Benjamin Di'Costa

Benjamin Di'Costa is a dynamic speaker, social media personality, and community leader. Originally from the Deep South, child of adoption, and a queer Pastor's Kid, Benjamin has used his unique life experiences to engage and inspire communities both domestically and internationally. 

Benjamin believes that all people should be afforded equal opportunities irrespective of their color, race, affiliation, gender or be they straight or not. Benjamin also believes that the foundation of a promising future is anchored on young people. 

As a young advocate and leader, His peers will say that Benjamin demonstrates great passion, professionalism, and commitment to many domestic and international organizations that support the youth movement in social justice.

His expertise has given him the opportunity to organize several campus and community events to educate peers about sexual and reproductive health and right issues, such as HIV/AIDS, sexual violence, sexuality, and healthy relationships. To educate and empower hi peers, He also contributed to publications like HIV Plus Magazine, HIVequal, Poz Magazine, and A&U Magazine and been a social media influcer about health equality and the impact of health disparities among millennials.

His work hasn't gone unnoticed; At such a young age he's received many awards and honors that highlight his advocacy and activism;

2016 Honor41 Award - Honor41

2015 “15 HIV Advocates to Watch in 2015" - TheBody.com

2016 Pedro Zamora Young Leaders Scholarship - AIDS Memorial Grove

2016 Chicago LGBT 30 Under 30  - Windy City Times

2016 27 Most Influential Voices in HIV - HealthLine.com

2017 Sexiest HIV Activist - The Advocate