Queer Eye's Karamo Brown Made Reality TV History Once โ
Now, He's Doing It Again
When we officially met Karamo Brown on Real World: Philadelphia in 2004, he instantly established himself as a pioneer for the LGBTQ+ community: he was the first black, openly gay man to appear on a reality TV series. Since then, heโs embarked on his own journey of visibility and empowerment. Brown has continued to carve an important space for himself and others through his activism, and heโs pushing representation and love forward on Netflixโs Queer Eye reboot.
Read MoreWhy 1 Survivor of Revenge Porn Wants You to Know Itโs Not Just a Straight Personโs Problem
At just 14 years old, Leah Juliettโs private nude photos were posted online by a classmate in an attempt to shame them for their LGBTQ+ identity. Rather than let the traumatic incident destroy them, Juliett decided to turn pain into activism. By founding the March Against Revenge Porn and pushing for legislation to make it illegal to share private nude photos, Juliett is standing up against online bullying and the victimization of their queer brothers, sisters, and non-binary folks.
Rizi Timane Is Helping the Transgender Community, One Surgery at a Time
Life has not been easy for Rizi Timane, and heโd be the first one to tell you. After struggling with his own personal identity crises, financial struggles, rejection, and drug and alcohol abuse, Timane โ himself a transgender man of color โ decided to take his fate into his own hands and change his life for the better. Now, with his work as the manager of the Transgender Health Program at St. John's Well Child and Family Center in Downtown LA, as well as his own Rizi Timane Annual Transgender Grant, heโs helping others do the same.
How 1 Small Tweak Gave Alia Shawkat the LGBTQ+ Film
She REALLY Wanted to Make
Duck Butter is the latest project in Arrested Development star Alia Shawkatโs career, but it might be her most important work yet. She wrote, produced, and starred in the film, which is about two women who fall in love and decide to spend 24 continuous hours together. The film, if anything, is an emblem of Shawkatโs journey with her own bisexuality, which she only just announced publicly in 2017. Now, armed with her own truth, Shawkat is fostering more representation (and respect) for the LGBTQ+ community, both on and off screen.
Read MoreHow Author Nina LaCour Hopes to Inspire LGBTQ+ Youth Through Her Stories
YA author Nina LaCour wants to depict all kinds of love. Romantic love, platonic love, and yes, love between two boys and love between two girls. As an award-winning novelist, LaCour seeks to give voice and inspiration to a young generation of people who are still trying to figure themselves out.
How Hayley Kiyoko Lived Her Truth and
Became the "Queer Savior" of Pop
If you wanted to pinpoint the moment everything changed in Hayley Kiyoko's career, it would have to be the 2015 release of her single "Girls Like Girls." In the time since, she's been dubbed the "Lesbian Jesus" by her fans. With her official debut album, Expectations, Kiyoko is embracing her queer identity more than ever, and she's never looking back.
Read MoreWildfang CEO Emma Mcilroy Suits Up to Challenge Gender Norms
Suits aren't just for men, and no one knows this better than Wildfang's razor-sharp CEO, Emma Mcilroy. In the wake of the 2016 election, Mcilroy has used her platform as a powerful tool for activism and awareness. Wildfang has raised money for abortion clinics across the nation, and it wants you to look good while you fight for your rights.
What It's Like Being Transgender and Undocumented When Your Rights Are at Stake
Ximena Ospina is an undocumented, transgender DACA recipient, and she is not afraid. The self-labeled "Undocuqueer" has quickly become a powerful voice in the face of an administration who is trying to take away her rights. Thanks to a scholarship from Point Foundation, Ospina is working to unite the disenfranchised and empower them to know their stories matter.
Hannah Hart Wants a More Unified
LGBTQ+ Community: "We're All Queer"
It all started in 2011 with a little YouTube series called My Drunk Kitchen. Seven short years have passed since then, and Hannah Hart has crafted an impressive entrepreneurial career in acting, writing, podcasting, activism, and yes, drunk cooking. None of this would have been possible without the adamant authenticity that Hart embodied from the very start of her journey.
Read MoreIn a State Plagued by Suicide, This Researcher Is Taking a Revolutionary Approach
Utah has a problem with suicide, and Michael Staley wants to figure out why. The sociologist, who has the only job of his kind in America, conducts what are known as "psychological autopsies" on victims of suicide in hopes of understanding their problems and the circumstances that were troubling them. Through his work, Staley is hoping to reengineer the way we approach suicide prevention forever.
Comedian Cameron Esposito Is Ready to Share Her #MeToo Story
For the last few months, Cameron Esposito has been addressing her experiences with sexual assault during her stand-up sets. Yes, it's a comedy show, but stand-up needs honesty, and Esposito is adding her voice to a crucial new narrative in the entertainment industry, one that's still unfolding day to day.
How 2 Dads Are Transforming What It Means to Be Parents
Seven years ago, Trystan Reese decided to adopt his sister's children with his husband, Biff Chaplow. The couple wanted to protect Riley and Hailey, who were 3 and 1 at the time, from entering the foster system. In 2017, Reese, a transgender man, became pregnant. Now, with their 10-year-old son, 7-year-old daughter, and 10-month-old Leo, this fantastic couple is embracing a new kind of modern family.
The Moment Janet Mock Realized She Was Making Television History
Janet Mock has changed her life (and the lives of those around her) by living her truth and telling her story. The writer and transgender activist has penned two memoirs and given speeches at the United Nations and the Women's March in Washington DC. Now, she's setting her sights on television with FX's historic new series, Pose.
Read MoreNathalie Huerta's Queer Gym Is Honoring (and Transforming) LGBTQ+ Bodies
In Oakland, CA, Nathalie Huerta has created a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals to break a sweat and get in shape. Queer Gym was founded in 2010; in the time since, Huerta has built an incredible business that promotes body positivity and self-confidence.
This Couple Fighting For LGBTQ+ Rights Won't Stop at the Supreme Court
In 2012, Charlie Craig and David Mullins visited Masterpiece Cakeshop in Denver to find that owner Jack Phillips refused to bake a cake for their wedding. In the six years since, the couple has engaged in a legal battle that will head to the US Supreme Court this Summer. Now, they're more determined than ever to stand up for what's right.
How Adam Rippon Found His Confidence โ
and His "Greater Purpose" โ on the Ice
Adam Rippon made history in 2018 as the first openly gay American man to qualify for the Olympics. By staying out, proud, and vocal in Pyeongchang, South Korea, he is an inspiration to LGBTQ+ youth all around the world. Fresh off his Dancing With the Stars win, Rippon talks about his own journey with identity and pride.
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