TAG to Celebrate Founding Member Whose Scientific Precision, Activist Spirit, and Opera Wit Helped Shape the Movement
New York, NY, June 2, 2025 – Treatment Action Group (TAG) is proud to announce Dr. Richard Lynn — scientist, activist, philanthropist, and founding member of TAG — as the third and final honoree for the 2025 Research in Action Awards (RIAA), to be held on October 20 at the Angel Orensanz Foundation in New York City.
For over three decades, Rich Lynn has brought scientific rigor, strategic insight, and deep compassion to the HIV advocacy movement. Trained in chemistry at Cornell and Harvard, Lynn quickly pivoted from the lab to the front lines of activism during the early AIDS crisis. As a key member of ACT UP’s Treatment and Data Committee and a co-founder of TAG in 1992, he played a pivotal role in advancing science-based advocacy and treatment access. He contributed to landmark publications like the Treatment and Data Digest and Countdown 18 Months, organized teach-ins for activists, and helped lead the historic 1990 “Storm the NIH” demonstration.
“Rich Lynn has been a north star for TAG since the beginning,” said TAG Executive Director Mark Harrington. “His clarity of thought, generosity of spirit, and tireless commitment to justice helped build the foundation of our organization. This recognition is not only for his decades of impact but for the integrity and intellect he brings to everything he touches.”
Rich served on TAG’s Board of Directors from 1998 until earlier this year — guiding the organization through key strategic transitions and moments of advocacy. Beyond TAG, he contributed to the Scientific Advisory Committee at the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR), and he continues to write on opera and culture for Parterre Box — a queer opera zine founded by fellow activist James Jorden.
He shares his life with his husband, Joseph Evall — a New York City attorney and 2017 RIAA honoree. The couple recently celebrated their 41st anniversary — an enduring partnership rooted in love, activism, and community.
“Rich has been a leader at TAG with both heart and vision — not only through his governance and advocacy, but through his unwavering philanthropic commitment,” said TAG Chief Operating Officer Jason Kirk. “He has modeled what it means to invest fully in a mission and a movement. His leadership has left a lasting imprint on this organization and everyone who has worked alongside him.”
The 2025 RIAA will mark a powerful moment to honor the past and rally support for the future of science-based activism — spotlighting those who have helped shape the fight against HIV, TB, and HCV through bold leadership and relentless hope.
Event Details:
October 20, 2025
Angel Orensanz Foundation, New York City
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Early Bird Friend Level Tickets are just $200 ($300 after July 15) and sponsorship opportunities are still available.
For more information on the Research in Action Awards, including ticketing and sponsorship details, please visit www.treatmentactiongroup.org/riaa.
Rich joins two other deserving honorees to complete this year’s slate of award winners: Gloria Rueben and Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo.
About Treatment Action Group (TAG)
Treatment Action Group (TAG) is an independent, activist-based research and policy think tank dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by HIV, TB, and HCV. TAG fights for better treatment access, health equity, and progressive policy change to ensure groundbreaking research translates into action for the communities most impacted.
Media Inquiries
For press inquiries, photos, video assets, or interview requests, please contact Dorrit Walsh at dorrit.walsh@treatmentactiongroup.org.
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