About me
Jay Gilliam served as Senior LGBTQI+ Coordinator at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), where he led efforts to meaningfully integrate lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and other people of diverse genders and sexualities into USAID's inclusive development programs, policies, research, and trainings. His work positioned LGBTQI+ inclusion as central to effective international development practice.
Prior to this role, Gilliam directed the Human Rights Campaign's Global program and served as an Obama administration official at USAID. His international development experience also includes positions at the Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. and Peace Boat Japan, providing him with comprehensive understanding of global advocacy and cross-cultural programming.
As a dedicated community leader, Gilliam has served on the boards of the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC, and glifaa, an organization representing LGBTQI+ personnel, families, and allies in foreign affairs agencies. He currently serves as board co-chair of Global Black Gay Men Connect, where he works at the critical intersections of HIV prevention, international development, and human rights advocacy.
Originally from Arlington, Texas, Gilliam holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Amherst College and a Master of Arts in Peace Studies from International Christian University in Tokyo. His educational background and professional experience reflect his commitment to advancing LGBTQI+ rights through both domestic advocacy and international development frameworks.
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