LGBTQ+ Actresses Who Defied the Haters

The entertainment industry has seen a significant shift in visibility for LGBTQ+ performers over the last several decades. These actresses have navigated career challenges and public scrutiny while remaining open about their identities. By securing major roles and critical acclaim, they have broken down barriers for future generations of queer artists. This list highlights fifty performers who have made a lasting impact on film and television while defying industry expectations.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart rose to international stardom through her lead role in the ‘Twilight’ film series. She publicly confirmed her queer identity during a hosting appearance on ‘Saturday Night Live’ in 2017. Despite early industry pressure to keep her personal life private, she has transitioned into highly acclaimed independent cinema. Stewart received an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Princess Diana in the film ‘Spencer’.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster began her career as a child actor in films like ‘Taxi Driver’ before becoming a two-time Academy Award winner. She maintained a private life for decades before being honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globes, where she spoke about her family and identity. Foster has successfully transitioned from acting to directing, helming projects such as ‘Orange Is the New Black’. Her career remains one of the most enduring and respected in Hollywood history.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson has become a mainstay of modern television through her frequent collaborations with producer Ryan Murphy. She is well known for her versatile roles in the anthology series ‘American Horror Story’ and her Emmy-winning turn in ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story’. Paulson has been open about her long-term relationship with actress Holland Taylor since 2015. She continues to lead major film productions, including the heist movie ‘Ocean’s 8’.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon gained global recognition as Miranda Hobbes on the long-running series ‘Sex and the City’. After the show concluded, she became a prominent political activist and even ran for Governor of New York in 2018. Nixon has been open about her identity as a queer woman since her relationship with Christine Marinoni began in 2004. She has won two Tony Awards and an Emmy, proving her range across theater and television.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox made history as the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in an acting category. She gained widespread fame for her role as Sophia Burset in the Netflix series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. Beyond acting, Cox is a prominent advocate for transgender rights and has produced documentaries like ‘Disclosure’. She has appeared in numerous films, including the legal drama ‘Doubt’ and the thriller ‘Promising Young Woman’.

Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer transitioned from a successful modeling career to acting with her breakout role in ‘Euphoria’. As an openly trans woman, she has used her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. She co-wrote a special episode of ‘Euphoria’ that explored her character’s internal journey with gender and identity. Schafer has recently expanded her filmography with a lead role in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza is best known for her deadpan comedic style in the sitcom ‘Parks and Recreation’. She came out as bisexual in 2016, noting that she falls in love with girls and guys. In recent years, she has earned critical praise for her dramatic work in ‘The White Lotus’ and the film ‘Emily the Criminal’. Plaza often takes on unconventional roles that challenge traditional Hollywood stereotypes.

Holland Taylor

Holland Taylor is a veteran actress with a career spanning over five decades in theater, film, and television. She won a Primetime Emmy for her role in ‘The Practice’ and gained further fame on the sitcom ‘Two and a Half Men’. Taylor confirmed her relationship with Sarah Paulson in 2015, discussing her identity publicly for the first time. She continues to work frequently, appearing in the Apple TV+ series ‘The Morning Show’.

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin is a pioneer of American comedy who has been active since the 1960s. She has been in a relationship with writer Jane Wagner since 1971, and the couple married in 2013. Tomlin is celebrated for her roles in films like ‘9 to 5’ and the long-running Netflix series ‘Grace and Frankie’. Throughout her career, she has received a Grammy, a Tony, and several Emmy Awards.

Jane Lynch

Jane Lynch found mainstream success later in her career with her iconic role as Sue Sylvester in ‘Glee’. She has won five Emmy Awards and has been a visible member of the LGBTQ+ community for many years. Lynch has appeared in numerous films by Christopher Guest, including ‘Best in Show’ and ‘A Mighty Wind’. She is also a prolific voice actress and game show host, currently fronting ‘Weakest Link’.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes is a prominent stand-up comedian and actress who came out publicly at a rally in 2008. She has appeared in films like ‘Monster-in-Law’ and television shows such as ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’. Sykes is a vocal advocate for marriage equality and has been honored for her work with LGBTQ+ youth. She currently stars in and produces the sitcom ‘The Upshaws’ on Netflix.

