HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — The Out100 Special, a vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ progress, aired Dec. 21, 2024, marking 30 years of honoring trailblazing changemakers. Supported by Rivian, the program captured the resilience, artistry, and advocacy that continue to shape the LGBTQ+ community today.

Produced by The Advocate Channel and supported by Publicis Media’s APX Content Ventures, the special aired across AdvocateChannel.com, ABC News Live, and local ABC Owned Television Stations, ensuring its powerful message reached audiences nationwide. Hosted by Good Morning America weather anchor Sam Champion and The Advocate Channel’s Sonia Baghdady, the hour-long program showcased the honorees’ transformative contributions across entertainment, activism, politics, sports, and beyond.

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Cynthia Erivo, named Icon of the Year, gave a powerful acceptance speech reflecting on the meaning of iconography. “Icons inspire through their work, but their true power lies in creating space for others to thrive and dream,” said Erivo. The Wicked star’s speech resonated with themes of resilience, authenticity, and the vital role of representation in storytelling.

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Sheryl Lee Ralph, Advocate of the Year, moved audiences with a call for unity. “Advocacy is not a solo journey—it’s a shared movement driven by hope, courage, and the bravery of those who came before us,” Ralph said. Her speech, introduced by Abbott Elementary co-stars Chris Perfetti and Lisa Ann Walter, highlighted the enduring power of collective action in the LGBTQ+ rights movement.

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The special also celebrated disruptors like fashion icon Law Roach, who has redefined the boundaries of creativity and individuality on the global stage.

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“I am truly honored to be here, to stand in this space, and to serve as a voice for our community, especially in these challenging times," said Roach. "I’ve been fortunate—privileged, really—to grow up in an environment that embraced me for exactly who I am, and that’s something I never take for granted. With that, I learned that the most powerful tool you have and the most important thing in this world is to be yourself. Whether you’re walking into a boardroom, facing a room full of interviewers, or even just sitting at the dinner table with your family—the best thing you can do for yourself, and the world, is to be unapologetically you."

Presley Ann/Getty Images for Out.com/equalpride

Drag artist Pattie Gonia performed Erivo’s “Defying Gravity” in front of Erivo herself and Out’s own Tracy E. Gilchrist, who is dubbed as “Queen of Queer Media.” Gonia brought an eco-conscious message to the forefront, merging art and activism in a way that inspires action.

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Youth advocate Zaya Wade used her platform to amplify the voices of queer youth, while comedic talents Margaret Cho and Harper Steele continued to use humor as a tool to challenge stereotypes and inspire inclusivity.

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By supporting the Out100 Special, Rivian underscores its commitment to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that these vital stories of courage and resilience continue to reach a global audience.

The Out100 Special is available to stream on AdvocateChannel.com and local ABC affiliates through January 2025. Celebrate the visionaries who are shaping a brighter, more inclusive future by tuning in.

This story is brought to you by our partners at Rivian.