Courtesy of the Office of Rep. Sharice Davids
Groundbreakers
Sharice Davids
Meet one of the artists, disruptors, educators, groundbreakers, innovators, and storytellers who all helped make the world a better place for LGBTQ+ people.
Rep. Sharice Davids is changing perceptions across the board — for lesbians, women, mixed martial artists, and Democrats in Kansas. Elected in 2018 as one of the first two Native American women in Congress (along with Deb Haaland of New Mexico), the former professional fighter and her progressive agenda remain highly popular in her Kansas City-area district.
Even though the Sunflower State very rarely sends Democrats to the House, Davids handily defeated a Republican challenger in 2022 in a newly drawn third district that skewed more red. She did so while never tempering her support for reproductive freedoms, voting rights, and LGBTQ+ equality.
A former lawyer, Davids says her life outside of politics has aided her political career and endeared her to her constituents. “I never intended to be in Congress, so there were so many institutional and financial challenges I faced to get here,” Davids says. “However, being a regular person has also made me a stronger representative because I have felt many of the common daily struggles that Kansans face. It gives me with greater insight into why the policies we’re working on are so impactful.”
Davids, a member of the Ho-Chunk people, knows her success means so much to those who rarely have a seat at the table. “There are so many of us in Congress and decision-making positions that are fighting to ensure the LGBTQ+ community is being treated with respect and dignity, especially our queer-identifying youth,” she says. “Right now, LGBTQ+ youth face significantly higher rates of suicide than others their age, so it’s important they know folks like me see them and are fighting for them. It can save lives.” @repdavids
Photo by Patrick Randak
Daniel ReynoldsDaniel Reynolds is the editor-in-chief of Out and an award-winning journalist who focuses on the intersection between entertainment and politics. This Jersey boy has now lived in Los Angeles for more than a decade.
Daniel Reynolds is the editor-in-chief of Out and an award-winning journalist who focuses on the intersection between entertainment and politics. This Jersey boy has now lived in Los Angeles for more than a decade.
Daniel Reynolds is the editor-in-chief of Out and an award-winning journalist who focuses on the intersection between entertainment and politics. This Jersey boy has now lived in Los Angeles for more than a decade.
Janelle Rodriguez
Meet one of the artists, disruptors, educators, groundbreakers, innovators, and storytellers who all helped make the world a better place for LGBTQ+ people.
Photo by Patrick Randak
Janelle Rodriguez is the executive vice president of programming at NBC News, in which capacity she manages NBC Nightly News, NBC News NOW, as well as breaking news specials. It’s a notable year for the country’s longest-running evening newscast, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary.
In addition to upholding the gold standard of this time-honored brand, the out Puerto Rican executive is breaking new ground by building NBC News NOW, the fasting-growing U.S. streaming news network. Under her oversight last year, NBC News NOW had an impressive 50 percent year-over-year growth and broadened into national and international linear distribution.
As the world gears up for an action-packed 2024 that includes the Paris Olympics and a U.S. presidential election, Rodriguez is more than prepared to lead her teams in their coverage. It’s a responsibility she doesn’t take lightly.
“I get a front row seat to history every day and have the honor of working with the best journalists in the world to bring the news to our audiences everywhere,” Rodriguez says.
Previously, Rodriguez served as CNN’s vice president of programming. During her career, she’s won several Peabody Awards and five Emmy Awards for election night coverage and beyond. Her CNN team took home the prestigious Alfred I. DuPont Award for its reporting on the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. And she’s routinely honored for her work by media outlets, being recognized by Variety’s Women’s Impact Report, Fast Company’s Queer 50, and CableFax’s Pride List.
Despite all her professional accomplishments, Rodriguez takes her greatest pride in her family. “Being a mom to my 10-year-old daughter is the greatest gift and hardest work of my life. I’m truly blessed,” she says.