Scroll To Top

the advocate people of the year

Meet The 2022 Advocate People of the Year Honorees

LGBTQ+ heroes like Dot-Marie Jones and Mrs. Kasha Davis share what The Advocate means to them while they’re honored at the annual People of the Year Luncheon.

People of the Year: All the President’s LGBTQ+ Advocates

Karine Jean-Pierre is the most visible out member of the current administration, but she's surrounded by allies and other queer trailblazers.

Wanda Sykes, Thomas Beatie Kick Off Advocate's People of the Year

Each year The Advocate names its People of the Year -- a handful of names that made headlines, made a difference, or simply made us talk. This year's list kicks off with a trio of people who had us talking in 2008. Comedian Wanda Sykes; WordPerfect founder, former Mormon, and $1 million No on 8 donor Bruce Bastian; and "pregnant man" Thomas Beatie are three people who made 2008 a year to remember.

Patagonia's Yvon Chouinard Is the Anti-Trump

This philanthropist, one of The Advocate's people of the year, is determined to leave the world a better place.

Even During War, Ukraine's Zelensky Works to Advance LGBTQ+ Rights

The actor-turned-national hero, one of The Advocate's people of the year, continues to inspire.

Maia Kobabe Wrote 2022's Most Attacked LGBTQ+ Book

This unassuming author -- and one of The Advocate's People of the Year -- found themselves targeted by a resurgent rightwing.

How HRC’s Tori Cooper Advocated for Trans People in 2021

The Human Rights Campaign's director of community engagement is also one of The Advocate's People of the Year. 

Trans Activist Karina Samala: Sex Work 'Should Be Legalized'

"Mother" Karina Samala talks about her 25+ years of fighting and advocating for trans people in Los Angeles. 

How Out Texas Rep. Celia Israel Put Voting Rights First in 2021

The legislator put her wedding plans on hold when duty called and is one of The Advocate's People of the Year. 

How Natalie Morales Changed LGBTQ+ Storytelling in 2021

The queer actor took her experience behind the camera to deliver of-the-moment movies and is one of The Advocate's People of the Year.  

How Lauren Ys Channels Queerness Through Their Art

The Los Angeles artist who is one of The Advocate's People of the Year uses public spaces to share their art and truth.

LGBTQ+ Journalists Raquel Willis, Sue Kerr Do Monica Roberts Proud

Willis and Kerr, two of The Advocate's people of the year, carry the mantle of transgender coverage and mainstream accountability following the death of Roberts.

How Nonbinary Artist A. Andrews Lifted Others in 2021

The author/activist who uses their truth to provide vital information about body and touch is one of The Advocate's People of the Year. 

Nonbinary Olympian Quinn on Their Big Goals in 2021

The Canadian soccer star, who is one of The Advocate's People of the Year, won gold and opened doors for trans kids in sports.

How Nonbinary 'Hacks' Star Poppy Liu’s Star Rose in 2021

One of The Advocate's People of the Year, this breakout star is using their visibility to make the kind of art they never saw growing up.

Reservations Dogs' Devery Jacobs on Authentic Queer Indigenous Stories

The queer actor who stars in the acclaimed FX comedy that centers Indigenous teens is one of The Advocate's People of the Year for 2021.  

Lil Nas X and His Exquisite Black Gay Agenda of 2021

One of The Advocate's People of the Year, this breakout star uses his artistry and authenticity to lead the way for a generation.

How Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum Kept the Faith in 2021

The liberal lesbian who is one of The Advocate's People of the Year says she is honored to serve on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.

LGBTQ+ Activist Edafe Okporo Is Building Bridges

The gay Nigerian refugee who is one of The Advocate's People of the Year isn't waiting for someone else to make the U.S. a better place.

How the CDC’s Dr. Demetre Daskalakis Stood on the Frontlines in 2021

The good gay doctor has plenty of experience responding to the outbreak of a contagious disease and preventing public panic. Now he's one of The Advocate's People of the Year.

The Advocate Covers Over the Decades

America's oldest LGBTQ publication has come a long way since its start as a newsletter in Los Angeles in 1967.

True