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Innovators
Brittney Griner
Meet one of the artists, disruptors, educators, groundbreakers, innovators, and storytellers who all helped make the world a better place for LGBTQ+ people.
Before this year, Brittney Griner was already a superstar, a legend, and a hero. In her career, the 32-year-old center has won two Olympic gold medals and a WNBA championship; she has also been named to nine WNBA All-Star teams. But she became admired for her strength and courage while being detained in a Russian prison for nearly all of 2022 after authorities there discovered hash oil that was prescribed to her in Arizona.
After the U.S. government finally brought her home in a prisoner exchange, Griner had her highly anticipated return to the WNBA this year, where fans welcomed her back with open arms. After starting 31 games, Griner was named Co-Comeback Player of the Year for the league.
Through it all, Griner has held her head high as an out and proud athlete — and she hopes her example inspires others to do the same.
“Living proudly and out loud is the only way I know how, and I commend all the leaders and trailblazers on this list who have had the courage to come out and live authentically,” Griner says. “I appreciate the honor from Out and my hope is that in some small way recognitions like this are seen by those who have not yet found the time, space, or safety to come out — that they would know they’re not alone and that there is hope and community and family waiting for them when they’re ready.” @brittneyyvettegriner
Innovators
Michael Anderson
Meet one of the artists, disruptors, educators, groundbreakers, innovators, and storytellers who all helped make the world a better place for LGBTQ+ people.
GLAAD
It feels like all our lives changed on November 19, 2022, when an anti-LGBTQ+ shooter took the lives of five people and injured scores more at Colorado Springs’ Club Q. But for Michael Anderson, the nightclub’s only bartender to survive the attack, the mental wounds of that day will never heal. Still, Anderson is rebuilding his life, working to finish his degree in political science and journalism, and sharpening his skills as an activist for gun control and LGBTQ+ equality.
“I am a political advocate,” Anderson says. “However, I never set out to become one. It was through the horror and trauma of surviving the mass shooting attack at Club Q in Colorado Springs, which was my employer, and watching my friends and patrons die, that led me down this path. I knew after the shooting occurred, that I would never allow someone else to tell my story for me. While it has not been easy at times, I have used my voice to advocate for change as I refuse to have such violence have happened in vain.”
Just weeks after the massacre, Anderson gave testimony to the U.S. House Oversight Committee, describing how attacks like Club Q are meant to deter queer people from living our authentic lives. He insists the community needs to go in the opposite direction. “With the increased attacks on our community by politicians and on social media…we must remain confident in who we are, for who we are is exactly who we are meant to be,” Anderson says.
Anderson could never have imagined that months after the shooting, his hero, Christina Aguilera, would ask him to present her with GLAAD’s Advocate for Change Award at the organization’s awards ceremony in Los Angeles. “Christina has been my hero since I was young, it was her music that helped me accept myself,” he says. “It was truly surreal to present her with such a well-deserved honor, and to be able to sit with her during the awards show.”
Anderson is concentrating on finishing college and perhaps starting a political career.
“I remain focused on ensuring that the future of Club Q is one inspired by resilience, strength and persistence,” he says. “I believe it is time the younger generations rise up and take our place in the halls of government. It is the youth that will save our climate, create a safe country through gun reform, and ensure equality for all.” @michaelanders0n