Some of those honorees were chosen by the eight ABC-owned stations across the nation, including one Chicago woman, who is leading the way at a popular community center.
Joli Robinson is the CEO of the Center on Halsted. The facility sits in the heart of Chicago's Northhalsted neighborhood.
"Historically been called Boystown, you can just feel the vibe of it. It's special," Robinson said.
It's the Midwest's largest LGBTQ+ community center.
"I mean, I have to pinch myself. This really is a dream come true for an individual like me, who really has, you know, service for, with community at the root of everything I do," Robinson said.
RELATED: Niecy Nash-Betts named Out100 Icon of the Year, shares what it means to her
Now, she's an "Out100" honoree, featured in Out Magazine's list of people in the LGBTQ community making a difference.
"I was overjoyed. Also, like, confused, where did this come from? It's such a huge honor to be recognized," Robinson said.
Robinson recently received a check from AARP to help fund a pride in aging senior services programs, which is just one of many serving all ages.
"We have an amazing green team of volunteers, and they are the amazing stewards of all of the green space. We have a garden, a rooftop garden," Robinson said. "That produce grown is used for the center's The Silver Fork Culinary Program. Any other produce out of there, that grows out of there, that goes to our seniors."
Robinson moved to the Chicago area from Dallas with her partner in 2023 to accept the CEO position.
"We provide programming and services from folks 0 all the way up to end of life. That includes a variety of programs: behavioral health, youth programming. This is such a special moment. This work can be hard at times, especially with so much happening politically around our LGBTQ+ community and specifically our trans siblings," Robinson said. "It feels like this is truly the work that I was born to do. My time on this Earth really is devoted to serving community. And again, I am grateful I get to wake up every day and do it in a city like Chicago."
Robinson will travel to Los Angeles with her mother in upcoming weeks for a celebration and to accept the "Out100" honor.
The full "Out100" list is available at Out.com, and the print edition of this year's "Out100" is on newsstands. There will also be a special airing at the end of the year on ABC7 Chicago.