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Tony Morrison
Anthony Cunanan
Groundbreakers

Tony Morrison

Meet one of the artists, disruptors, educators, groundbreakers, innovators, and storytellers who all helped make the world a better place for LGBTQ+ people.

As GLAAD’s senior director of communications, Tony Morrison still has a journalist’s passion — which isn’t surprising, considering his over decade-long career in morning television news.

Helping lead GLAAD’s on-the-ground response to the death of nonbinary Oklahoma teen Nex Benedict this year was proof that his inner watchdog is here to stay. GLAAD’s work to fact check and make sure local and national media got Benedict’s story right “solidified that I am doing exactly what I should be doing right now in this life.”

Outside of GLAAD, Morrison’s +Life Media digital series Truth Be Told spotlights folks living with HIV and others in the community who are thriving. He’s come a long way since disclosing his HIV-positive status in a 2021 essay for Good Morning America, his former employer.

“Forcing my truth onto myself was the best thing I have ever done, and I challenge myself daily by centering myself with my truth and owning my story,” he says. “Today, my HIV status is the most managed thing in my life. I wish more people knew that. I want people to spend less time feeling sorry for me and more time advocating for people like me and destigmatizing HIV prevention, treatment, and care.”

“Equality is here to stay, as long as there are LGBTQ+ stories to tell,” Morrison continues. “Your story is the one thing that no one can take from you…. It’s wholly yours. I want people to know and understand that LGBTQ+ advocacy and activism isn’t going anywhere, because there will always be LGBTQ+ people and experiences in need of visibility and representation, because LGBTQ+ people exist in every corner of society, industry, script, business, melody, and story.” @thetonymorrison

Raffy Ermac

Raffy is a Los Angeles-based writer, editor, video creator, critic, and the editor in chief of Out.com.

Raffy is a Los Angeles-based writer, editor, video creator, critic, and the editor in chief of Out.com.

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The LGBTQ+ Olympians
Ankit RK Garg/Shutterstock

Mey Rude

Mey Rude is a journalist and cultural critic who has been covering queer news for a decade. The transgender, Latina lesbian lives in Los Angeles with her fiancée.

Mey Rude is a journalist and cultural critic who has been covering queer news for a decade. The transgender, Latina lesbian lives in Los Angeles with her fiancée.

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Groundbreakers

The LGBTQ+ Olympians

Meet one of the artists, disruptors, educators, groundbreakers, innovators, and storytellers who all helped make the world a better place for LGBTQ+ people.

Ankit RK Garg/Shutterstock

Every four years, the world’s best athletes come together to compete and inspire at the Olympic Games. And victory for out Olympians doesn’t mean just medals; it signals freedom and possibility to the global LGBTQ+ community. This year, there were a record 199 out athletes competing at the Paris Olympics, with 43 medals won.

On Team USA, out athletes won medals in fencing, women’s rugby, BMX, canoe slalom, 100-meter dash, relay, women’s soccer, women’s volleyball, and women’s basketball. Ahead, these champions detail what victory means to them. —M.R.

LAUREN DOYLE

Women’s Rugby, Bronze

@lauren.doyle23

Alex Ho

“It brought me so much joy to know that the people of America got to see what our team was capable of. I think it is really important for America to see a team — that comes in all shapes, sizes, ethnicities, sexual orientations, etc. — work together to achieve the biggest goal possible.”

STEPH ROVETTI

Women’s Rugby, Bronze

@steph_rovetti

USA Rugby

“Bringing home a medal was more than just a personal achievement; it was a moment to show the world that LGBTQ+ athletes are here, we are strong, and we deserve to be seen.”

KRIS THOMAS

Women’s Rugby, Bronze

@kristhomas11

Kris Thomas

“We’ve thought a lot as a team about what it would mean to bring home a medal for our communities. As an LGBTQ+ American, I’m conscious of the huge role sports have played in societal acceptance and celebration of queer and trans people. It means the world to me and I hope that we’ve inspired our community.”

CHELSEA GRAY

Women’s Basketball, Gold

@cgray209

Adidas

“Bringing home a gold medal on the Olympic stage is the dream of a lifetime. And to say I’ve done it twice? It’s incredible and not something I take for granted. I know we hear it often, but representation really is so important. When I was growing up, I don’t remember seeing anyone that looked like me who also identified as LGBTQ+. I hope young people see me and realize that how they identify does not limit them. That you can sit in the middle of all these different intersections and still thrive and accomplish whatever you set your mind to.”

JEWELL LOYD

Women’s Basketball, Gold

@jewellloyd

Sage East/Getty Images

“Anytime you’re representing your family and your community, it always means more. I just always think of myself. Regardless of my surroundings, I was just happy to be on the biggest stage in the world to represent. Having that honor and representation means more than the sport you play.”