Rarely, if ever, do we hear of publicists who also take the path to becoming media activists. Good for you, I’m unlike anyone you’ve ever met.
It’s a huge thing to place both your business and personal brand out into the media in any fashion. Activism within the news media is not a typical avenue for many publicists. I am one of a kind because, as a proud gay transgender man and publicist, I do not have the luxury of silence.
As a gay transgender man:
- I have been beaten for my identity.
- I have had my house shot at because of my identity.
- I have been discriminated against in employment multiple times over because of my identity.
- I have been discriminated against in housing.
- I have been discriminated against in healthcare.
The time for silence on LGBTQIA+ human rights has never existed.
I will not be silent now nor ever.
So I’ll invoke the words of the great Welsh poet and writer, Dylan Thomas:
“Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”
Considering my identity and the on-going threats made to the human rights of my transgender community in addition to my innate connection to words, ability to navigate communications technology, literary works, publishing, the news media, and my name “Dylan Thomas”, it’s glaringly obvious to see, staying quiet about suffering and injustice when it comes to my transgender community and our human rights is something I will not back down on. My rage within is the fire that keeps my activism burning and my words circulating the globe. When you are driven by purpose, you are unstoppable and a force to be reckoned with.
My continued public assertion of strong advocacy for my transgender community is not something that I have witnessed many in the public relations field put effort into themselves. Perhaps they are either too weak or fake to undertake this mission — I am neither.
What has come with my vocal public activism in the media is a drop in business. Yes, for all of those who wish to call themselves liberal champions of human rights and supporters of transgender business professionals, where are you?
My activism harms my finances, but I will not stop.
When you’ve struggled your entire life and fought time and time again just to live, you cannot be silent when you see injustice being strategized while propaganda is disseminated by the very publications you review daily in your profession.
My fellow publicists and communications professionals, which of you are willing to put your name on the line for transgender human rights? I will continue to speak up and out until you make yourselves known as I have.
Bluntly said, my work funds my transgender community activism.
I am a publicist who talks the talk and walks the walk.
I am open to clients that align with this mission and colleagues who aren’t too precious to speak out and advocate for my transgender community.
Activism in the media as a transgender publicist isn’t easy, but it is fulfilling.
I can look at myself in the mirror every morning. Can you?
If you’d like to donate to my activism work:
ABOUT DYLAN THOMAS COTTER:
Rebel with a cause, driven by authenticity, self-expression, and liberation for all.
Dylan Thomas Cotter is a strategist, public relations leader, and brand communications executive with more than fifteen years of experience at the intersection of entertainment, media, and technology.
Cotter is known for securing numerous Tier 1 (top-tier) and Tier 2 media placements across key markets including but not limited to GQ, Rolling Stone, Out Magazine, The Advocate, Pride, Inked Magazine, Real Simple, VICE, KTLA, Reader’s Digest, Mashable, Yahoo! News, Yahoo! Life UK, Newsweek, Men’s Health, Parade Magazine, Betches, U.S. News & World Report, Women’s Health Magazine, NursingColleges.com, Women.com, South China Morning Post, Truthout, MIC, The Manual, Curl Magazine, International Business Times UK, TechRound, GB News, The Irish Star US, The Mirror, MSN and AOL.
Cotter is an advisor to founders, artists, and executives on brand positioning, reputation, corporate social responsibility, and strategic communications. As an openly gay transgender professional, Dylan Thomas Cotter is committed to fostering inclusive, respectful, and affirming work environments.
His latest book, THINK LIKE A TRANSGENDER THOUGHT LEADER, is out now, and his memoir, TRANSGENDER & TRIGGERING THE LIFE OF DYLAN THOMAS COTTER, is available now at Barnes & Noble, Harvard Book Store, Book Soup, and Skylight Books, amongst other fine retailers, and is distributed worldwide through IngramSpark.