June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate the progress, diversity, and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community. This month is not only about parades and rainbows but also about acknowledging the trailblazers who have shaped the world in various fields, including entrepreneurship. Let’s take a moment to recognize and celebrate ten remarkable LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs who have paved the way for others.

Peter Arvai – Co-founder of Prezi

Peter Arvai, a proud gay man, co-founded Prezi, a cloud-based presentation software that revolutionized how we create and share presentations. Under his leadership, Prezi has grown to millions of users worldwide, demonstrating that innovation knows no boundaries.

Angelica Ross – Founder of TransTech Social Enterprises

Angelica Ross is a transgender entrepreneur, actress, and activist. She founded TransTech Social Enterprises, a company that offers training and support to transgender people seeking careers in technology. Her work has empowered countless individuals to find their place in the tech industry.

Martine Rothblatt – CEO of United Therapeutics

Martine Rothblatt is a trailblazing transgender entrepreneur and the founder of United Therapeutics, a biotechnology company. Rothblatt, also the creator of SiriusXM Satellite Radio, has been a pioneer in both the biotech and tech industries, showing that innovation and authenticity go hand in hand.

Joel Simkhai – Founder of Grindr

Joel Simkhai created Grindr, the world’s largest LGBTQ+ social networking app. Grindr has become an essential platform for the LGBTQ+ community, connecting people and providing a safe space for millions. Simkhai’s vision transformed how LGBTQ+ individuals meet and interact globally.

Leanne Pittsford – Founder of Lesbians Who Tech

Leanne Pittsford is the founder of Lesbians Who Tech, a global community of LGBTQ+ women in technology. This organization promotes visibility and inclusivity in the tech industry, offering networking opportunities, scholarships, and conferences to support queer women.

Ingrid Nilsen – YouTube Creator and Entrepreneur

Ingrid Nilsen, a well-known YouTube creator, uses her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and social issues. She has also ventured into entrepreneurship, launching her own beauty and lifestyle brand. Nilsen’s authenticity and activism have inspired many young LGBTQ+ individuals.

Nyla Rodgers – Founder of Mama Hope

Nyla Rodgers, a queer entrepreneur, founded Mama Hope, an organization dedicated to empowering communities in Africa. Her work focuses on sustainable development and gender equality, showcasing the impact LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs can have on global issues.

Chris Hughes – Co-founder of Facebook and Founder of Jumo

Chris Hughes, one of the co-founders of Facebook, has also launched Jumo, a social network aimed at connecting individuals and organizations working to change the world. As an openly gay man, Hughes has used his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and social change.

Kimberly Bryant – Founder of Black Girls CODE

Kimberly Bryant, who identifies as LGBTQ+, founded Black Girls CODE, a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching girls of color computer programming and technology skills. Her work is breaking down barriers in tech and fostering diversity and inclusion.

Tim Gill – Founder of Quark, Inc. and The Gill Foundation

Tim Gill, a successful software entrepreneur, founded Quark, Inc., which revolutionized desktop publishing. After selling his company, he established The Gill Foundation, one of the nation’s largest funders of LGBTQ+ equal rights initiatives. Gill’s philanthropic efforts have had a lasting impact on the LGBTQ+ community.

As we celebrate Pride Month, let’s honor these trailblazers and continue to support and uplift the LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs of today and tomorrow.