Ill be frank: It took some thinking to determine this years theme for the Out100, Outs list of the years most impactful LGBTQ+ people. 2025 saw staggering setbacks for our community funding was cut to our nonprofits; brand sponsorships evaporated from Pride events; attacks, particularly those pointed at transgender people, rained from a federal level; our present, our history, and our future were being erased before our eyes. How does one find an upbeat zeitgeist in what felt like an ocean of loss?But amid these devastating blows, LGBTQ+ people from every walk of life continued to fight the good fight. They taught at schools, researched cures for diseases, sheltered homeless young people, ran for office, preached love in churches and synagogues and mosques, protested in the streets, starred in movies and TV shows, won reality competitions, electrified sports arenas, and even wrote a No. 1 song that made this world a little more Golden.In retrospect, the Out100 theme, Bolder, Brighter!, is self-evident. Throughout time, LGBTQ+ people have faced prejudice and hatred and responded with perseverance and joy, light and fight. In some ways, we have been preparing our whole lives for this moment. As queer people, we know better than most the cruelty that others may be capable of. And we also know the awesome power of community, acceptance, and love.There are dozens of LGBTQ+ Artists, Disruptors, Educators, Groundbreakers, Innovators, and Storytellers on this year's list who are making this world bolder and brighter. Who they are, what they do, and who they love? That matters.It matters because hope can feel like its in short supply these days. The obstacles ahead are daunting. Who can step up to face them? The answer is us. As LGBTQ+ people, were here, in every sphere, performing everyday acts of bravery and beauty. Together, were making life kinder, queerer, and a hell of a lot more fun. Looking for reasons to hope? Weve got 100 right here. Heres to the Out100, and another year of being bold and bright.Sincerely,Daniel ReynoldsEditor in Chief, Out magazineThe 2025 Out100 list is here! These LGBTQ+ people are making the world bolder and brighter