Celebrity who made us Proud / LGBTQ Nation Heroes 2021 / Winners

Carl
Nassib

WINNER

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Carl Nassib became the first active NFL player to come out as gay, potentially breaking a long-standing barrier for other professional male athletes. He also promoted the Trevor Project as he came out, an organization that fights LGBTQ teen suicide.

Billy
Porter

RUNNER-UP

Billy Porter came out as HIV-positive, used his platform to promote HIV awareness, and shared his story of dealing with decades of internalized shame. He was nominated for an Emmy for his work on Pose and closed day 1 of the DNC with an iconic performance, helping build excitement for the election.

Mj
Rodriguez

Mj Rodriguez became the first trans person nominated for a lead acting Emmy after her third season on Pose, getting recognition for the Black, latin, and trans excellence she brought to the show. She also provided emotional support to a young queer person in Nigeria whose family kicked him out, because that's just who she is.

Bowen
Yang

Bowen Yang came into his own on SNL this year, rocking the internet with his hilarious impressions that included the iceberg that sank the Titanic and nabbing an Emmy nomination in just his second season on the show, the first SNL actor to do so.

JoJo
Siwa

Teen sensation and multi-platform star JoJo Siwa came out and introduced her swathes of young fans to her girlfriend. Even as she faced online hate, she responded with her unique blend of rainbows, glitter, and high energy. She even kept her character in an upcoming movie from being straight-washed.

Carl
Nassib

Billy
Porter

Mj
Rodriguez

Bowen
Yang

JoJo
Siwa

Trans youth advocate Jenn Burleton is an LGBTQ Nation Hometown Hero of 2021

Here are the winners of LGBTQ Nation Heroes 2021

There’s only 24 hours left! Have you voted for your LGBTQ Hero yet?

Celebrity who made us Proud

Carl Nassib

Billy Porter

Mj Rodriguez

Bowen Yang

JoJo Siwa

Real People, Real Voices

LGBTQ Heroes in the News

Trans youth advocate Jenn Burleton is an LGBTQ Nation Hometown Hero of 2021

Here are the winners of LGBTQ Nation Heroes 2021

There’s only 24 hours left! Have you voted for your LGBTQ Hero yet?

Carl
Nassib

Billy
Porter

Mj
Rodriguez

Bowen
Yang

JoJo
Siwa