Thriving Under 30: Celebrating 10 Young LGBTQ+ Trailblazers

Meet our young trailblazers of the year!

We’re celebrating 10 LGBTQ+ individuals who are 30 or under — from artists to athletes to activists to influencers — and are unapologetically using their platforms to create change, visibility, and a brighter future for all.

Tommy Flanagan

courtesy Armonté Butler

courtesy Chella Man

courtesy NBC Universal

Film Magic / Getty Images

courtesy Lee Gordon

Corey Nickols / Getty Images

Jane Barlow / PA Images / Getty Images

courtesy Cameron Bartosiewicz

Patrick McDermott / Getty Images

To date, very few professional gay male athletes have come out while active in their sport. However, Canadian hockey player Luke Prokop made history in 2021 when he became the first out gay player with an NHL contract. Since then, he’s continued to be a proud and inspiring example for queer athletes and many others.

“Today I am proud to publicly tell everyone that I am gay,” Prokop wrote on Instagram in 2021. “It has been quite the journey to get to this point in my life. From a young age I have dreamed of being an NHL player, and I believe that living my authentic life will allow me to bring my whole self to the rink and improve my chances of fulfilling my dreams.”

In an interview with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation this year, Prokop reflected on the decision to come out publicly and admits it wasn’t easy.

“Coming out, thinking about what might happen — acceptance, the reaction to it — I didn’t want to hinder my chances of making my dreams a reality,” he said. “So that was really something I struggled with for a long time.”

Fortunately, the NHL and his fellow players, not to mention legions of fans, have been overwhelmingly supportive so that Prokop can continue to fulfill his dreams and be his authentic self. @lukeprokop