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40 Under 40

The Advocate's annual list of 40 exemplary people under age 40 has a message we think all generations should hear. This year the 40 Under 40 series highlights young LGBT people fighting intersectional battles in our greater community.
Steve Orlando
40 Under 40

Steve Orlando Isn't Waiting for Gay Heroes, He's Creating Them

By bringing unconventional LGBT heroes to the forefront, Steve Orlando is changing the landscape of comic books for a new generation. 

Omar Sharif Jr.
40 Under 40

Islamophobia, Homophobia in Omar Sharif Jr.'s Sights

The fight against Islamophobia is part of a quest for the "movable middle" that LGBT people have long sought, argues activist Omar Sharif Jr.
jose-antonio-vargas
40 Under 40

Don't Call Jose Antonio Vargas an 'Immigration Activist'

The Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist focuses his energy on the intersections of race, immigration, and identity —  and doesn't care who he makes uncomfortable in the process. 

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Music

24 Times Miley Cyrus Had Our Backs

Pop music's most fun-loving rebel girl has always been serious about LGBT rights.

Alicia Garza
40 Under 40

Alicia Garza: Taking Black Lives Matter to Another Dimension

Black Lives Matter has always been intended to be a declaration that includes transgender people, says one queer woman who helped create the movement. 

Brian Sims
40 Under 40

Brian Sims Is Making Women's Rights His Fight

Brian Sims, Pennsylvania's first out state legislator and current candidate for Congress, doesn't understand why all gay and bi men aren't advocating for reproductive rights and pay equity.

40 People Under 40 to Teach Us About Each Other
40 Under 40
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40 People Under 40 to Teach Us About Each Other

The Advocate's annual list of 40 exemplary people under age 40 has a message we think all generations should hear about fighting intersectional battles.
Ryan O'Connell
40 Under 40

Ryan O'Connell Is an Unapologetic Gay Disabled Millennial

The blogger turned TV writer is preparing to embark on a journey to turn his story of growing up gay and disabled into a sitcom with the help of Jim Parsons. 

bria-and-chrissy
40 Under 40

Bria & Chrissy v. Revenge Porn

The wildly popular YouTube couple use their vast social media influence for good.

Subhi-Nahas
40 Under 40

Syrian Refugee Subhi Nahas Represents the Best of America

Subhi Nahas fled antigay persecution in Syria to become an advocate for refugees everywhere.
Shutterstock
40 Under 40

Miley Cyrus Won't Ignore Homeless Youth

She may sleep in mansions, but the pansexual, gender-fluid singer and actress refuses to turn a blind eye to the millions shivering in the streets.

patrisse-cullors-
40 Under 40

Patrisse Cullors Knows That We Are Not Separate

The queer cofounder of Black Lives Matter has a plan to dismantle the prison system that has disenfranchised so many.

BuzzFeed's Saeed Jones Picks 6 Books for LGBT Readers
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BuzzFeed's Saeed Jones Picks 6 Books for LGBT Readers

Poet and BuzzFeed editor Saeed Jones recommends novels, memoirs, and books of poetry to curl up with.

Le1f
40 Under 40

Le1f: Young, Gifted, Black and Gay

This rapper pulls off an amazing feat on his new album Riot Boy: he preaches against intolerance and stupidity without being preachy.

mya and kiki
film

Tangerine's Stars Have Turned a Movie Into a Movement

In their road to the Oscars, Mya Taylor and Kitana Kiki Rodriguez have ignited national conversations on sex work and media representation.

DeRay McKesson
40 Under 40

DeRay Mckesson Wants You to Come Out of the Quiet

DeRay Mckesson wasn't planning to be on the front lines of a movement. But the educator-turned-activist says there's no turning back in the fight for life, liberation, and justice. 

D'Arcee Charington Neal
40 Under 40

Why Your Equality Must Include the Disabled

Black, gay, and in a wheelchair, D'Arcee Charington Neal wants everyone like him to not be shortchanged on experiences.

eric-paul-leue
40 Under 40

Leatherman Eric Paul Leue Is Out to Abolish Sexual Shame

The director for sexual health and advocacy at Kink.com is a kinky leatherman from Germany, ready to (consensually) beat the internalized shame out of America. 

mykki-blanco
40 Under 40

Mykki Blanco's Words Are a Weapon Against Stigma

The HIV-positive rapper is proud to loudly fight the fearmongering.

angelo-carusone
40 Under 40

Why This Man Wants Everyone to 'Dump Trump'

No one is ever safe from a bully, even when they're not being picked on, says Angelo Carusone.