Thursday, March 7, 2013

'The Power List' and Others Who Have Made A Difference

eyo dudes, how's it going?

"The Power List" gives us the most influential gay men and women according to out.com, a site I came across while researching powerful gay men and women in the world.  Here's my top list taken from the original; individuals I have great respect for based on who they are as a person, their brilliance in the world of business, and/or the impact they have made.

Also, I've included a few guys that, while not on "The Power List",  have made a huge difference, in my opinion, for a lot of those coming to terms with their own sexuality.



Peter Thiel


BY OUT.COM EDITORS

Venture Capitalist/Hedge Fund Manager, 44

It took a gay, libertarian entrepreneur to realize the nascent power of Facebook in 2004, when the PayPal cofounder became the social network’s first major investor, with a $500,000 loan that enabled Mark Zuckerberg to realize world domination. That stake is now worth $2.13 billion, allowing Thiel to pursue loftier projects, including research into life extension and his incentive scheme for would-be entrepreneurs under the age of 20: $100,000 to drop out of college and launch their own businesses.



Tim Cook


BY OUT.COM EDITORS

CEO, Apple, 51
Last year, Cook was still the man-in-waiting, assuming control of Apple, but still in the shadow of Steve Jobs. More of a manager than an oracle, Cook is now fully in charge of the world’s most valuable company -- it surpassed ExxonMobil in 2012 -- which means it’s his show to run.




Anderson Cooper

BY OUT.COM EDITORS

Journalist/News Anchor/Talk-Show Host, 44
After stints on 60 Minutes and alongside Kelly Ripa (he was rumored as a possible replacement when Regis Philbin retired), he launched his own talk show, Anderson. Guests haven’t brought in the ratings, although the show was picked up for a second season. He continues to do his respectedAnderson Cooper 360° on CNN and remains a silver-haired heartthrob to countless Middle-American housewives.



Dan Savage


BY OUT.COM EDITORS

Editor/Activist/TV Personality, 47
Savage parlayed his raunchy wit in his syndicated newspaper column to become the most popular sex expert in the country. Yes, he’s our very own gay Dr. Ruth. With “Savage Lovecast” and a new MTV show, Savage U, his brand continues to grow. Savage, who cofounded the It Gets Better Campaign to stop teen bullying, also appears as a spokesperson on many news segments.


Chuck Wolfe


BY OUT.COM EDITORS

CEO, The Victory Fund, 50
In a year that saw Victory Fund–endorsed Alex Morse, America’s youngest gay mayor, in office in Holyoke, Mass., Wolfe’s organization continued to serve an integral role in getting more LGBT officials elected to office. And, with seven openly gay politicians running for Congress this November -- including Tammy Baldwin -- 2012 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for Wolfe.


Not Included on "The Power List":

Gareth Thomas - Gay

Retired Professional Rugby Player, 38
Came out in 2009, becoming the first openly gay player in the union.  Stating: "I don't want to be known as a gay rugby player.  I am a rugby player, first and foremost, I am a man."






Frank Ocean - Bisexual

Singer/Song Writer/Producer, 25
Came out in 2012.  Read his coming out letter.








Matt Bomer - Gay

Actor, 35
Came out in 2012 by publicly thanking his husband and children, saying:  "I'd really especially like to thanks my beautiful family:  Simon, Kit, Walker, Henry.  Thank you for teaching me what unconditional love is.  You will always be my proudest accomplishment."







A video of Simon Halls and Matt Bomer accepting 2012 GLSEN Inspiration Award:


Randy Phillips - Gay

Airman of United States Air Force, 23
Came out in September of 2011 after the repeal of DADT.  
The video of his coming out to his father went viral and made a big impact, giving a lot of young guys hope. "I called my dad to tell him the hardest thing that gay guys will ever have to say."
His videos not only helped me, but also countless others struggling.  I saw this right around when I came out to my own dad and re-watched it countless times.
Randy Phillips Coming Out to this Dad:




Let me know what you guys think.  If there are any people who have made a difference that you want me to know about, feel free to share!  

3 comments:

  1. Awesome post dude.

    I remember when I first saw Matt Bomer in the movie Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and I kept thinking how hot and masculine he was, and then I found out he was gay, and I was like haha, this is perfect.

    I reckon its really good that guys/men who are gay are being more and more open about it. I think it really does give gay dudes more confidence and hope.

    Not to pat our own backs, but I also think us gay bloggers are doing a good job as well. If anything we are letting our readers know that they aren't alone, and giving them a bit of an insight into our lives.

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  2. Tim cook is gay??! Damn son!

    Awesome post bud! First and foremost, we are men!

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  3. Anyone else find Dan Savage sexy as hell?

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