Rashad Robinson, 30, organized GLAAD's inaugural Media Awards in Advertising in October to applaud gay-positive creative in both the LGBT and mainstream press.

Lisa Sherman, 51, launched Logo, MTV Networks' television channel for a gay and lesbian audience, in 2005, with just three advertisers and 13 million homes. It has since grown to 150 advertisers in every product category and more than 40 million homes.

Howard Buford, 50, has created LGBT-targeted advertising for companies such as JPMorgan Chase, Hyatt, and Showtime. Each year, Prime Access reports on which brands are perceived to be the most and least gay-friendly.

George Carrancho, 43, manages American Airlines' Rainbow Team, the first dedicated LGBT sales staff and Web site to target the $65 billion American gay and lesbian travel industry.

Corliss Fong, 59, helps the nation's largest department-store chain reach gay and lesbian customers across its 850 stores, managing everything from its shift to a more inclusive gift registry to the controversy that erupted after one of its Boston stores removed a gay-themed window display.