5 Reasons why Out Magazine's Power List is Problematic

Every year, Out Magazine puts out this tired list of Power Gays. This list seems to forget many things, like actual gay folks, people of color, you name it. But before I go off on a tangent, I want to point out a few reasons why their list is very messy.

1. Out of the 50 power gays only 4 were people of color.
2. There were NO trans people listed. As if Janet Mock or Allyson Robinson did nothing at all recently.
3. They added folks that are not out on the list. Shep Smith? He hasn't publicly come out so what the frak?
4. With some of these power players, it is not clear why they are on the list. It feels like they bought their way on this list. I haven't heard anything about how some of these power peeps contribute to the LGBT civil rights fight.
5. When confronted about the absence of trans people on Buzzfeed, OUT editor Aaron Hicklin said 'I can't artificially inflate the power of trans people to make myself (or you) feel better'. Really? Really, Aaron? That is a foolish and stupid thing to say. If you can make room for Perez Hilton, you can make room for people like Allyson Robinson and Mara Keisling.

In all, this list does nothing for us. I wish OUT Magazine would take the time to create a strong and credible list. If the list is not inclusive or reflective of the times, then what's the point? All it does is reaffirms White privilege and stereotypical mess.

That's not how we should celebrate LGBT accomplishments.