I'm Gerald Garth — a storyteller, faith leader, advocate, and executive whose life's work lives at the intersection of purpose, service, and transformation. Over the years, I've had the privilege of serving in spaces that shape culture, community, faith, and public health, always guided by a deep commitment to healing, justice, and authentic leadership.

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My journey has never been defined by a single lane. I've worked in ministry, nonprofit leadership, advocacy, public affairs, and community organizing, and through each chapter I've learned that leadership is ultimately about people — their stories, their dignity, and their ability to rise beyond circumstance.

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I currently serve as Associate Pastor Designate at Vision Church Los Angeles, where I continue my lifelong commitment to ministry rooted in grace, inclusion, compassion, and liberation. Faith has always been central to who I am — not simply as belief, but as practice. For me, faith means showing up for people, leading with integrity, and creating spaces where healing and truth can exist together.

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Professionally, much of my career has focused on advancing health equity and social impact, particularly for Black LGBTQ+ communities. As Chief Executive Officer of AMAAD Institute, I've led initiatives focused on HIV/AIDS awareness, mental health advocacy, health access, economic empowerment, and community wellness. My work has centered those too often overlooked while building partnerships across nonprofit, corporate, government, and faith sectors to create lasting change.

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I also had the honor of serving as President of Christopher Street West / LA Pride, helping guide one of the nation's most visible LGBTQ+ organizations through an important period of visibility, engagement, and cultural impact. That experience reinforced my belief that leadership requires both courage and compassion — and that movements are strongest when rooted in community.

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At the center of everything I do is storytelling.

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I believe stories can heal, challenge systems, restore dignity, and remind people they are not alone. That belief comes to life most personally in my memoir, Son, Rise, Son, Shine. In the book, I share my journey through faith, family, identity, grief, resilience, and becoming — offering an honest reflection on the lessons learned through both heartbreak and hope. More than a memoir, it's an invitation for readers to reflect on their own journeys toward healing and purpose.

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As a speaker, I've had the opportunity to engage audiences across the country on topics including faith, leadership, social justice, resilience, wellness, and authentic living. Whether speaking in sanctuaries, classrooms, boardrooms, conferences, or community spaces, I aim to lead conversations that are thoughtful, human, and transformational.