Chicago, IL — Dr. Maurice “Mo” Brownlee, CEO of Wellness Homes of Chicago and Founder of Malenesss, is spearheading a bold new initiative aimed at closing the health equity gap for Black gay, bisexual, and transgender men.

Malenesss is a comprehensive health and wellness movement designed to address the long-standing disparities in healthcare access and outcomes for marginalized communities. It builds on Dr. Brownlee’s vision of creating nontraditional, innovative spaces that keep people actively engaged in their healthcare journeys, especially in a time of increasing stigma and reduced healthcare access for protected groups.

“The need for this has always existed,” said Dr. Brownlee. “But with the escalating attacks on our community, particularly since the Trump administration, it became clear we couldn’t afford to wait any longer. Malenesss had to launch now.”

Originally scheduled to debut in late 2025 or early 2026, Malenesss has been fast-tracked in response to the current political climate. The initiative aims to provide education, foster collaboration, and develop resource-based solutions that empower communities both locally and internationally.

Key elements of the Malenesss movement include:

• Coalition building to ensure sustainable community impact.

• Launch of the Malenesss Health and Wellness Summit on June 22, 2025, preceded by a special dialogue session on June 21, 2025.

• Development of research-based solutions, mobile outreach programs, and future resource centers across underserved areas in the U.S. and abroad.

• A specific focus on addressing the broader Determinants of Health, moving beyond a sole focus on HIV and AIDS to include comprehensive healthcare needs.

Malenesss operates under the nonprofit arm of Wellness Homes of Chicago, part of the larger Bal Perazim Wellness network. Wellness Homes of Chicago is a leading provider of primary care and behavioral health services tailored to marginalized populations, offering services such as IV therapy, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), ketamine therapy, STD testing and treatment, HIV and hepatitis C care, LGBTQ+ health services, and cardiometabolic care.

“Malenesss is more than just a program—it’s a movement,” Dr. Brownlee emphasized. “It’s about ensuring that no one gets left behind in their journey to health and wellness.”

For more information about Malenesss, including summit updates and opportunities to get involved, please visit www.malenesss.org and follow them on Instagram @male_nesss.

Media Contact:
Perez Pratt
Director of Communications
Wellness Homes of Chicago