Why he made the list: For years Richie worked on photo shoots as a much-sought after hair stylist. One day he got the itch to get behind the camera and snap a few pics of himself which led to a second career as a photographer. Richie also operates Arpino Salon while he travels the country snapping photos of sexy men and women. His pictures have graced the pages of Jezebel, The Piedmont Review and our very own, Fenuxe. Some of his most important work is done with his annual calendar. For the last 6 years Richie has gathered some of the hottest men in the country and splashed them as monthly poster boys. Richie donates all the proceeds from sales of the calendar to breast cancer and AIDS research.

What else you need to know: Richie spends his downtime with longtime partner Mitchell Anderson.

Why he made the list: People know Frank as the proprietor of Radial Cafe which also won the Fenuxe Best of Atlanta award, but he is much more than mimosas and frittatas. Before he took the reigns of Radial late in 2010 he was a mover and shaker in the LGBT activism world. As the owner of Radial he has continued to lend a helping hand whenever possible. The café routinely offers up free food for local causes and a welcoming space for meetings when needed.

What else you need to know: Frank was the area manager for Metrotainment Restaurants and before that was the managing partner at Einstein’s. He has been honored by organizations such as HRC, Georgia Equality and The Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus.

Why he made the list: After spending years toiling away in marketing departments of large companies, William decided he wanted to start his own business where he could follow his passion and also create a safe working environment for other LGBT individuals. So, in 2003 William opened Piedmont Bark, which has donated over $100,000 to various LGBT organizations since its inception. Each May William also opens the doors of Piedmont Bark for a P.A.L.S benefit called “Pet Cotillion”.

What else you need to know: William spends much of his “down” time with his partner at their cabin in Blue Ridge, Georgia.

Why she made the list: When an LGBT businessperson wants to start a new endeavor or expand an existing business they are wise to start the process with the Kardon Group. Karla and the rest of the gang are experts at helping businesses make their way down the long and winding path of start-ups. Then, once the business is up and running they can utilize Karla’s other company, Kardon Events, to help plan and organize their meetings and parties. Any gay business owner can appreciate a flawless and seamless event!

What else you need to know: Karla started Kardon with her partner, Donna (get it Kardon, Karla Donna?). The duo has been together for over 20-years and hope for at least another 20 more.

Why he made the list: People often overlook the importance of bars in the gay lifestyle. Truth be told, bars are very important to the LGBT culture. Bars like Burkhart’s offer a safe haven for people just coming out, a gathering place for non-profits and a stage for local talent. And it is nice to know that Palmer, as a straight ally, takes the time to understand the LGBT community. This allows him to run a business where we all feel safe to be ourselves. To date, Burkhart’s has donated over $250,000 to various HIV/AIDS organizations, hosted events that have raised over $1 million dollars for various HIV/AIDS organizations and has achieved first place twice in the AIDS Walk.

What else you need to know: Palmer likes to spend his down time on the waves of the Atlantic fishing and relaxing.

Why she made the list: Allison is one of those rare Atlanta natives, originally from the ATL who has stayed in the city to help make it better. Her day job as a lawyer led to her involvement in AGLCC, but her networking skills led her to power. During her term as president of AGLCC she has helped raise the organization to an entirely new level.

What else you need to know: She grew up watching the Braves and, even though he didn’t do much to help the team, has an affinity for Joe Torre.

Why he made the list: Anyone who is gay in Atlanta understands the importance of Outwrite Bookstore in our community. Not only does it stock great queer literature and serve up fabulous lattes, it is also the epicenter of all things gay in the ATL. Philip is revered for always being there when the community needs help. Even though Outwrite is challenged in an amazon dominated industry, Philip still welcomes non-profits into his store for events and generously donates proceeds from those events to their causes.

What else you need to know: Earlier this year Philip was honored by Georgia Tech with the 2011 Alumni Legacy Award. He is the first openly gay person to receive this award.

Why he made the list: Charlie is one of those people who has “helping people” as a major part of his DNA. His chosen line of work is to educate people and his hobbies include raising money for various local non-profits. Charlie also sits at the forefront of one of the hot button issues of our day…bullying. As the Bullying Awareness Faculty Rep for the Dekalb County School system he is front and center in making sure all public schools are safe for each and every student.

What else you need to know: Charlie is the founding chairman of Professionals for YouthPride.

Why he made the list: Many times LGBT people can effect change in their daily lives simply by going to work in a traditionally straight occupation. John’s job as Director of Atlanta-Fulton’s Public Libraries is such a position. In his position John uses his experience as a gay man to influence the types of programs the libraries offer to students. One glance at the library system’s calendar of events and you begin to understand exactly why John is on this list. He also played a very important role in creating the LGBT Archives located in the Central and Auburn Avenue Branches.

What else you need to know: John grew-up in Montgomery, Alabama before moving away and getting his degree from the University of Michigan.

Why he made the list: Dino wears a lot of hats in his daily life. At one minute he is leading his PR company, the next he is dining at a fab new treatery in preparation of penning his “Dino’s Dish” column for Fenuxe and then he ends his day as the Senior Advisor of Atlanta’s chapter of GLAAD. Dino is an icon in the Atlanta LGBT scene, but one of his most important strengths is being able to bridge the gap between the LGBT community and the straight world.

What else you need to know: Dino isn’t just multi-talented in business…he is also multi-lingual. He speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese and French.

Why she made the list: Kathleen has been a practicing attorney for over 25 years. Over the course of her career she has been able to build a successful career around issues important to LGBT clients. She specializes in domestic partnerships, second parent adoptions, transgender birth certificate orders, and advanced directives for health care. Along the way she has also climbed the ladder of some traditionally straight associations such as State Bar of Georgia, Board of Governors and the Atlanta Bar Association. Her presence in these organizations gives a much needed voice for the LGBT community.