COMING UP FAST: The Next 8

Janet Mock

Author/Activist, 30

Memoirist of Redefining Realness and activist for trans equality

Nathan Runkle

Founder and Executive Director, Mercy for Animals, 29

Tackling farmed animal abuses and changing the way big box retailers do business

Laverne Cox

Actress
Starring roles in Orange Is the New Black and in the public discourse on trans equality

Kara Swisher

Journalist, 51
Co-founder of Re/code, an independent tech news and analysis site

Thomas Roberts

News Anchor, 41
MSNBC anchor on Way Too Early and contributor to Morning Joe

Brian Sims

Pennsylvania State Representative, 35
Rising star champion of equality legislation for LGBTs and women

Steve Kornacki

Journalist and TV Host, 34
Host of MSNBC's Up where he broke news of Bridgegate

READ THE STORY: "The Straight Gay World of Steve Kornacki"

Tobias Meyer

Art Advisor, 50
Private art dealer and former chief auctioneer for Sotheby's