Preston D. Mitchum

Preston Mitchum is a Black queer attorney, activist, writer, and TV personality based in Washington, D.C. Originally from Ohio, Preston has spent nearly 15 years working at the intersection of law, policy, and culture, amplifying the voices and power of Black people, LGBTQ+ communities, and young people.

He is the founder of PDM Consulting, a social impact firm helping organizations move from intention to impact on racial, gender, and LGBTQ+ justice. Over his career, he has held leadership roles at The Trevor Project, URGE: Unite for Reproductive & Gender Equity, Advocates for Youth, and the Center for American Progress. Before joining George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs, he taught LGBTQ Health Law & Policy at Georgetown University Law Center and Sexuality, Gender Identity & the Law at American University Washington College of Law.

Preston’s advocacy has been featured in The Washington Post, People, BET, MTV, The Wall Street Journal, NBC News, The Root, The Atlantic, and MSNBC. He has been recognized as one of the Best LGBTQ+ Lawyers Under 40 by the National LGBTQ+ Bar and named Most Committed Activist by Washington Blade readers in 2021 and 2025. 

Outside of his legal and policy work, Preston is passionate about storytelling and culture. He appeared as a cast member on Bravo TV’s Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard, where his blend of insight, humor, and heart earned him national recognition.

He holds an LL.M. from American University, a J.D., cum laude, from North Carolina Central University, and a B.A. in Political Science, cum laude, from Kent State University.