Frontiers IN LA unveils its annual list of “25 Angelenos Who Redefine What’s Hot”

For the third year, Frontiers IN LA magazine has polled friends and readers, asking them for names of some of Southern California’s unsung heroes—people who make Los Angeles such a dynamic and interesting city. After sorting through the suggestions, the magazine chose Angelenos they found inspiring, innovative, or just plain interesting.

Here is a LINK to the complete list but I am also highlighting a few below:

Chad Allen

OCCUPATION: Actor

WHY HIM: In addition to being one of the most recognizable out actors in Hollywood, Allen is a social and political activist who has always felt a strong sense of responsibility to give back to his community. In the spotlight at a young age with starring roles in the television series Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman and Our House, Allen learned early on that he could make an impact by lending his name to various charities and organizations. As his career continues to thrive in film and television, Allen’s philanthropy also continues.

WHAT INSPIRES HIM: Chad’s best friend Hunter Allen died last year after a long battle with crystal meth addiction. Determined not to let his loss remain a valueless tragedy, Chad and others sprung into action and created the Baby Dragon Fund at L.A.’s Gay & Lesbian Center. (“Baby Dragon” was Hunter’s nickname). After being a participant in the AIDS Lifecycle for the past four years, Chad took the idea and decided to create a new bicycle ride as a way of raising money for The Baby Dragon Fund. The 180 mile two-day Bay Dragon Ride will start in Los Angeles and wind through the beautiful coast, orchards, and vineyards to Santa Barbara and back. It will take place on Oct. 17 and 18 and will help raise desperately needed funds for the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center and their services that help LGBT people, especially youth, get the counseling and care they may need. Chad has been sober for nine years and is dedicated to helping people lead healthy, happy lives with dignity, free from drug addiction. To sign up and ride with Chad on the baby Dragon Ride, or to donate to The Baby Dragon Fund, go to babydragon180ride.org.

MOTTO: “To thine own self be true and be quiet enough to hear your inner voice”

Adam Bouska

Picture Perfect

Occupation: Fashion photographer, co-founder of the NO H8 Campaign

WHY HIM: Following the passage of Prop. 8, this award-winning photographer and his partner, Jeff Parshley, wanted to get more involved in the protests. Starting with a picture of Parshley, they founded the NO H8 campaign, a photo project and silent protest. “We started reaching out to our friends and social networks” and the grassroots movement turned nonprofit grew from there.

The now famous portraits feature “NO H8” written on one cheek and duct tape over the mouth symbolizing voices not being heard. “Although a silent protest, I feel the images are visually loud.” Bouska has photographed all corners of the LGBT community, politicians, law enforcement officials, newlyweds and more, as well as a growing list of celebrities including Meghan McCain, daughter of Senator John McCain; Ashlee Simpson-Wentz and Pete Wentz; Blink 182 rocker Mark Hoppus; actresses Emmy Rossum and Tara Reid; and Miss Universe Brook Lee. NO H8 has been featured on MSNBC’s Today Show, Inside Edition, CNN’s Showbiz Tonight and NBC’s Access Hollywood. “We have over 800 faces as a part of the campaign with no plans to end anytime soon.”

WHAT INSPIRES HIM: “Being able to express myself via photography and being able to give a voice to such a needed cause inspires me. I’ve been receiving e-mails from all over the world—kids in Brazil, Australia and all over Europe—it shows me that we’re being heard.”

MOTTO: No H8.

FUN FACT: “I have a twin and I was born on Halloween.” —Jamie Wetherbe