Hot List 2012: Calvin & Craig Stowell

Photography by Kristiina Wilson

Craig Stowell (right) picked on his younger brother Calvin a lot growing up, but that wasn't because he suspected Calvin was gay. "He was a dick," says Calvin, "but every big brother is." In fact, Craig went out of his way to ensure that Calvin knew he supported him no matter what. "Sometimes [Calvin] would say mean stuff about gay people because he was trying to be someone he wasn't," Craig explains, "but we made sure to let him know that wasn't OK."

Craig has supported Calvin throughout his life. Most recently, Craig made headlines for spearheading a petition to prevent their home state of New Hampshire from repealing its marriage-equality bill.

As co-chair of the pro-LGBT group Standing Up for New Hampshire Families, Craig -- a straight Republican and former Marine -- felt it was necessary to defend not only Calvin, but all LGBT people. "You're talking about marriage here," he says. "Everyone should be able to make a commitment to somebody. It's about love."