30 Years, 30 Stories: join us in celebrating the 30th anniversary of Out100 with our Voices essays, featuring powerful personal narratives from past honorees that have shaped the LGBTQ+ community. Unlock the Out100 Vault to explore additional stories and reflect on three decades of progress and resilience. And, while you’re there, don’t forget to cast your vote for this year's Out100 Reader's Choice!

The "lesbian Hugh Hefner." The "Oprah of sexuality."

Being named to the Out100 list was a dream come true for Jincey Lumpkin, the sex-positive writer and 2010 honoree.

"I had just launched my company, Juicy Pink Box, and it was a huge moment for me," she shares. "I remember thinking, if I could just be in Out once, I knew I made it." The recognition was also a personal triumph.

Growing up in the American South, lesbian visibility was practically nonexistent. She came out at 25, and by the time she made the list five years later, Jincey was still dealing with some internalized homophobia and a lack of community. But it was her move to New York where she gained a deeper understanding of what it means to be queer.

Lumpkin's journey to that moment was one of determination and a desire to create something meaningful. In 2007, she began writing a sex blog; a year later, she found investors to launch her sex-positive company, Juicy Pink Box, a digital destination for "all things sexy."

Being named to the Out100 validated her efforts and acknowledged a community she longed to connect with.

"It was like being exploded out of a glitter cannon," Lumpkin laughs, describing how the recognition catapulted her career and bonded her even further with the LGBTQ+ community. Professionally, being named in the Out100 put her and her company "in a new stratosphere." People began to see her as someone with something to say, and it legitimized her work in a way that opened doors.

However, visibility also came with some challenges.

Lumpkin underwent personal changes, including a divorce and remarriage, all under the public gaze. She admits that navigating the dating world as a known figure was also peculiar. But through it all, she found love again and grew personally.

The company also evolved. It was initially marketed toward lesbians, but Lumpkin realized the importance of inclusivity. As the brand prepares for its relaunch, Juicy Pink Box embraces a broader spectrum of sexual and gender identities, aiming to provide a safe space for exploration.

"I think in the intervening years, I've really listened a lot and gained a lot of understanding," she explains. This evolution is reflected in the company featuring an inclusive adult entertainment section and pages dedicated to identity exploration.

At a time when queer identity is facing challenges, Lumpkin believes in the power of media representation and visibility. "Visibility isn't just about being seen; it's about being heard and understood," she asserts. Despite the erosion of progress in recent years, she remains committed to pushing for inclusivity and maintaining the rights gained.

Reflecting on the 30th anniversary of the Out100, Lumpkin feels a deep sense of pride and gratitude. "Being part of something really important and profound, amongst really good company, feels like a hug from the community," she reflects.

The evolution of Lumpkin and Juicy Pink Box has been about creating a safe, inclusive space for people to explore and understand their identities. She continues to dream big and push boundaries, all while staying true to her mission of understanding and acceptance.