About Brandan
Rev. Brandan Robertson is an acclaimed author, activist, and public theologian working at the intersections of spirituality, sexuality, and social renewal. An ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, he serves as Pastor of Sunnyside Reformed Church in New York City and as Theologian-in-Residence at Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ in Miami, Florida. He is also the Founder and Executive Director of DevOUT, a nonprofit organization dedicated to challenging far-right religious narratives and amplifying inclusive spiritual voices across digital and traditional media. Widely known as the “TikTok Pastor,” Robertson reaches nearly 400,000 followers and over 10 million viewers worldwide with his accessible, inclusive theological reflections. His sermons are also broadcast weekly on Star.FM stations across the United States.
A prolific writer, Robertson has authored, edited, or contributed to over twenty-seven books on spirituality, justice, and theology. His book True Inclusion: Creating Communities of Radical Embrace was recognized as an INDIES Book of the Year Award Finalist. His essays and commentary have appeared in TIME Magazine, The Washington Post, NBC News, The Huffington Post, and more. He currently serves as a columnist for Baptist News Global and Bishop John Shelby Spong’s Progressing Spirit. A leading voice in progressive faith movements, Robertson’s commentary is frequently featured on CNN, NPR, MSNBC, and other major media outlets. His cultural influence has been recognized by Rolling Stone Magazine’s 2021 “Hot List” and Out Magazine’s 2025 “OUT100”, honoring him among the most impactful LGBTQ+ leaders in the nation.
Robertson’s thought leadership and advocacy have brought him to platforms such as The White House, Westminster Abbey, Oxford University, and The Parliament of the World’s Religions. He has taught and lectured for institutions including San Francisco Theological Seminary, The Lakelands Institute, Disciples Seminary Foundation, and The Wisdom Centre (Canada). His expertise has also been sought by advisory bodies including the Democratic National Convention, the U.S. Department of State, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. He was named a Fellow of the Salzburg Global Seminar in 2020 and a Senior Digital Ministry Fellow of Convergence in 2023.
A committed advocate for LGBTQ+ equality, Robertson has been recognized by the Human Rights Campaign as one of the leading faith voices advancing inclusion and justice. He has worked internationally with activists and policymakers to end conversion therapy and promote the rights of sexual and gender minorities. In 2024, the LGBTQ+ Religious Archives Network honored him for his prophetic leadership in advancing queer inclusion within the Christian Church. Robertson also serves within a number of influential networks, including as a member of the Red Letter Christians Leaders Network, a founding member of The Union of Affirming Christians, a Patron of One Body, One Faith (UK), and an advisor for The Center for Progressive Christianity, LOVEBoldly, and The Global Interfaith Commission on LGBTQ+ Lives.
Robertson earned a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Ministry and Biblical Studies from Moody Bible Institute, a Master of Theological Studies from Iliff School of Theology, and a Master of Arts in Political Science and Public Administration from Eastern Illinois University. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies at Drew University. He resides in New York City.
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