HRC President, 39
Hailed as a game changer when he took over as Human Rights Campaign president in June 2012, Griffin was handed the responsibility to heal the negative perception many had of America's largest LGBT organization. So far, it seems to be working. In what was labeled a "tipping point" year for marriage equality, Griffin was credited for prompting Vice President Joe Biden to talk publicly in favor of marriage equality -- which was followed by President Barack Obama. The HRC not only raised millions, it worked closely with other organizations, strategically giving large sums to ballot initiatives and seeing successes in Washington, Maryland, Minnesota, and Maine -- what Griffin and his team branded an "equality landslide."
Years before Stonewall, a cafeteria riot became a breakthrough for trans rights
All about the Compton's Cafeteria riot, when drag queens and trans women rose up against police at a diner in San Francisco.