Attorney George Castrataro, in private practice since 2008, has never stopped giving large amounts of time to pro bono work and community service. He reacts strongly to cases involving victimization, predatory lending and lack of protections for LGBT couples.

When Glen Weinzimer, founder of the SMART Ride, was diagnosed with full-blown AIDS in 1993, he did not expect to be one of the lucky few who managed to survive.

Tickets to concerts by the 200-voice Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida (GMCSF) are difficult to snag. In just under five years, Maestro Gordon Roberts has built the chorus into the largest vocal ensemble in Florida and led the organization to even greater musical heights. And their concerts are almost always sell-outs.

Monroe County Commissioner Heather Carruthers moved to Key West 16 years ago. As with many people who relocate to the Keys, her decision was spontaneous.

Transwoman Heather Wright was born in Massachusetts and moved to Florida to attend the University of Tampa. She works for Verizon Wireless and sings their praises for being engaged and supportive in her transition – from beginning to completion.

When Heidi Siegel, formerly Heidi Shafran, left Wilton Manors to become the city manager of Biscayne Park in Miami in 2013, she came to a city much like the LGBT-friendly one she left.

Island City Stage, the LGBT-centric theater company in Wilton Manors, will open its 10th anniversary season in October with a revival of its first production, “The Twentieth Century Way” by Tom Jacobson.

Jacqueline Lorber doesn’t perform on stage with the South Florida Symphony—that’s the job of her wife, Maestra Sebrina Maria Alfonso—but she is involved in virtually every other aspect of the orchestra’s operations.

Jason Gibson, past president of the National LGBT Bar Association, is modest. “Not sure I'm worthy of OUT50, but thanks for thinking of me,” he said during an interview with him. But I politely disagree. During his presidency from 2012-2013, Gibson met with Attorney General Eric Holder and conversed about transgender issues in the military. In addition to this, Gibson advocated for marriage equality.

If you are on the political circuit in South Florida, chances are you have seen or heard of Jason King. This young, dark haired and well groomed gay man can captivate an audience with his words – whether on a panel discussion, from a podium or in a group of friends. When he speaks, people listen.

Jeff Lehman knows hospitality. As managing director at the Betsy South Beach he oversees guest relationship management, operations, asset management, quality control and a staff of nearly 200. Under Lehman’s leadership, The Betsy is undergoing a major change with a new wing opening, called the Art Deco Wing, which is the former Carlton Hotel on Collins Avenue.

It is seldom a good time to be a dissident Cuban, in Cuba or in Miami. As far as my compatriotas are concerned, I am not a very good Cuban.

She’s a championship fighter and proud latina lesbian and Jessica Aguilar calls South Florida home.

Joe Pallant is a business savvy Miami Beach native who thought the fax machine was a brilliant idea. He obtained his MBA from the University of Miami. He’s a real estate broker and licensed property and casualty insurance agent for the state of Florida.

A real estate agent since the mid 90's, Castelli has built nothing short of a real estate empire and if there's one word to describe his accomplishments it would be “mogul.”

He’s young, battle tested and confident. Meet John Paul Alvarez, candidate for the Florida House of Representatives, District 100.

Jorge Gardela is committed to the fight against HIV/AIDS. Thirteen years ago, the Costa Rican native started working at The Pride Center at Equality Park. It was here that he began to recognize the special health care needs of HIV positive Latinos.

In his management role at Florida Power & Light, Josue Santiago ensures changing currents is done the proper and respectable way.

In October 2009 Jowharah Sanders founded National Voices for Equality, Education and Enlightenment (NVEEE), a community-based, non-profit organization whose mission is to prevent bullying, violence, and suicide among youth, families and communities through direct service, mentoring and prevention education.

Behind Miami Beach’s blue line is an officer working in the best interests of all the colors of the rainbow.

Justin Flippen overcame Christian “reparative therapy” while managing to keep his belief in God and staying true to himself.

“I started out majoring in English and ended up in theater and dance and the rest is history,” recalled award-winning actress Karen Stephens.

Ever since she started doing social work at the age of 18, Dr. Katharine Campbell says she’s “always been in the field of wanting to help other people.”

Keith Hart recently retired from American Express. His was a 21-year career that concluded with responsibility for 1 million pieces of mail, daily. Hart and his partner Nelson have been together for 32 years. They are the proud parents of a son and grandparents to their son’s daughter Samantha.

For most of his life, Ken Evans wasn’t out. As someone who worked at children’s summer camps beginning in 1982, Evans felt coming out would have negative impacts.

At a young-looking 51-years-old, Ken Keechl stands out. Proud of his success in business and politics, Keechl and his partner of 17 years, Ted Adcock, were married in New York in 2011.

At 41 and a partner and managing director at the prestigious, gay-friendly, national accounting firm, McGladrey and Pullen, Kerensa Butler-Gile is a success by anyone’s standards. Add to that, however, that she’s married to Alicia Butler-Gile (2011/MA) and together they are raising an almost-2 year old daughter. What else is there?

Playwright Kim Ehly is the leading voice in theater for South Florida’s lesbian community.

When you ask Kris Fegenbush what makes The Pride Center successful, you may want to sit down. It could take awhile.

Two years ago Lacey Ginger Camper quit drinking. Drinking played a big part of her eight-year stint in the Navy and goodness knows it can be central to life in Key West, a tourist destination known for its partying. Since then Camper has become laser focused on a set of goals that are enriching her life and the island community she has made home.