Introducing Fast Company's Queer Changemakers
For the past five years, Fast Company published an annual list of 50 LGBTQ+ people who were shaping the worlds of business, tech, politics, and culture. As the list evolves—and given the continued attacks on queer and trans people—we've decided to change the format this year, looking more deeply into the contributions of eight notably impactful individuals.
The leaders we chose to profile for 2025 are at the forefront of their fields. Chase Strangio is the first openly transgender person to argue in front of the Supreme Court. He spoke with nonbinary Olympian Nikki Hiltz about their work, and what it's like to be so visible during this moment.
You'll also read about Rose Marcario, former CEO of Patagonia and current partner at ReGen Ventures, who calls on other business leaders to double down on their values during a time when many executives are growing quiet, and Audrey Tang, who is working to spread pro-democracy ideas to combat negative sentiments on social media.
As anti-trans legislation and rhetoric continue to escalate across the U.S.—from sweeping state-level bans on gender-affirming care to renewed efforts to bar trans people from public life—trans nonbinary elite runner Nikki Hiltz and ACLU's LGBTQ+ rights lawyer Chase Strangio find themselves at the intersection of justice and representation. Read more.
Rose Marcario is doubling down on her values
When she was CEO of Patagonia, Rose Marcario stood out as one of the most outspoken voices in business against President Donald Trump during his first term. Under her leadership, Patagonia even sued the Trump administration after he issued a proclamation to shrink public land in two national monuments.
The final deadline for Fast Company's Next Big Things in Tech Awards is Friday, June 20, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Apply today.
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Top economist warns America is heading toward economic disaster the Fed can't fix
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Fed's Hawkish Tone Stirs Placid Market
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