[9] During one particularly extreme conversion therapy session, Brinton described being bound to a table while ice, heat, and electricity were applied to their body, all while being forced to watch film clips of gay intimacy.

[11][12] In 2006, Brinton graduated from Perry High School and in 2011 from Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in nuclear engineering and vocal music.

[15][13][14] While at MIT, Brinton cofounded Stand with Science, a national advocacy network aiming to protect federal research funding, which in 2012 under their leadership petitioned Congress with over 10,000 signatories.

[20] In November 2014, identifying as a "survivor" of conversion therapy, Brinton was the first such individual to testify before the United Nations Convention Against Torture regarding such experiences.

[34] South Florida Gay News reported that, according to Brinton, while they were "welcomed with open arms" at all levels of the organization, others reacted to their appointment with hatred and disgust, some making death threats against them.

[1][37] On December 12, 2022, after a second similar charge for a July incident, a Department of Energy spokesperson confirmed that Brinton was no longer a DOE employee.

[38] A July 2022 incident resulted in a second arrest warrant, issued on December 8, 2022, for grand larceny after investigators matched Brinton to security camera footage of the theft at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.

[43] Also in 2022, Brinton was charged with felony theft after allegedly stealing a woman's suitcase from a Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport baggage carousel on September 16.

[45] In April 2023, they entered an adult diversion program that required them to undergo a mental health evaluation, return stolen property, and do community service.

[50][51][52] In July 2024, the National Review reported that Brinton pled guilty to misdemeanor petit larceny in Virginia as part of a plea deal, resulting in no jail time.