By Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine Staff

The start of the year offers us an opportunity to reflect on the lives and legacies of extraordinary individuals who have left indelible marks on the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. January and February have given rise to some of history’s most inspiring figures—trailblazers in arts, activism, politics, and culture. Here, we celebrate a few of these remarkable icons and their enduring contributions.

January: A Month of Trailblazers

James Baldwin (January 2, 1924)

An acclaimed writer and activist, James Baldwin remains one of the most profound voices in American literature. His works, such as Giovanni’s Room and The Fire Next Time, confront race, sexuality, and identity with unparalleled depth and honesty. Baldwin’s bravery in addressing his identity as a gay Black man during a time of intense prejudice continues to inspire generations of writers and activists.

James Baldwin in Hyde Park, London, 1969. Photo by Allan Warren via Wikimedia Commons.

Audre Lorde in Austin, Texas, 1980. Photo by K. Kendall via Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic License

Audre Lorde (January 18, 1934)

Self-described as a “Black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet,” Audre Lorde’s work embodies intersectionality before the term gained traction. Her poetry and essays, like The Cancer Journals and Sister Outsider, challenge systems of oppression and celebrate the power of identity and self-expression. Lorde’s contributions to feminism and LGBTQ+ advocacy remain foundational.

Virginia Woolf (January 25, 1882)

Though her life predated the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, Virginia Woolf is celebrated as an icon for her exploration of gender and same-sex desire in her works. Novels such as Orlando delve into fluid identities, reflecting her relationships with women, including Vita Sackville-West. Woolf’s literary genius continues to inspire diverse interpretations.

February: Bold Voices of Change

Langston Hughes (February 1, 1902)

As a leading figure in the Harlem Renaissance, Langston Hughes gave voice to the experiences of Black Americans with poetic brilliance. While Hughes’ sexuality was never explicitly addressed in his lifetime, his works hint at same-sex love and longing. Today, he is celebrated as an LGBTQ+ icon who navigated societal constraints with grace and power.

Ellen Page (February 21, 1987)

Now known as Elliot Page, this actor’s coming out as transgender in 2020 marked a significant moment in the visibility of trans individuals in Hollywood. Page’s courage has paved the way for greater representation and understanding, both through their performances in films like Juno and their advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.

Renée Vivien (February 11, 1877)

A prolific poet, Renée Vivien wrote passionately about same-sex love at a time when it was considered taboo. Known as the “Muse of the Violets,” her poetry and life embodied defiance against societal norms, making her a trailblazer for queer women in literature.

Honoring Their Legacies

These icons born in January and February remind us of the rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ history. Their courage, creativity, and resilience serve as guiding lights, inspiring us to continue the fight for equality and inclusion. As we remember their birthdays, let us also recommit to celebrating diversity and advocating for the rights they championed.

Who are the LGBTQ+ icons that inspire you? Share their stories and continue to honor their legacies throughout the year.

This article was originally published in the 2025 Winter Issue of Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine, and can be read in its original format here.