‘Gay Guru’ Howard Bragman: Publicist, Ingenious Activist or Both?

NPR is airing a month-long special series dedicated to all things public relations. The series, titled “The Message Makers: Inside PR,”  has aired three special features about the blunders, struggles and dilemmas the public relations industry is facing.

One story highlights the career of Howard Bragman, also known as the “Gay Guru.” Bragman, an openly gay publicist, has earned the title as he has helped athlete, actors and musicians transition into an out-of-the closet lifestyle. Bragman says helping people come out of the closet is a priority because “these people are heroes, because coming out is the single most important act any gay person can do. Because every bit of research that’s ever been done says if you know more gay and lesbian people, you are going to support our rights.”

Bragman is the founder of the Los Angeles public relations agency Fifteen Minutes and author of the book “Where’s my Fifteen Minutes?“

Bragman was also a guest on NPR in early March to talk about his career as one of the “go-to public relations people for stars who want to come out of the closet.” He talked about his work with former NBA and NFL athletes, iconic actresses and popular actors. He helped these public figures come out of the closet and transitioned them into a public, out life.

Bragman has also come under fire for representing clients such as Isaiah Washington, who made disparaging remarks about a gay co-star, and a San Diego hotel owner who was one of the largest contributors to the California Proposition 8 campaign. But it is in controversial clients like these that Bragman is most proud of. In my opinion, he should be proud of himself for the work he did with these clients. Not only did he help the public perception of his clients, but he also “neutralized” his clients’ perspective on sensitive issues.

Taking on a controversial client can make or break a publicist’s career, and both sides of the coin must be carefully considered. In the case of Bragman, he has a strong following and a positive reputation with the LGBT community. He is known in the entertainment industry for helping celebrities transition into living an openly homosexual lifestyle. Taking on the San Diego hotel owner or Isaiah Washington individually could have ruined his image with his strong supporters. However, he was able to appeal to his faithful following by garnering support from vocal LGBT opponents.

In sensitive areas of debate where emotion is highly involved, the slightest concession toward one’s argument is considered a win. Taking on a controversial client that could retract one insensitive comment or give a positive comment can garner you more support from your strong support group. However, if a controversial client’s responses to criticism of their actions or statements continue to upset your supporters, you could lose your support base for the rest of your career.

So what, he convinced these men to stand up and concede that they made mistakes and that they will make amends to fix these mistakes? As an advocate for LGBT community, Bragman has taken hidden opportunities and used them to bring positive light to gay and lesbian relationships. He has successfully persuaded opinion leaders to publicly apologize for statements or actions against the LGBT community. Now, that is an impressive feat.

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