Over the years, many icons have stepped up as allies to the LGBTQ community, lending them their star power to make sure LGBTQ voices were heard. From old Hollywood stars like Elizabeth Taylor to pop icons like Britney Spears, famous people have been friends to the LGBTQ community since the beginning. For many LGBTQ people, icons like these provided them the encouragement they needed in their journeys. For LGBTQ influencer Josh Helfgott, icons like Britney Spears and Oprah Winfrey not only encouraged him to come out but motivated him to stand for LGBTQ rights. 

Born in small-town New York, Josh understands what it's like to feel like you live with a big secret. "Even though I was raised by two moms, coming out was still really hard," explains Josh. "People bullied me, and I just constantly felt like an outsider." Josh turned to icons like Britney Spears and Oprah Winfrey as a means to find support outside of his small community. "Growing up gay, it's easy to feel invisible. Britney and Oprah heard me when nobody else did," explains Josh. "They create for everyone, and it shows. No one is left out or left to feel marginalized." Josh profoundly appreciates the fact that these women cultivated an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. Oprah, in particular, has never been one to shy away from LGBTQ issues and leverages her media empire to lend them support.

Technology is what brought such influential icons into Josh's life, and that has inspired him to do the same and proudly take a stand for LGBTQ rights. Famous for his impressive TikTok and Instagram content, Josh has built a platform where LGBTQ people can find advice, lean on each other for support and speak out against injustice. "As allies, these women helped pave the way for me, and now it's time for me to pave the way for others," says Josh. "Meeting them has been the greatest honor of my life."

"Straight, Gay, Bi, Trans, we're all in this life together, and we have to remember that we are stronger together." Josh's dedication comes from the experience of turning to trailblazers when he needed it most. Now he's not afraid to take the torch and speak out on behalf of his community.