Brian Minalga

Deputy Director
Fred Hutch
Seattle, WA

“Brandyn and I worked together on a project formed by the Division of AIDS at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Years later, I continue to work on this project, and Brandyn’s legacy continues to show up in our work. Brandyn’s perspective was always unique, cogent, and passionate. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are always at the core of Brandyn’s approach, and their impact is specific and long-lasting. Any team lucky enough to benefit from Brandyn’s performance and attention to detail will observe the sustainable influence of their work.”

Dr. Gal Mayer

Former Medical Director,
Callen-Lorde Community Health Center
New York City, NY

“Brandyn’s exceptional ability to analyze, synthesize, and convey novel information through a unique and relevant lens consistently impresses me. Multi-faceted and versatile, there are no bounds to the work [they]’ll do in the interest of community building – be it handing out condoms and talking with homeless teens about safer sex, critically examining and identifying shortcomings of major medical research, or compassionately and effectively communicating those shortcomings directly to the world’s leading scientists to improve methodological accuracy and accountability. Brandyn is a natural leader with insatiable curiosity and endless passion, whose contributions to the field of sexual health have been immeasurably impactful and enlightening. It is inspiring to witness [their] activism in action.”

Rebecca Dodd

Organizational Leadership & Adult Learning
Park University

“During graduate school, I’ve consistently been impressed by Brandyn’s depth of knowledge and passion. They are an expert in DEI and demonstrate exceptional expertise in organizational psychology and ethics alignment for leaders and teams. They consistently go above and beyond in team settings, thinking outside the box while ensuring their ideas are evidence-based. Their deep empathy allows them to see situations from multiple perspectives, and they are unwavering in their commitment to doing what is right—even when it’s not the easiest path. I seek their insight when I need a thoughtful second opinion or reassurance that I’m heading in the right direction. Brandyn’s value to any team is immeasurable, and anyone lucky enough to work with them will benefit from their expertise and insight.”

Ember Orion, SHRM-CP

Former President
Transgender Equality Network
Fayetteville, AR

“It has been an absolute pleasure and an honor serving with Brandyn on the executive board for the Transgender Equality Network over this past year. Brandyn has consistently been a steadfast pillar in our community. Their interpersonal skills, passion for community-building, and drive to better the lives of marginalized people is unmatched. Additionally, where others may shy away from having difficult conversations that are too important to avoid out of fear and discomfort, Brandyn does not. When it comes to standing up for what is right, Brandyn has never once hesitated to speak up and speak out, and to listen. They can say and hear the challenging things. And on the other side of the coin, Brandyn is also one of the best connection-builders I’ve ever met. They are equally unafraid to approach someone on the fringe and pull them into the fold with welcoming words and a smile. They build bridges where others have been too afraid to walk, and those connections make our community and our organization stronger every day. In short, Brandyn has been an invaluable member of our board and of the organization as a whole, and I am so grateful that I know them.”

Emily Land

VP of Public Affairs
San Francisco AIDS Foundation
San Francisco, CA

“I had the pleasure of working with Brandyn for a few years when I was editor of San Francisco AIDS Foundation’s HIV blog, BETA. Brandyn is an incredible communicator and writer, whose passion for furthering the conversation around equity and inclusion for LGBTQ+ communities was so evident. It can be difficult to find activists who are able to write personal perspectives about their own unique experiences that also resonate with larger audiences and bring new people into the fold, but I found Brandyn’s writing was able to do just that.”

Jim Pickett

Former Director of Prevention Advocacy & Gay Men’s Health
AIDS Foundation Chicago
Chicago, IL

“Brandyn is one of our country’s hottest young health advocates to keep both eyes on. Equal parts passion, smarts, and tenacity, [their] work on behalf of transgender men, HIV prevention, and PrEP is thrilling to watch as it unfolds. [They are] how positive change happens. Queers of all flavors and varieties, and especially trans men, already have a lot to thank [them] for – whether they know it or not. I am privileged to be [their] ally and comrade.”

Gus Cairns

Editor, AIDSMap.com
European AIDS Treatment Group Co-Chair

“Brandyn has something I recognise from the young gay activists I used to hang out with back in the late 70s: fearlessness, intelligence, impatience – but impatience with added smarts and political savvy. [They’re] part of a new, yet not so new voice in sexual politics: a post-AIDS generation who are challenging perceived notions of gender, role and lifestyle in the way Gay Lib did in my youth and which I feel the AIDS tragedy derailed. I’m proud to have been part of a movement young activists like [them] are taking over and transforming. [They’re] engaged, bold…, sharp and tells you what’s what. I like that.”

Damon Jacobs, LMFT

Founding Moderator
PrEP Facts

“When it comes to standing up for the rights of transgender men to access responsible and informed healthcare, Brandyn Gallagher is unparalleled. [Their] intelligent, creative, and humane approach to communication is making a formative difference in the world of HIV prevention, PrEP education, and research. In my two decades of work, I have never seen someone discuss the health disparities of transgender individuals with such detailed clarity, remarkable persistence, and admirable resilience. I am honored to moderate the “PrEP Facts” group page with [them], and look forward to [their] contributions for years to come.”