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MAX CORWELL
He’s owner of a media company called Max The Boy Lion Media and co-owner of a real estate team called The Corwell Group, but Max Corwell is an activist at heart. He was one of the organizers of a rally protesting the Eagle raid and he raised over $15,000 for AID Atlanta through his work with this year’s Atlanta Cotillion.
How would you define your role in Atlanta’s LGBT community?
If I had to give myself a role in this community, I would define myself to be an activist. I have been a huge fighter for equal rights, doing everything from standing up against our own local government to peacefully protesting against organizations like the WBC. I can’t stand by and watch injustices take place, which is why I helped organize the rally at the Eagle, to tell the APD we deserve fair treatment. My other big fight has been for HIV/AIDS awareness, and recently just finished up raising over $15,000 for AID Atlanta & Atlanta Cotillion.
What do you forecast for Atlanta’s LGBT community in the next 5 to 10 years?
The LGBT community here is strong, and it keeps growing. We were just named the gayest city in America by The Advocate, and I think we will only get gayer. I hope more people are willing to stand up and fight for equal rights in our state, and we can find more allies to fight with us, and not against us. Our HIV/AIDS rate is astronomical in this city, and more then anything, I’d love to see this decrease.
We learn from all our experiences, both good and bad. Tell us about a negative life experience you’ve had that you learned a valuable lesson from.
In light of all the recent LGBT youth suicides, I can easily relate to that feeling. I grew up in a very conservative town, where I was consistently ridiculed and beat up for being different (even though I wasn’t out as a gay male). It was hard, and easily one of the most negative things in my life, birthdays were lonely, and many nights were spent crying. However, it does get better. Keep pushing through, find people who support you (Youthpride!), and work to make a difference. Don’t give up!
How has being LGBT shaped your outlook on life?
It has made me a more humble and positive person, and brought out a fighter side of me that I didn’t know existed. It also has reminded me that I can be myself, and the only expectations I need to live up to are my own.
Tell us a little more about yourself. What are your hobbies? What are your goals?
I’m very focused on my future right now, and that includes finishing school with a Masters in International Business and a Minor in Media. I also have my Real Estate team – The Corwell Group – which keeps me busy, and a new start up media company, which has a few projects in the works. Next up is a new HIV/AIDS campaign, and then who knows! Maybe I’ll find some time for dating in the near future!
If you were stranded on a desert island, what’s the one book you would want with you?
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky.
