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? Related: See the full Out100 list!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. As our Out100 Icon of the Year, Niecy Nash-Betts is Bolder, Brighter! personified. She shines among the brightest comedic actresses, bringing unforgettable humor and heart to TV shows like Reno: 911 and Scream Queens. And in dramatic roles, she shifts so effortlessly to characters who, with a look, can move audiences to outrage, tears, hope and yes, action. As the mother of a member of the Central Park Five on When They See Us, or as the neighbor of a serial killer on Dahmer, Nash-Betts not only delivers award-worthy performances; she gives voice to the marginalized and illuminates the systemic injustices they face. She possesses that ability wielded by the rarest actors: She makes us care. Related: Niecy Nash-Betts will be on the 'front lines' against anti-LGBTQ+ hateAnd of course, theres her most inspiring story: her own. Nash-Betts married Jessica Betts in 2020, openly joining the LGBTQ+ community at age 50. Since then, their love has become a beacon, particularly for queer people of color who had never seen themselves and their relationships reflected in society. As Nash-Betts tells our reporter Mey Rude in the cover story on page 40, I didnt think anyone would care [about my relationship]. Come to find out, a lot of people cared. I just did not see that coming. I love being Black. I love being a woman. And now Im a Black queer woman in a relationship with another Black queer woman, and it matters, she affirms. And if political forces were to threaten her marriage, I definitely would be on the front lines in fighting back, she promises. I have some wonderful news, dear reader. Nash-Betts is our Icon of the Year. But there are dozens more LGBTQ+ Artists, Disruptors, Educators, Groundbreakers, Innovators, and Storytellers in these pages 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 these pages and 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 magazine @dnlreynolds