As we reflect on 2025, it is important — essential, even — that we pause to celebrate. Too often, conversations about our LGBTQ community focus on challenges, setbacks, and fears. While those realities exist, this moment is about something else entirely: joy, progress, resilience, and pride. This is a celebratory piece, written intentionally to honor how far we’ve come and the strength we carry forward together.
In 2025, our community continued to thrive culturally, politically, and creatively. Representation mattered —and delivered. On screens large and small, LGBTQ actors and actresses were no longer relegated to side stories but stood proudly in leading roles, shaping narratives with authenticity and power. Performers like Colman Domingo continued to redefine what excellence looks like in Hollywood, while icons such as Jodie Foster reminded us that longevity, integrity, and courage can coexist beautifully in public life.
In public service and civic leadership, LGBTQ voices remained strong and principled. Leaders such as Pete Buttigieg demonstrated that thoughtful, capable leadership transcends labels—and that authenticity remains a strength, not a liability. Across cities and states, LGBTQ elected officials and advocates worked every day to protect families, promote fairness, and ensure our community remains visible and valued.
Media, as always, played a defining role. Few have shaped the modern LGBTQ media landscape more powerfully than Mark Berryhill, whose leadership at Pride Media ensured our stories were told boldly and unapologetically. Through platforms like The Advocate and the influential Out100, our community saw itself reflected with dignity, complexity, and pride. These voices didn’t just report culture—they helped shape it.
Looking ahead to 2026, our hopes are ambitious and grounded. We aspire to greater unity across generations, stronger local community spaces, increased mental health and wellness support, and continued growth in LGBTQ-owned businesses and creative ventures. We want to celebrate love openly, protect our families confidently, and uplift one another intentionally.
Pride is not just a parade or a month—it is a mindset. It is the quiet confidence of being seen, the joy of belonging, and the collective power of community. As we step into 2026, let us do so with gratitude for what we achieved in 2025 and optimism for all that lies ahead. This is our time to celebrate — and to keep moving forward, together.
Bobby Blair is an LGBTQ media pioneer and leader known for his philanthropic work on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community. A Florida native, he lives in Fort Lauderdale with his longtime partner, Brian Neal. Blair was inducted into the GLBT Hall of Fame in 2015.
