Jennifer Dane lived in the closet when she served during Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. She now works to support the LGBTQ military community while also fighting for trans kids and improving education policy.
Sam Dumas was bullied as a kid for his sexuality. Through his work at gay dating app Chappy, he now gets to help gay people find community and love.
After being frustrated by a lack of bi visibility, bisexual dancer Kai Hazelwood formed a queer art collective and is producing Unicorn pARTy to celebrate those who love more than one gender.
Chris Conde struggled with his sexuality and past trauma, and he became an alcoholic. Once he got sober, he put his energy into being a queer rapper. Music helped him process his pain and find self-acceptance.
Caroline and Jessica Kaplan had very different upbringings, but they both struggled to come out as lesbian. Now the couple runs an art and greeting card business to help increase LGBTQ visibility.
Aneesh Sheth grew up never seeing anyone like her on TV. She became an actor, and after transitioning, she now works to increase transgender representation in media.
Kristin Beck came out as transgender after 20 years of serving as an elite Navy SEAL. It wasn’t received well. She’s now an activist and speaker who works hard to break gender stereotypes and help heal PTSD.
Thomas Cole struggled with his gender identity and turned to Instagram for community and inspiration. After transitioning, he’s now a popular figure in the trans community who provides hope and inspiration to others.
Raymond Braun was bullied as a kid and ashamed of his sexuality. Over time, he came into his own, and he now uses media as a platform to help LGBTQ people feel more empowered and less alone.
When Lisa Cannistraci opened Henrietta Hudson in New York City in 1991, she had no idea that nearly 30 years later, it would be the longest standing lesbian bar in America and a platform for social change.
