LGBT Heroes to Remember

On the following pages, read about acts of bravery by LGBT Americans, some of who have shaped the course of history. All came to the aide of another person in imminent danger, including young Allan Fonseca who guided customers to safety during a mall shooting in Oregon. We welcome suggestions for other LGBT people who deserve their own medal of honor; send to newsroom@advocate.com.

BY Neal Broverman

August 05 2011 6:00 AM ET UPDATED: December 13 2012 4:00 PM ET

Allan Fonseca

It was just another day in December 2012 for Allan Fonseca working at a Lancome makeup counter in a Macy's store when a gunman opened fire, killing two people before turning the gun on himself. Fonseca was lauded as a hero afterward for helping customers safely escape the Oregon mall, the Clackamas Town Center. He first guided customer Jocelyn Lay out of the building during the shooting. Once Lay was safe, Fonesca went back inside the mall twice to help other shoppers escape.