KARAMO BROWN
A Champion of Dialogue Through Life’s Journey
Karamo Brown, the beloved "culture expert" from Netflix's "Queer Eye," is a champion of dialogue. His ability to forge meaningful connections through open communication is a testament to the power of vulnerability in creating positive change.
Brown, of Jamaican and Cuban descent, was born in Houston, Texas and has three older sisters. He began his career in 2004 on the MTV reality show “The Real World: Philadelphia,” becoming the first openly gay black man cast on a reality show.
With a background in social work and psychotherapy, Brown has consistently used his platform to advocate for healthy communication and the rights of the underrepresented.
Brown grew up in Coral Springs, Florida, and graduated from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland in 1999. Following a shooting at the school in 2018, Brown became an active member of the “Never Again MSD” movement started by the students, advocating for new gun control legislation. He graduated from Florida A&M University, a historically Black university, and worked in social services for nearly a decade after “The Real World.”
He seamlessly navigates the delicate balance between entertainment and education, prompting viewers to confront their own biases and engage in meaningful dialogue.
“Being vulnerable is not a sign of weakness. It's a sign of strength. It shows you care. It shows you're human. It shows you're courageous.”
On "Queer Eye," Brown acts as the emotional anchor for the Fab Five. He delves into the lives of the heroes, gently guiding them through self-reflection and challenging conversations. He uses his own experiences and vulnerabilities as tools to build trust and facilitate authentic communication. Whether it's confronting a strained family relationship, exploring personal identity, or navigating grief, Brown creates a safe space for open dialogue, where individuals can express themselves freely and truly be heard.
Brown's role extends beyond the show. He utilizes his platform to address issues of social injustice, discrimination, and mental health. He actively engages with his audience on social media, fostering a community of individuals who can connect and share their own stories. Brown's advocacy for dialogue extends beyond social media and television. He is a sought-after speaker and author, sharing his powerful message with audiences worldwide. He emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding, reminding us that true connection lies in the willingness to listen and share authentically.
“I have learned that to have a healthy life, you must acknowledge tensions or disagreements—not avoid them. Each moment in my life that I viewed as horrible or hurtful at the time was actually a message that I needed to receive, learn from, and use to inspire others.”
― Karamo Brown, Karamo: My Story of Embracing Purpose, Healing, and Hope
In a world often divided by differences, Karamo Brown stands as a champion of dialogue, reminding us that the most powerful tool we possess is the ability to truly listen and be heard.
Championing Change: The Activism and Advocacy of Brown
In 2015, Brown co-founded 6in10.org, an organization that works to combat HIV stigma and provides mental health support and HIV education to the Black LGBT community. He volunteers as a youth counselor at the Los Angeles LGBT Center and has also partnered with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Black Justice Coalition as their health and wellness ambassador. Brown was invited by the Obama Administration to work with the White House to create policies and legislation to support the aspiring LGBTQ youth and their community along with their allies after school hours.
In April 2018, he joined Creative Coalition members in petitioning for increased funding for the National Endowment for the Arts. He is also a national co-chair for Health Care Voter.
