TIME has recently released its annual "100 Most Influential People" and named several LGBT people and advocates in its list of leading figures. TIME's list contains five categories – Titans, Pioneers, Artists, Leaders, and Icons – and features several, different print issues with a prominent figure from each category on the cover. The issue goes on sale this Friday, and is also available online.
Out Apple CEO Tim Cook is one of the list's "Titans." Cook was named CEO of Apple in 2011, after Steve Jobs stepped down, and came out in 2014, making him the first Fortune 500 CEO to be openly gay. In the tribute written by Representative John Lewis, civil rights leader and Congressman, Cook is praised for "setting a new standard for what business can do in the world" and for "embracing equality and LGBT rights…[and showing his] commitment to renewable energy."
Another "Titan" is Lee Daniels, out filmmaker and executive producer of Empire, who was profiled by Oprah Winfrey. In an interview with GLAAD: All Access, Daniels spoke about the importance of having LGBT content in his hit show Empire, saying “The goals for my show is to break down walls, break down the walls of hatred, towards my community – not just the African-American community, but the gay community."
Trans actress and advocate Laverne Cox makes the list in the "Pioneers" section, and is hailed as a trans icon in the piece written by Jazz Jennings, teen trans advocate and author. Jennings talks about the importance of "having someone as visible and strong as Laverne Cox" and praises Cox for "loving herself enough to share her story with the world." The creator of Transparent, Jill Soloway, also makes the list in the "Artists" section. In the profile penned by out True Blood creator Alan Ball, Soloway is praised for her "singular, audacious voice." Soloway's series Transparent tells the story of Maura, a trans woman who comes out late in life, and follows the ups-and-downs of her and her family's lives.
Out U.S. soccer star Abby Wambach makes the list as an "Icon." Profiled by fellow soccer star Mia Hamm, Wambach is recognized as a figure for equality in sports because of her push for the same playing conditions between men and women in the World Cup. For more icons, titans, pioneers, artists, and leaders – head to the TIME website to check out the full list.