Brian Bond - Obama alum leading with PRIDE

June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate the power and progress of the LGBTQIA+ community.

During President Obama’s time in office, our nation saw historic gains in civil rights for LGBTQIA+ Americans, including the passage of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, the end of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act, the establishment of marriage equality as the law of the land, and more.

Hundreds of LGBTQIA+ Obama alumni worked to push progress forward during those eight years. When their time in government or on the campaign trail ended, many of these leaders continued to find new ways to serve the LGBTQIA+ community.

We recently spoke to 4 LGBTQIA+ Obama alumni about their experience and how they are carrying forward the work of the Obama years today. Take a look at Brian Bond.

Brian Bond’s roots in activism and public service started at an early age in Missouri. As a young boy, Brian watched his mother advocate for workers rights and labor. Learning the power of collective action and community grassroots activism, Brian decided to pursue a career in social justice. Brian said, “I was determined to do my part to ensure that no kid would have to go through the shame, fear and living in the shadows as I did because of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.” 

From 2006 to 2008, Brian worked at the Democratic National Committee (DNC). Towards the end of his tenure, he was asked to join the Obama 2008 campaign as the National Constituency Director ahead of the general election. Feeling inspired by his time on the campaign, Brian continued to work with President Obama. In 2009, he became a deputy director in the White House’s Office of Public Engagement. But immediately, Brian knew there would be challenges that needed to be overcome after Election Day. Recalled Brian, “While the country as a whole celebrated the historic election of President Obama, it was not lost on the President and his senior team, especially Valerie Jarrett, that California had just approved Prop 8 which denied marriage for LGBTQ+ couples…The community channeled its focus and frustration on the Administration to bring about change.”

In his time at the White House, Brian was an integral voice that amplified the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community. During his tenure he led on a number of administration positions including hate crimes legislation, the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, and the repeal of DOMA. Following his time in the White House, Brian returned to the DNC for the reelection campaign, and was then an appointee at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) where he worked on President Obama’s climate and environmental priorities including the use of clean energy, carbon pollution, and climate literacy. Today, Brian currently serves as the CEO of PFLAG National. As he continues his work advocating for the rights of LGBTQIA+ people, he leans on the dedication and determination of the community to keep the fight going.