At AbsolutelyOut, we would like to acknowledge and showcase the incredible people—the trailblazers, supporters, and advocates—that have done amazing things for the LGBTQ community. Gay, straight, transgender, wealthy, poor, celebrity, or everyday next-door neighbor—it doesn’t matter who they are—we are proud of and grateful to all the individuals and organizations that stand Out and have had a significant impact on our overall community. We honor your contributions and your connection to the LGBTQ community with our Rainbow Hearts.
MAKING A BOLD STATEMENT IN A SMALL TOWN
Aaron Jackson
Co-founder of the non-profit, Planting Peace; purchased a house in Topeka, KS across from anti-LGBTQ Westboro Baptist Church. It became known as “Equality House” when a military vet painted it like the gay pride rainbow flag.
Photo Credit: Tony Webster
Shout-Outs
Shout-Outs celebrate and thank those that have been LGBTQ champions and/or role models. You are all our true heroes and our continued inspiration.
Anderson Cooper is a TV journalist who isn’t afraid to look fear in the face. His hands-on investigative reporting has caused him to be put in many dangerous situations. He always provides an in-depth look into top stories and breaking news. He has taught us that everyone has an important story to tell and behind every story, there is a face and a name that matters. No matter what your story is, you should be proud to tell it!
In addition to being an award-winning comedian, actress, and writer, Wanda Sykes promotes equal rights for the LGBTQ community and has done so with amazing wit, charm, and humor. She continues to use her creative talents to promote positive LGBTQ representation in television and film. We are grateful to her for using her platform to help us tell our stories!
Photo Credit:Debbie Egan-Chin.NY Daily News
The first lesbian & only the second woman to become a battalion chief in the New York City Fire Department, Captain Michele Fitzsimmons is a role-model and an inspiration. She promotes hard work and dedication in order to reach your goals. She is living proof that you can achieve whatever you set your mind to!
Emmy-nominated transgender Filipina-American actress, Rain Valdez, is trying to change the way we all view TV, film, and more. Representation is so important for the LGBTQ community and she is trying to change the same old tired narrative and add a little color to the mix. She founded ActNow which provides the first and only acting classes for those within the LGBTQ community. Thank you, Rain, for creating a space for us to learn and grow comfortably!
CEO and founder of Madison Reed, Amy Errett, shook up the hair coloring industry by bringing better and safer ingredients to at-home products. With an array of color choices and ingredients with integrity, Madison Reed is on a mission to make women feel beautiful. Amy's philosophy is that confident women can change the world and that starts with how we feel about ourselves. We support supporting other women!
Maulik Pancholy is an actor, writer, and longtime activist who is committed to cultivating a world in which all young people are proud of their identities. In 2019, he published his first novel, The Best at It. Aimed at middle school-aged children, it is the story of a gay Indian-American boy on his path of self-discovery, identity, and acceptance. Maulik is a fantastic role model to the LGBTQ community and beyond!
After starting his show biz career on The Real World: Philadelphia, Karamo Brown made his way to culture expert on the popular series, Queer Eye. Utilizing his platform and his passion for his community, he promotes mental health support and education for the black and LGBTQ community regarding HIV and AIDS through his foundation 6in10. He was also invited by the Obama administration to offer input and guidance on policies and legislation regarding LGBTQ youth. We need more people like Karamo in the world to spread love and truth!
Jesse Tyler Ferguson is a screen & Broadway actor & an LGBTQ activist. He started the organization Tie The Knot in 2012, with the goal of bringing awareness to the inequalities of LGBTQ civil rights & marriage through fashion and design. In 2021, his organization shifted its focus to include the expanding LGBTQ community & the continuing needs of equality, equity, & support for all under the new organization, Pronoun. Thank you for your continued & tireless efforts to support the community!