Episode 1: Pride and Prejudice, How to Thrive After Surviving a Mass Shooting

Brandon Wolf, activist and National Press Secretary for the Human Rights Campaign, shares how surviving the 2016 Pulse Nightclub mass shooting transformed his life, and why he’s dedicated himself to fighting for LGBTQ+ safety, belonging, and justice. On this episode of Participation Trophy, Brandon joins Topher Williams to trace the personal and political journey that brought him to the frontlines of advocacy.

From growing up gay in rural Oregon to building a life in Orlando with a chosen family, Brandon paints a vivid picture of the search for identity and community. That search was shattered the night a gunman entered Pulse Nightclub, killing 49 people, including Brandon’s best friend Drew and his partner Juan.

Brandon opens up about the aftermath of that night, the weight of survival, and the moment he realized that comfort wasn’t enough. He had to fight so others could feel safe, too. He discusses the founding of The Dru Project, an organization supporting LGBTQ+ youth and Gay-Straight Alliances across the country, and shares how its work continues to give him hope through the next generation of changemakers. From hard-won policy victories to the quiet power of local organizing, Brandon reminds us that activism isn’t a solo effort. Activism is rooted in community, shared purpose, and the courage to imagine something better. This episode is a meditation on grief, resilience, and the urgent need to protect lives and legacies in the face of violence.