Regardless of the fact statistics may show rises in teen pregnancy, high school drop out rates, drug use among the 18 to 30 crowd, and a generally dismal picture of younger generations, we at the Gay & Lesbian Times are going to agree with The Who.

The kids are alright.

The 15 people in our community and two allies we are recognizing in our 15 under 30 feature certainly don’t qualify as kids – but each has overcome the stereotypes of generations X and Y; the apathy and self-destructive nature many associate with younger people.

These 17 people are leaders and future philanthropists, a crew of young people who are going to inherit our community’s struggle for equality and achieve phenomenal things.

Whether living openly gay in the realm of business or volunteering for local nonprofit organizations that benefit our community; from their dorm rooms to their board rooms, these 17 people are increasing our visibility – and they’re “out” in an entirely different way.

Through networking events, fund-raisers and social functions, we were introduced to a number of bright young entrepreneurs, political figures and activists, whose work ethic and commitment to effecting change in our community was quickly made evident.

We’ve narrowed our sights to 15 people and two allies who, we believe, community members should keep an eye on. If not already working with high-profile, successful businesses, individuals or organizations, the people on this list are well on their way.

The list is by no means exhaustive. Our hope is, each year, to highlight 15 young openly gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people and allies, who are making significant impacts in our neighborhoods, our state, our nation and our world.

For example, on the cover this week, we’ve featured a trio of field organizers for the “No on 8” campaign, the effort to defeat Proposition 8, which, if passed, would ban same-sex marriage in California. The three on our cover – Brandon Tate, Caroline Dessert and Ayari Aguayo – are under the age of 30 and involved in one of the most important campaigns in the 2008 election. Americans on both sides of the issue are watching California, focused intently on our battle for equal marriage rights. Brandon, Caroline and Ayari are crucial to our success in November – and fine candidates for this recognition.

Our youngest, Allan Acevedo, 19, was listed among Out’s 100 men and women of 2007. He’s a Norman Blachford Point Foundation Scholar and the president of the Stonewall Young Democrats (among a number of other leadership roles he assumes with organizations). Among the older leaders we recognized, Todd Gloria, 30, earned the Gay & Lesbian Times endorsement for his District 3 City Council race, and, if elected, will become the first openly gay man to represent District 3 on the City Council.

Others on the list are involved in business ventures, college campus organizations or local politics, and all are proud members of our community.

Thanks to the efforts of the community’s pioneers, this group is free to be out at work and out at school. In some cases, they work, live and play in the community they’re a part of.

Their openness with regard to sexuality will open eyes and change the hearts and minds of many.

In recognizing this group, we’ve also instilled more responsibility among a younger generation; a responsibility to philanthropy and furthering the progress our community has made.

We’re pleased and proud to introduce you to these young leaders. Truly, they serve as an example for many, and evidence that the kids are, in fact, alright.