Every year since 1994, Out has compiled a prestigious list of the year's most impactful and influential LGBTQ+ people. And you, our readers, have an important role to play.We've collected your nominations for the 2025 Out100, and our editors have narrowed the list to 10 finalists. Help us choose who should land on our list of the biggest changemakers by casting your vote! Read up on the finalists below and then cast your vote in the poll below before 11:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Sept. 1.Arun Sethuraman"Dr. S is an educator, geneticist, and importantly, a mentor who has trained over 60 undergraduate and graduate students in his lab at San Diego State University, a majority of whom are openly out LGBTQIA+ scientists now themselves. As an openly gay immigrant geneticist of color, he continues to advocate for minority identities and representation in the sciences." (via nomination form)Ben O'Keefe"Ben is an award-winning producer, activist, and cultural commentator whose career has been defined by breaking barriers and reshaping culture. Named to Forbes 30 Under 30 for Hollywood & Entertainment and shortlisted for an Academy Award, O'Keefe has consistently amplified stories and voices too often left out of the mainstream... O'Keefe also created and co-hosts the hit podcast High Key! on iHeart's Outspoken Network, where he and his co-hosts bring unapologetically queer perspectives to pop culture and politics." (via nomination form)Ben Stokes"Ben Stokes should be nominated for the Out100 because he's redefining what leadership looks like in venture capital. As the Founding Partner of Chasing Rainbows, one of the first funds built to back LGBTQ+ founders, he's turning capital into opportunity for a community that's been overlooked for too long. Under his leadership, Chasing Rainbows has proven that queer entrepreneurs don't just deserve a seat at the tablethey drive outsized innovation, jobs, and exits." (via nomination form)Brooke EdenAfter trying out for American Idol, Brooke Eden began a career in country music. She has released 5 EPs to date, and in 2021, she came out as queer and announced her engagement to Hilary Hoover. This summer, she released a Pride anthem, "Giddy Up," and taught LGBTQ+ folks how to line-dance in order to create more inclusive spaces in music and the real world. (from Out.com)Cesar Toledo"Cesar is the Executive Director of the Wanda Alston Foundation (WAF). WAF is one of the most vital organizations serving homeless and at-risk LGBTQ+ youth in Washington, D.C. by providing transitional housing, support services, and pathways to economic mobility. Since leading WAF, Cesar has dramatically raised the organization's profile, launched numerous new initiatives, and significantly increased fundraising. Cesar is a national LGBTQ+ trailblazer, Returned Peace Corps Volunteer and first-gen Latino with a history of building LGBTQ+ power." (via nomination form)Dana Goldberg"Dana has raised over $70 million for the LGBTQ community in her advocacy work. She fights tirelessly for the trans youth community as well and utilizes her daily platform, The Daily Beans podcast and her social media to ensure we are educated and aware of how to not only give back but also to remain positive in a dark time. She is a comedic light and all around kind human being trying to make the place a safer and better place for ALL." (via nomination form)Evan Low"Evan Low has emerged as one of the most influential leaders in American politics and LGBTQ+ representation as President and CEO of the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund. He previously was the youngest openly gay mayor in the nation in 2009 in Campbell, California. He was also the youngest openly gay and asian state legislator in the California State Assembly. Under his leadership, the organization has expanded its reach, influence, and impact, cementing itself as the premier national organization dedicated to electing openly LGBTQ+ candidates to every level of government." (via nomination form)KhalidThe Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter performed at his first-ever Pride this summer -- and he cried "happy tears" on stage. The "Better" singer got emotional on stage while performing at the WorldPride DC 2025. The 26-year-old was outed online last November via a bitter exchange with a former romantic partner. Khalid responded by posting a rainbow flag alongside exclamation points on social media site X/Twitter, followed by, "There y'all go. Next topic please lol." (from Out.com)Ryan Basham"Ryan is the Director of Political Programming at Channel Q, the nation's first, most listened to LGBTQ+ talk and music radio network, reaching queer audiences. He's a political analyst, comedian, and LGBTQ+ advocate who blends humor and commentary to challenge injustice and amplify queer voices. He is also the founder of Stonewall Network, a hub supporting grassroots, volunteer-driven LGBTQ+ advocacy across the country. He is also the creator of Still In Service, a career coaching and support platform for 200k+ laid-off federal workers and staffers, urgently needed in today's climate." (via nomination form)Shannon "SJ" Joslin"This National Park Service employee was fired for hanging a trans pride flag on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. Their advocacy and activism in these troubling times is necessary and sheds light on the existence and perils of simply existing for trans folks in this country... even in California." (from nomination form)