The list features people recognised for "changing the world," regardless of the outcome of their actions. It is divided into pioneers, artists, leaders and icons.
TIME got each entrant to have an equally prominent individual to explain what makes that person influential.
In Trevor's case, actress Lupita Nyong'o was given the task. The actress is set to play Trevor's mom in the film adaptation of his book, Born a Crime.
"Trevor, who grew up biracial in apartheid South Africa, has the unique ability to tell truths that bring us together. He is uncannily skilled at holding up a mirror to whatever room he is in. Trevor is always reaching out: across cultures, continents and boundaries. He makes us laugh with each other and brings us that much closer to understanding one another," she wrote.
For the full list and more on what Lupita said about Trevor, click here.
