light forward. Rest in power, Phil.