Carlos Santiago has been selected as one of this year’s honorees on the prestigious 30th annual Out100 list. Out, the world’s leading fashion and lifestyle brand for the LGBTQ+ community, celebrates the most influential and pioneering LGBTQ+ individuals across entertainment, politics, activism, sports, and more.
Santiago has been recognized for his remarkable contributions to the marketing industry, furthering equity and inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community. Throughout his career, Santiago has positioned AIMM (Alliance for Inclusive and Multicultural Marketing) and SSG (Santiago Solutions Group) as pivotal forces in the industry. Challenging misconceptions about representing LGBTQ+ consumers in advertising, he has demonstrated through groundbreaking research that inclusivity drives growth and consumer loyalty more than exclusivity.
“I am sincerely honored to be included in the Out100 2024 list. This recognition comes at a significant juncture, reminding us of our shared responsibility to cultivate true inclusivity and belonging within the advertising industry and among program creators,”
said Santiago. “I take great pride in the efforts we are undertaking at AIMM and SSG, and I genuinely appreciate their steadfast support and commitment to representing the diverse spectrum of consumers. Together, we are advocating for marketing and media initiatives that embrace all groups and foster a more inclusive environment.”
This year’s Out100 theme, “Together, Unlimited,” highlights the power of collective strength within the LGBTQ+ community. Santiago joins an illustrious list of trailblazers who have significantly impacted the world, both within and beyond the LGBTQ+
community. This year’s list also includes this year’s cover star and Icon of the Year Cynthia Erivo; top music artists Chappell Roan, Reneé Rapp, Maren Morris, and Victoria Monét; political figures Rachel Maddow and U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler; esteemed actors/actresses Jodie Foster, Ncuti Gatwa, Cynthia Nixon, Ben Platt, and the cast of Fellow Travelers; drag stars Trixie Mattel, Pattie Gonia, and Varla Jean Merman; comedians Bowen Yang, Margaret Cho, and Harper Steele; fashion icons
Law Roach and Willy Chavarria; LGBTQ+ Olympians and Paralympians, Tom Daley and Laurie Hernandez, and more.
The honorees will be celebrated at the annual Out100 Event on December 11 at NeueHouse Hollywood in Los Angeles, where icons and allies will come together to honor those who have made an indelible mark on the LGBTQ+ community. The event will feature Santiago alongside fellow honorees for a night of celebration, reflection, and recognition.
The Out100 list is proudly presented by Lexus, with additional support from Gilead, McDonald’s, Hornitos, and Visit West Hollywood. The Out100 TV Special, produced in collaboration with ABC Owned Television Stations, will air on December 21 across linear, streaming, and digital platforms.