LGBTQ+ Actors Nobody Hates

These LGBTQ+ male actors have built impressive careers across film, television, and theatre while speaking openly about their identities and supporting community causes. Below is a quick guide to their most notable roles, accolades, and advocacy milestones—useful details if you want to explore their work or learn how they’ve used their platforms.

Ian McKellen

Sir Ian McKellen came out publicly in 1988 and co-founded the UK charity Stonewall shortly after to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. He is known worldwide for Magneto in the ‘X-Men’ films and Gandalf in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy. McKellen was knighted in 1991 for services to the performing arts and has multiple Olivier Awards to his name. He continues to tour Shakespeare productions and appear in film and TV projects.

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris broke out as the title character in ‘Doogie Howser, M.D.’ and later led nine seasons of ‘How I Met Your Mother’. He publicly came out in 2006 and has hosted the Tony Awards and the Primetime Emmy Awards multiple times. Harris also starred in Netflix’s ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’. His career spans acting, producing, and Broadway performances, including award-winning turns on stage.

Andrew Scott

Irish actor Andrew Scott gained international attention as Moriarty in ‘Sherlock’ and later as the “Hot Priest” in ‘Fleabag’. He has spoken openly about being gay since early in his career. Scott starred in ‘All of Us Strangers’ and has collected major honors, including a BAFTA and an Olivier Award. His work ranges from independent cinema to high-profile television and theatre.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer is widely recognized for playing Neal Caffrey in ‘White Collar’ and won a Golden Globe for the TV film ‘The Normal Heart’. He publicly came out in 2012 and has been involved in fundraising for HIV/AIDS organizations. Bomer appears in films such as ‘Magic Mike’ and has taken prominent roles in series like ‘American Horror Story’. He also starred in the limited series ‘Fellow Travelers’.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo earned an Academy Award nomination for portraying Bayard Rustin in ‘Rustin’. He is known on television for roles in ‘Fear the Walking Dead’ and ‘Euphoria’. Domingo, who is openly gay, has written and performed acclaimed stage works and directed for theatre. His filmography also includes appearances in ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ and other major releases.

Jonathan Bailey

Jonathan Bailey plays Anthony Bridgerton in ‘Bridgerton’ and earned widespread praise for the limited series ‘Fellow Travelers’. He has been open about being gay and previously won an Olivier Award for his West End work. Bailey’s screen roles also include parts in ‘Broadchurch’ and other UK television dramas. He balances television with theatre, frequently returning to London stages.

Luke Evans

Welsh actor Luke Evans has discussed his sexuality in interviews since early in his career. He is known for Bard in ‘The Hobbit’ films and Gaston in Disney’s live-action ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Evans also leads thrillers and action projects on film and television, including ‘The Alienist’. He has released music albums and performed in West End and Broadway productions.

Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons, who came out publicly in 2012, starred as Sheldon Cooper in ‘The Big Bang Theory’ across twelve seasons. He has won four Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe for the role. Parsons has also produced and acted in projects like ‘Hollywood’ and the film ‘Spoiler Alert’. His stage credits include Broadway performances and producing work behind the scenes.

Ben Whishaw

Ben Whishaw portrays Q in the modern James Bond films, including ‘Skyfall’ and its sequels. He has spoken openly about his sexuality since 2013. Whishaw’s varied roles span family films like ‘Paddington’ and the medical drama ‘This Is Going to Hurt’. He has received BAFTA recognition and multiple theatre awards for stage performances.

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto came out publicly in 2011 and has supported LGBTQ+ youth charities. He plays Spock in the rebooted ‘Star Trek’ films and starred in ‘Heroes’ on television. Quinto has appeared in multiple seasons of ‘American Horror Story’ and produced independent films. His stage work includes Broadway and off-Broadway productions.

Wentworth Miller

Wentworth Miller revealed he was gay in 2013 and has advocated for mental health awareness in public talks and essays. He led the series ‘Prison Break’ and later appeared in the Arrowverse shows, including ‘The Flash’. Miller declined an event in Russia to protest anti-LGBTQ laws and has supported related human-rights campaigns. He has also written screenplays under a pen name used earlier in his career.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter is an openly gay actor and singer who achieved the “EGOT road” milestones of Emmy, Grammy, and Tony wins, including an Emmy for ‘Pose’. He originated the role of Lola in Broadway’s ‘Kinky Boots’, earning a Tony Award. Porter’s discography includes multiple solo albums, and his film/TV work spans acting and hosting. He frequently participates in benefit concerts and advocacy events tied to LGBTQ+ equality and HIV/AIDS awareness.

Jonathan Groff

Jonathan Groff originated roles in Broadway hits like ‘Spring Awakening’ and voices Kristoff in Disney’s ‘Frozen’ franchise. He has starred in television projects such as ‘Mindhunter’ and appeared in ‘Glee’. Groff publicly discussed his sexuality early in his career and has supported LGBTQ+ youth organizations. He earned Tony recognition for his theatre work and continues to balance stage and screen.

Alan Cumming

Alan Cumming is known for Eli Gold in ‘The Good Wife’ and for Broadway and West End credits spanning plays and musicals. He came out publicly as bisexual and later discussed being a queer man, advocating for LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS causes. Cumming became a naturalized U.S. citizen and received the Order of the British Empire for services to film, theatre, and the arts. He also authors books and tours cabaret shows.

Nathan Lane

Nathan Lane, an openly gay actor, won multiple Tony Awards for performances including ‘The Producers’ and ‘Angels in America’. On screen he has appeared in ‘The Birdcage’ and voiced Timon in ‘The Lion King’. Lane has been a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ youth and HIV/AIDS charities. His television work includes ‘Only Murders in the Building’ and other acclaimed series.

