Tiger Heritage Spotlight: Trevor Brown, Ph.D., BS '98
Trevor Brown, Ph.D., BS '98 (biochemistry) is a senior scientist within the Joint Programs Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense's (JPEO-CBRND) Joint Project Managers Office for CBRN Medical (JPM CBRN Medical) where he directly supports the Joint Product Lead for Diagnostics. After graduating RIT, he obtained his Ph.D. in integrative biosciences: Chemical Biology Option (2005) from the Pennsylvania State University where he studied the RNA structure and function. From there, he spent over nine years in clinical research immunology, including three years directing clinical research staff, at the Naval Medical Research Center where he initiated a biomarker identification program for translational medicine within the Regenerative Medicine Department. Building from his experiences in advancing basic science concepts into product prototypes and interfacing with the Food and Drug Administration, Trevor joined the team at JPM CBRN Medical, as a science and technology manager to shepherd technology transitions of early prototypes of diagnostics into advanced development and acquisition for medical defense.
What significance does Pride Month hold for you?
My first large Pride festival, Heritage of Pride NYC, was eye opening. Seeing all the 'colors of the rainbow' in the diversity of expression - gender expression, race, tribe - gave me two big realizations:
I really can be 'all of me' without having to fit a stereotype that did not fit me.
It is important to be OUT and comfortable in your own skin because you don't know who you may have a positive influence on simply by being visibly YOU.
Who inspired you to live your authentic self?
My mom has always inspired me to be authentic and honest while also being kind and supportive of others. Thanks to that foundation, I've always felt it was important to be "me", even in the face of unfriendly environments.
What advice would you give to those who are not ready to come out?
When you do come out, have empathy for those you are coming out to. It is understandable to feel so fed up with being closeted that you want to burst out shouting, "I'm here, I'm queer, get used to it!" without concern for who might get hurt in the process; not caring who is smacked in the face if they are in your way or just a little too "close" to you. While this approach is certainly an option, it can also harm those close to you—people you might currently fear losing. This method might make it seem like you are rejecting them, potentially labeling them as homophobic. When you're ready to come out, be empathetic. Remember all the time you had to prepare yourself for this moment; allow others a bit of time to adjust after the big reveal. It might not seem like a big reveal to you, but even the friends or family you think will understand right away may need a moment to process.
Be aware that initial reactions are often misinterpreted and not always lasting. Some people who love you deeply might seem hurt initially, but this could be because they thought they would have known without you telling them or feel they let you down by not making it easier for you to come out. Come out at your own pace, but don’t wait too long! The closet keeps you from finding joy and can leave you prey to those who realize your fear of being outed.
Start by opening the closet door; you don't have to step out all at once.
Engage with the LGBTQ2IA+ community to appreciate its rich diversity. Participating in Pride festivals, film festivals, and visiting safe-space cafes or restaurants can help you see beyond stereotypes.
What is your favorite college memory?
Being on the swim team and bonding with teammates; one of my best friends from college and fellow Unity House member, Glenn Gipson, filmed me during a swim meet for a class project, making me feel like I was something special with a story to tell.
What advice do you have for current students who want to make the most out of their RIT experience?
Take advantage of the Co-op program.
Join a club, team, or fraternity/sorority. Holding a position can also really develop your leadership skills, teach event planning and project management, and introduce you to some great people who will create lifelong memories. College is really a different time and place from the rest of your lives.
What are some fun facts about you that you’d like to share?
My husband and I started a food truck in Washington, D.C. called Mexitrachos, cooking up Mexican and Honduran food, in February 2020…just as the pandemic shutdown went into effect!
How can RIT support and build an atmosphere of inclusion, regardless of a person’s identity?
Continue to create spaces, time, and opportunity for those successfully navigating the waters of identity to be heard and seen by those that are, perhaps, less confident.
Create spaces, time, and opportunities for the quieter voices to be heard by RIT leadership.
Openly show leadership affirming the diverse identities in the student population.
What challenges might a person who is lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender face when coming out?
People might highlight the self-doubt, nervousness, and fear you feel about choosing the right friend or relative to come out to. However, there is also a powerful sense of self-empowerment, confidence, and pride in normalizing such an important part of your identity. It is as if a whole new world opens up when you realize that people accept you. And if they don't, forget them – they won't get to enjoy the fabulous life you're about to start living once you step out of that closet!
On the topic of others being accepting, not everyone will be. That is just a fact. However, do not let fear make you push away those who really do love and care about you.
What was the most challenging part of coming out?
Finding ways to come out to friends and family in a way for which they would be 'ready', identifying what their concerns might be or what it is they may need to hear or see for them to break through their barrier.