Jason Hetherington
Innovators
Jonathan Bailey
Meet one of the artists, disruptors, educators, groundbreakers, innovators, and storytellers who all helped make the world a better place for LGBTQ+ people.
Whether he is starring as Lord Anthony Bridgerton on Bridgerton, Tim Laughlin on Fellow Travelers, or Fiyero in the upcoming Wicked movies, Jonathan Bailey is one of the most popular and sought-after actors of our time. But despite his credits playing a wide variety of characters, the largest obstacle he still had to face in 2023 is the “endless, tedious, and archaic commentary that playing gay can capsize a man’s career.”
For both his career and personal life, Bailey is on a mission to continue to make space. “As some of us have stepped into a golden age of progress and representation, let’s remember to look back and make space for those who are yet to be elevated in their privilege,” he says. “Send us brilliant scripts and ideas in which we can support stories of our Black, brown, trans, gender-bent, and underrepresented community members. If I can help get an important story made, I will.”
Speaking of looking back, Bailey is incredibly proud to “help bring an important new queer story to screen. One that I know I would have devoured and cherished had I not been a part of it.”
Beginning with the McCarthyism of the 1950s, Fellow Travelers tells a love story between men that spans several decades and tackles the new obstacles that came with each of them.
“We are benefactors of the battles of our queer ancestors of all races and gender identities, so we must continue to fight for everyone on our Pride flag. I believe wholeheartedly that this concept works across all industries. If we keep wrestling to make space for others, our complicated, sensitive, sexy community will remain as unified, generous, and fearless as possible. United.” @jbayleaf
GLAAD
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