George Takei

George Takei, who played Hikaru Sulu in ‘Star Trek’, came out publicly in 2005 and has been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. He authored books that recount his family’s World War II incarceration experience and speaks widely on civil liberties. Takei is active on social media and supports organizations focused on equality and anti-bullying. He also appears in documentaries and stage productions connected to his activism.

Lee Pace

Lee Pace discussed his sexuality publicly and has described himself as part of the queer community. He stars as Thranduil in ‘The Hobbit’ films and appears in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and ‘Foundation’. Pace’s early breakout came from ‘Pushing Daisies’, which earned him major award nominations. He continues to divide his time between large-scale franchises and theatre.

BD Wong

BD Wong, openly gay, won a Tony Award for ‘M. Butterfly’ and is widely known for roles in ‘Jurassic Park’ and ‘Law & Order: SVU’. He played Hugo Strange in ‘Gotham’ and Mr. Whispers in ‘The OA’. Wong has narrated documentaries and children’s books and supports Asian American and LGBTQ+ advocacy initiatives. He frequently participates in community-focused panels and arts programs.

Russell Tovey

Russell Tovey is openly gay and recognized for television roles in ‘Being Human’, ‘Looking’, and ‘Years and Years’. He appears regularly on stage in London and New York, earning strong notices for contemporary plays. Tovey co-hosts an art-focused podcast and champions emerging artists. His film credits include independent features and voice work in animated projects.

Victor Garber

Victor Garber, who has spoken openly about being gay, is known for ‘Alias’ on television and ‘Titanic’ on film. He has multiple Tony Award nominations for his Broadway work, including musical theatre classics. Garber appeared in the Arrowverse as Martin Stein and in numerous guest roles across network television. He supports performing-arts charities and often participates in benefit concerts.

Colton Haynes

Colton Haynes came out publicly in 2016 and has since been open about mental health and LGBTQ+ issues. He is known for roles in ‘Arrow’ and ‘Teen Wolf’. Haynes has modeled for major brands and published a memoir detailing his experiences in the industry. He continues to act in television projects and independent films.

Keiynan Lonsdale

Keiynan Lonsdale, who identifies as queer, played Wally West in ‘The Flash’ and starred in the film ‘Love, Simon’. He also releases music and performs live, integrating dance into his shows. Lonsdale uses his platform to discuss self-expression and LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream media. He appears in film, television, and music videos across international markets.

Anthony Rapp

Anthony Rapp, openly gay, originated Mark Cohen in Broadway’s ‘Rent’ and later appeared in ‘Rent’ on film. He stars in ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ and has authored a memoir about his life and career. Rapp is active in LGBTQ+ and sexual-assault awareness advocacy. He performs in concerts and workshops tied to theatre education.

Cheyenne Jackson

Cheyenne Jackson is openly gay and known for roles in ‘American Horror Story’ and ’30 Rock’. He has starred on Broadway in musicals and performs as a recording artist. Jackson supports LGBTQ+ organizations through concerts and public campaigns. His on-screen work spans comedies, dramas, and voice acting.

Tituss Burgess

Tituss Burgess, openly gay, earned multiple Emmy nominations for ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’. He has extensive Broadway credits and a recording career with several solo albums. Burgess frequently performs at benefits supporting LGBTQ+ and arts education causes. He also voices characters in animated series and films.

Denis O’Hare

Denis O’Hare, openly gay, won a Tony Award for ‘Take Me Out’ and appears frequently in ‘American Horror Story’. His film credits include historical dramas and literary adaptations. O’Hare advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and arts funding, often speaking at public events. He continues to write and develop stage projects alongside screen roles.

Michael Urie

Michael Urie is openly gay and known for ‘Ugly Betty’ as well as numerous off-Broadway and Broadway productions. He has directed and produced theatre, including solo shows and revivals. Urie hosts and participates in industry panels focused on LGBTQ+ representation in media. His screen work includes comedies, independent films, and streaming series.

Dan Levy

Dan Levy, openly gay, co-created and starred in ‘Schitt’s Creek’, which swept major comedy awards in its final season. He advocates for LGBTQ+ equality and worked with charitable campaigns tied to the show’s success. Levy has produced, written, and acted in subsequent film and TV projects. He also collaborates with fashion and lifestyle brands on limited campaigns.

Wilson Cruz

Wilson Cruz, openly gay, made history with ‘My So-Called Life’ and later starred in ‘Star Trek: Discovery’. He serves as an advocate and former board member for LGBTQ+ organizations focused on youth and health. Cruz speaks frequently about intersectionality and representation in entertainment. His career includes roles in network television, theatre, and documentaries.

Harvey Guillén

Harvey Guillén, who identifies as queer, plays Guillermo in ‘What We Do in the Shadows’. He voices characters in major animated films and appears in family and action projects. Guillén uses public appearances to discuss body positivity and LGBTQ+ visibility. He remains active on stage and at fan conventions that support charitable initiatives.

Conrad Ricamora

Conrad Ricamora, openly gay, gained recognition in ‘How to Get Away with Murder’ and on Broadway in ‘The King and I’. He has appeared in independent films and contemporary plays. Ricamora supports HIV/AIDS charities and community health programs. He also records music and performs in concert settings.

Ben Aldridge

Ben Aldridge, openly gay, starred in ‘Fleabag’ and in the thriller ‘Knock at the Cabin’. He has been public about his coming-out journey and speaks about mental health. Aldridge works across British television, film, and stage, including period dramas and modern series. He engages with LGBTQ+ charities through fundraising and awareness campaigns.

Share your favorite performances from these actors—and who else should be included—down in the comments.