When Scott Gratson moved to Philadelphia 22 years ago, he knew he was home as soon as he saw the Temple flags.

Since then, he has been advocating for the LGBTQ+ community across the university and the city. To honor his impact, Philadelphia Gay News has named Gratson one of its 48 most influential LGBTQ+ leaders. He’ll be featured in a commemorative issue of the publication coinciding with OURfest and National Coming Out Day and recognized at a special celebration on Oct. 10 at the historic Arch Street Meeting House. Every year, the publication acknowledges individuals who’ve made lasting contributions across various fields including advocacy, politics, business, the arts, health and education.

“I’m thrilled to be affiliated with incredible icons in the community, which is memorable and affirming to me. To be considered such an influential person in Philadelphia is incredibly meaningful,” said Gratson, chair of communication studies, director of undergraduate studies and a professor of instruction.

Much of Gratson’s advocacy work has been at the university. “I want to make Temple a more inclusive place that’s proud of its diversity. My role is to remind people that this process is ongoing.” Recently, Gratson has participated in efforts to expand trans inclusion and has rallied for the Pride flag to be flown at Commencement. “We should be leading the way for LGBTQ+ rights at Temple. Until we have these conversations and make real changes, we’ll never create real equality.”

Gratson credits the students for their advocacy on campus: “This effort takes a village, and it’s led by students. Never underestimate the power of students when they’re unified. They’re the ones who come together to put everything in motion with their drive, energy and enthusiasm. To see the LGBTQ+ community now dressed up with rainbows, sprinkles and unicorns as they let their flames burn bright is so uplifting, especially knowing the fear I had as a queer person when I was in college. They’re overcoming that fear, and they’re doing it together. I’m so happy to work with them, see them grow and watch them take in the pride of who they are.”

One of Gratson’s signature courses is Empowerment of the LGBTQ+ Community through the NYC Pride March: Exploration of a Social Movement in which students plan and volunteer in New York City Pride, learning LGBTQ+ history through the lens of the annual event. This past spring, they also prepared for and marched in the Capital Pride Parade in D.C. They will join WorldPride in D.C., slated for May 23–June 8, 2025, as well as smaller Pride celebrations such as New Hope.

When Gratson became physically unable to march in the Capital Pride Parade, students led the way. “They helped me to the sidelines and marched all the way to the White House with Temple signs and rainbow flags without me. That was a powerful statement for them to carry the message of Pride even though I couldn’t join them.”

Gratson is also proud of student-athletes’ LGBTQ+ advocacy. “They’ve created a safe space for their queer team members, affirming their support as allies or as members of the community themselves.”

In addition to teaching and advising students in Klein, Gratson does research in art history, advocacy and argumentation, LGBTQ+ identity studies, British history, and urban and rhetorical analysis. He earned his second doctorate in art history at Tyler and is pursuing his third at Oxford University, studying British social and national history.

He credits various professors for inspiring his career in academia, including Senior Associate Dean of Klein Deborah Cai. “Deborah has taught me to look deeper at the administration level. She’s an amazing academic resource and one of the best mentors I’ve had. She’s also a staunch supporter of what we do in Pride. It says something to have a chief academic officer of a college congratulating and thanking students for being so involved in Pride. Klein is all about the rainbow,” Gratson said.

Gratson feels grateful to the university for providing a space for advocacy and authenticity.

“Some people talk about Pride as if it’s a day or a month, but it’s every day,” he said. “Temple has given me and the students a chance to celebrate Pride 365.”