The 2025 Pride Trailblazers

After years of making remarkable progress in winning public support and securing policy changes, the LGBTQ+ community is now on defense. The Trump administration is slashing spending on research into LGBTQ+ health care and seeking to cut resources for an LGBTQ+ youth suicide hotline. With the White House actively opposing diversity initiatives of any kind, corporations are backing away from supporting annual Pride events. Courts are chipping away at LGBTQ+ protections. And while New York remains a bastion of support and safety, elected officials in many other states – even California – are advancing measures that strip safeguards and services for transgender people.

City & State’s Pride Trailblazers list highlights the LGBTQ+ advocates and executives who are fighting back. The list, written and researched in partnership with journalist Tim Murphy, features leaders of nonprofits that ensure medical care and other services remain accessible for the community. It includes business leaders emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and acceptance. And it recognizes activists who are staying on the offensive as they lobby for LGBTQ+ legislation.

We’re pleased to present the inaugural Pride Trailblazers. [CLICK HERE]

Daniel Ravelo