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Innovators
The 2025 Out100: Evan Low
These are the LGBTQ+ people making the world bolder and brighter in 2025.
In 2025, Evan Low, a former California legislator, became CEO of the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund. “I lead an organization that builds political power for the LGBTQ+ community by electing and appointing more LGBTQ+ people to every level of government,” says Low, a gay Asian American.
“Representation matters. When we have a seat at the table, policies reflect our lives and our families. My job is to grow that pipeline of leaders, train them to run, and make sure they win.”
“This year we expanded our presence in states where people often say ‘a lesbian can’t win’ or ‘a trans person can’t get elected,’” he notes. “And we proved them wrong.”
“More and more members of the LGBTQ+ community are answering the call to serve,” Low says. “They are running for office, seeking appointments, and stepping into leadership.” This comes as “we’re heading into the most consequential election cycle in our lifetimes,” he adds.
“LGBTQ+ people are not just surviving,” Low concludes. “We are leading. From city halls to state legislatures to Congress, our community is shaping the future.” @aimhighgetlow
Trudy Ring
Trudy Ring is The Advocate's senior politics editor and copy chief. She has been a reporter and editor for daily newspapers and LGBTQ+ weeklies/monthlies, trade magazines, and reference books. She is a political junkie who thinks even the wonkiest details are fascinating, and she always loves to see political candidates who are groundbreaking in some way. She enjoys writing about other topics as well, including religion (she's interested in what people believe and why), literature, theater, and film. Trudy is a proud "old movie weirdo" and loves the Hollywood films of the 1930s and '40s above all others. Other interests include classic rock music (Bruce Springsteen rules!) and history. Oh, and she was a Jeopardy! contestant back in 1998 and won two games. Not up there with Amy Schneider, but Trudy still takes pride in this achievement.
Trudy Ring is The Advocate's senior politics editor and copy chief. She has been a reporter and editor for daily newspapers and LGBTQ+ weeklies/monthlies, trade magazines, and reference books. She is a political junkie who thinks even the wonkiest details are fascinating, and she always loves to see political candidates who are groundbreaking in some way. She enjoys writing about other topics as well, including religion (she's interested in what people believe and why), literature, theater, and film. Trudy is a proud "old movie weirdo" and loves the Hollywood films of the 1930s and '40s above all others. Other interests include classic rock music (Bruce Springsteen rules!) and history. Oh, and she was a Jeopardy! contestant back in 1998 and won two games. Not up there with Amy Schneider, but Trudy still takes pride in this achievement.
ARLIM GUERRERO
Moises Mendez IIMoises Mendez II is an Out Magazine staff writer based in Brooklyn, New York. He covers internet culture and entertainment, including television, movies, music, and more. Before joining Out, he was a Culture Reporter at TIME Magazine, and he previously worked as a freelance journalist, with work appearing in The Atlantic, Rolling Stone, Fast Company, and more.
Moises holds a master's degree in Arts and Culture journalism from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY.
Moises Mendez II is an Out Magazine staff writer based in Brooklyn, New York. He covers internet culture and entertainment, including television, movies, music, and more. Before joining Out, he was a Culture Reporter at TIME Magazine, and he previously worked as a freelance journalist, with work appearing in The Atlantic, Rolling Stone, Fast Company, and more. Moises holds a master's degree in Arts and Culture journalism from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY.
Moises Mendez II is an Out Magazine staff writer based in Brooklyn, New York. He covers internet culture and entertainment, including television, movies, music, and more. Before joining Out, he was a Culture Reporter at TIME Magazine, and he previously worked as a freelance journalist, with work appearing in The Atlantic, Rolling Stone, Fast Company, and more. Moises holds a master's degree in Arts and Culture journalism from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY.
The 2025 Out100: Thomas Vince
These are the LGBTQ+ people making the world bolder and brighter in 2025.
ARLIM GUERRERO
As chief digital and marketing officer for L’Oréal USA’s Consumer Products Division, Thomas Vince leads marketing and digital transformation across the company s diverse portfolio of iconic brands like L’Oréal Paris, Maybelline, and Garnier. “My work sits at the intersection of culture and creativity,” he explains. “I push our brands to make sure we reflect the world we live in by bringing stories to life where all identities are represented and celebrated.”
Supporting the Ali Forney Center and Lambda Legal as well as sponsoring Pride marches and WNBA athletes is part of Vince s strategy. “We are constantly championing campaigns and partnerships that spotlight intersectional LGBTQ+ voices and expand representation in ways that drive change,” Vince says.
The cosmetics executive seeks to usher in a new era of beauty by breaking down barriers and providing access to everyone. “My mission is to create stories, campaigns, and moments where everyone feels visible, valued, and beautiful. I want the world to know that representation is not just possible, it’s powerful.” @lorealparis