Vanessa Nakate to Open Giving Black Conference 2026 With Climate Justice Keynote
2 weeks ago
United States Raymond Braun is a media personality, journalist, and endurance athlete, known for his impact on LGBTQ+ advocacy through marketing and documentary filmmaking, as well as his record-setting athletic achievements.
Raymond Braun launched YouTube and Google's first-ever LGBTQ marketing campaign, #ProudToLove, dedicated to celebrating the LGBT community. He also served as the LGBTQ marketing lead for YouTube and Google.
Raymond Braun was LGBTQ marketing lead at Google/YouTube, where he initiated the company's first marketing campaign dedicated to the LGBT community, #ProudToLove. This campaign generated significant press and social media impressions.
In 2023, Raymond Braun hosted Fuel Something Bigger, a national tour and documentary storytelling series presented by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's ZOA Energy. The series highlighted individuals making significant community contributions and focused on destigmatizing conversations around mental health.
Raymond Braun grew up in Toledo, Ohio, and developed an early interest in media and technology’s influence on culture. This interest led him to Stanford University, where he graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Science, Technology, and Society, and a Master of Arts in Media Studies and Journalism. His academic achievements were recognized with the J.E. Wallace Sterling Award for Scholastic Achievement. Braun’s upbringing in a conservative community shaped his perspective and inspired his career path, particularly in telling diverse stories through media.
Braun’s career began in marketing at YouTube and Google. In 2013, he pioneered YouTube’s first LGBTQ+ marketing campaign, “#ProudToLove,” which achieved significant visibility and support. He subsequently became the LGBTQ marketing lead for Google and YouTube. His influence in this role led to his inclusion in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in marketing and advertising in 2014 and 2016, and the Financial Times’ “Power Rankings: Top 50 Future LGBT Leaders” list in 2016. In 2019, Braun hosted and produced the documentary “State of Pride,” which premiered at the SXSW Film Festival, won a GLAAD Media Award for “Outstanding Documentary,” and was named a “must-see” documentary for Pride Month by TIME. For this work, he was recognized as the “Doc Star of the Month” by the International Documentary Association.
More recently, Braun has gained recognition in endurance sports. In 2023, he set a world record by completing seven triathlons on seven continents in seven consecutive days, an effort undertaken to raise awareness and funds for mental health. The same year, he participated in the Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swim, traversing from Asia to Europe. In 2024, he guided Chris Nikic, the first person with Down syndrome to complete all six Abbott World Marathon Majors. Braun also founded the Soho House Run Club, aiming to create an inclusive community beyond just running. He served as a mental health correspondent at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, covering athlete well-being and conducting interviews with figures such as Novak Djokovic and Noah Lyles, further solidifying his role as a prominent media personality and advocate.
Curious about our offerings or have inquiries? We're eager to assist!
Just complete the form, and we'll respond promptly.
