The MGA was founded in 1973, incorporated in 1974, then changed its name to the Mississippi Gay and Lesbian Alliance (MGLA) in 1986. As quoted from a MGLA mission statement, circa late 1980s: The MGLA "is the oldest gay/lesbian organization in the South and one of the oldest in the country. The Alliance began as a group of persons who were interested in educating the public for Human Rights for all persons without prejudice….The Alliance now does educational work with the gay/bisexual community around HIV/AIDS. Nine regional meetings, gay bars, churches catering to gays and anywhere gay/bisexual males gather we pass out literature, give talks/discussions, leave condoms, and promote safer sex and stress risk reduction activities. We use print and electronic media to get our message across as well as publishing our own newsletter. The MGLA has speakers who will speak on college campuses, at schools, churches, or radio about homosexuality and HIV/AIDS. Youth and elderly concerns are a part of our outreach as well as to those who are physically challenged. The Alliance founded the Mississippi Persons with AIDS and Mississippi HIV Projects."

MGA provided food, medication, transportation, and emotional support to those individuals with AIDS who otherwise would not have received help from the government. Services provided included the AIDS hotline as well as in-person support groups sponsored by the Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) and the Metropolitan Community Church of Jackson (MCC). MGA joined membership with the National AIDS Network, Mississippi AIDS Task Force, Mississippi Minority AIDS Task Force, Mississippi Food Network, Mississippi Association of Food Pantries, Mississippi Human Services Coalition, Hattiesburg Area AIDS Coalition, Mississippi Housing Coalition, and Twelve Baskets Food Bank. MGA also affiliated with many other humanitarian organizations such as the Jackson Gray Panthers, the Anti-Klan Network, People's Anti-War Mobilization (PAM), PFLAG, National Association of People with AIDS, Witness for Peace/Pledge of Resistance, and Catholic Social and Community Service.