Nominate a ReportOUT Top 100 Changemaker

About the ReportOUT Top 100 Changemakers

100 people. 100 stories.

One global movement for change.

Across the world, LGBTQI+ activists, human rights defenders, community organisers, researchers, educators and campaigners are working to challenge injustice, protect human rights and create lasting change. Much of this work happens away from the spotlight, often with limited resources, little recognition and sometimes considerable personal risk.

The ReportOUT Changemakers 100 is a global initiative recognising 100 individuals whose actions are making a meaningful difference to LGBTQI+ people and communities.

Unlike traditional power lists that often celebrate celebrities, sports stars and already prominent public figures, we want to recognise grassroots activists creating change from the ground up. These are people challenging discriminatory laws, providing essential support, documenting human rights violations, educating communities and building movements for equality.

This is not about fame, influence or popularity. It is about recognising courage, commitment, innovation and genuine impact.

What is a Changemaker?

Seemingly small changes can have enormous impact.

A Changemaker is someone who takes meaningful action against injustice affecting LGBTQI+ people. They demonstrate courage, empathy, creativity and determination to challenge discrimination, protect communities and advance human rights.

Changemakers may lead public (and private) campaigns, challenge discriminatory laws, create safe spaces, support marginalised people, conduct research or strengthen grassroots movements. Some work openly, while others operate quietly behind the scenes, particularly in countries where LGBTQI+ activism carries significant risks.

They do not need to be famous, hold a leadership position or have access to substantial funding. What matters is their commitment to making a difference and the positive change their actions create.

The inaugural ReportOUT Changemakers 100 will be unveiled in early 2027, with selected individuals and their contributions celebrated through ReportOUT's website, social media and international networks.

Nominate a Changemaker

Do you know someone whose work is advancing LGBTQI+ human rights? Someone challenging injustice, supporting their community or creating positive change without receiving the recognition they deserve? We want to hear about them.

Anyone can nominate an individual, and self-nominations are welcome. We particularly encourage nominations of grassroots activists, community leaders and human rights defenders from countries and communities often overlooked in international recognition.

To make the process accessible internationally, nomination forms are available in multiple languages:

Please tell us about the nominee's activism, the communities they support, the challenges they face and the difference their work has made.

What will selected Changemakers receive?

Each of the 100 selected Changemakers will receive international recognition for their contribution to advancing LGBTQI+ human rights.

They will be:

Featured on the ReportOUT website as part of the official Changemakers 100 list, highlighting their activism and achievements.
Celebrated through a dedicated social media tile recognising their contribution, shared across ReportOUT's social media platforms and international networks.

For Changemakers who require anonymity, recognition can be provided using an agreed pseudonym and without identifiable photographs or personal details. Our aim is to amplify their work, celebrate their achievements and help their stories reach a wider global audience.

Protecting the identity of Changemakers:

We recognise that LGBTQI+ activism can carry significant risks, particularly in countries where LGBTQI+ identities or human rights advocacy are criminalised, restricted or heavily stigmatised. Changemakers can be recognised anonymously to protect their identity and safety. Where necessary, selected individuals may be featured under a pseudonym (a different name), with identifying details such as their photograph, location or organisation withheld or changed to prevent identification.

ReportOUT will work with selected Changemakers to agree what information can safely be published. No individual will be publicly identified without their informed consent, and nominees can decline public recognition if they feel it would place them or others at risk. Our priority is to celebrate meaningful activism without compromising the safety, dignity or well-being of the people making change happen.

You do not have to risk your safety to have your contribution recognised.

What are the judges looking for?

Every nomination will be assessed by our international judging team against six criteria, recognising that meaningful activism takes many different forms.

1. Taking action against injustice:

We are looking for people who actively challenge discrimination, exclusion and inequality affecting LGBTQI+ communities. This could involve campaigning, providing community support, challenging policies, documenting abuses or creating safer spaces.

2. Courage and challenging power:

Changemakers demonstrate courage by confronting injustice, challenging discriminatory systems or defending human rights despite barriers and potential risks. Courage will be assessed within each person's circumstances, recognising that activism does not always need to be public or confrontational.

3. Empathy and community commitment:

We want to recognise individuals whose work is grounded in the experiences and needs of LGBTQI+ people. This includes listening to communities, supporting vulnerable individuals, sharing leadership and building solidarity and collective strength.

4. Creativity and innovation:

Changemakers find imaginative ways to overcome barriers and create opportunities for change. Innovation might involve new campaigns, educational approaches, community services, research or creative solutions developed in challenging environments.

5. Solution-oriented action:

We are looking for individuals who turn concern about injustice into practical action. They demonstrate determination, resourcefulness and persistence, developing solutions that improve lives and address the causes of discrimination.

6. Impact and contribution to change:

Above all, we want to understand what has changed because of the nominee's actions. Impact might include improved safety, stronger communities, changes to laws or policies, increased access to services or greater awareness and acceptance of LGBTQI+ people.

Judges will consider the context in which each person works, including their resources, circumstances and the challenges they face. A small community initiative operating in a hostile environment may have an equally significant impact as a large international campaign.

The ReportOUT Changemakers 100 aims to reflect the diversity of LGBTQI+ activism worldwide, amplify under-recognised voices and strengthen international solidarity.

Real people. Real activism. Real change.