(From June 2nd, 2017) 

“I’m getting my PhD in biology (studying neural development using the retina as a model system). As a gay man, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to benefit from the long struggle the previous generations of LGBT+ community has fought to change public opinion as well as to have lived in more progressive areas, so I haven’t felt as if I have faced much discrimination personally (I actually came out in grad school), not to say, at all, that others haven’t. I am incredibly fortunate to be where I am, as I truly know that I am completely accepted (I have met nothing but acceptance from my friends, coworkers, and family). I have been helpful to at least one person close to me coming out, and I hope to be of any help needed to continue the spread of acceptance inside and outside of the scientific community.”- Brian