Kate McKinnon

Kate McKinnon was the first openly lesbian cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’. During her tenure, she won two Emmy Awards for her impressions and original characters. She has starred in major films like the 2016 ‘Ghostbusters’ reboot and the blockbuster ‘Barbie’. McKinnon often uses her comedy to highlight LGBTQ+ issues and political themes.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné became a household name as a child star on ‘The Cosby Show’ and later ‘That’s So Raven’. She came out on social media in 2013 following the legalization of same-sex marriage in the United States. Since then, she has been an open advocate for the community while continuing her career as a host and actress. She currently stars in the revival series ‘Raven’s Home’ on Disney Channel.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg first gained recognition as Rue in the film ‘The Hunger Games’. They have been vocal about their non-binary identity and identify as gay, using their platform to discuss intersectionality. Stenberg has taken lead roles in films such as ‘The Hate U Give’ and ‘Everything, Everything’. They continue to be a leading voice for social justice and representation in the film industry.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson has become a major star in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Valkyrie. She came out as bisexual in 2018, noting that she is attracted to both men and women. Thompson has balanced blockbuster roles with independent projects like ‘Passing’ and ‘Sorry to Bother You’. She is a co-founder of the Time’s Up movement, working to end harassment in Hollywood.

Evan Rachel Wood

Evan Rachel Wood began her career as a child actress in ‘Thirteen’ before starring in the HBO series ‘Westworld’. She came out as bisexual in 2011 and has been an advocate for domestic violence survivors. Wood has spoken openly about the importance of representation for fluid identities in the media. Her work in ‘Across the Universe’ and ‘The Ides of March’ has cemented her reputation as a versatile performer.

Michelle Rodriguez

Michelle Rodriguez is a staple of action cinema, most notably in the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise. She came out as bisexual in 2013, stating that she has gone “both ways” throughout her life. Rodriguez is known for playing tough, independent female characters who break traditional gender norms. She has also appeared in major hits like ‘Avatar’ and ‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’.

Maria Bello

Maria Bello has had a long career in both television and film, including roles in ‘ER’ and ‘A History of Violence’. She wrote a modern-love essay for ‘The New York Times’ in 2013 titled “Coming Out as a Modern Family.” In the piece, she described her relationship with her female partner and her fluid approach to identity. Bello currently stars in the acclaimed Netflix series ‘Beef’.

Portia de Rossi

Portia de Rossi is well known for her roles in ‘Ally McBeal’ and the cult hit ‘Arrested Development’. She wrote a memoir titled ‘Unbearable Lightness’ detailing her struggles with identity and health during her early career. De Rossi married television host Ellen DeGeneres in 2008 following the legalization of same-sex marriage in California. She has since retired from acting to focus on business and philanthropy.

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres made history in 1997 when she came out simultaneously in real life and through her character on the sitcom ‘Ellen’. The move was controversial at the time and led to the show’s eventual cancellation, but it paved the way for future LGBTQ+ leads. She went on to host ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’ for 19 seasons, becoming one of the most influential figures in media. DeGeneres was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016 for her contributions to culture.

Niecy Nash-Betts

Niecy Nash-Betts is a celebrated actress known for her work in ‘Reno 911!’ and ‘Claws’. She surprised fans in 2020 by announcing her marriage to singer Jessica Betts, describing the union as a “soul connection.” Nash-Betts has since been a vocal advocate for loving who you want regardless of labels. She won an Emmy for her performance in ‘Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez gained worldwide fame for her role as Blanca Evangelista in the FX series ‘Pose’. In 2022, she became the first transgender actress to win a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama Series. She has been a trailblazer for trans women of color in the entertainment industry. Rodriguez has since expanded her career into music and film, appearing in ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’.

Indya Moore

Indya Moore is an actress and model best known for playing Angel Evangelista on ‘Pose’. They identify as non-binary and trans-feminine and have been a vocal advocate for the rights of marginalized groups. Moore has appeared in major fashion campaigns and films like ‘Escape Room: Tournament of Champions’. They are recognized for their work in promoting body positivity and intersectional activism.

Dominique Jackson

Dominique Jackson is an Afro-Tobagonian actress and model who starred as Elektra Abundance on ‘Pose’. Her performance brought mainstream attention to the ballroom scene and the challenges faced by trans women. Before her acting career, she was a prominent figure in the New York ballroom community. Jackson has also written an autobiography titled ‘The Transsexual from Tobago’ about her life experiences.

Angelica Ross

Angelica Ross played Candy Ferocity on ‘Pose’ and later starred in ‘American Horror Story: 1984’. She is also a tech entrepreneur, having founded Missed Fit, a company that helps trans people find work in the technology sector. Ross made history as the first openly trans woman to host a presidential candidate forum. She continues to advocate for economic empowerment within the LGBTQ+ community.

Trace Lysette

Trace Lysette is known for her recurring role on the series ‘Transparent’ and her work in the film ‘Hustlers’. She began her career as a dancer and actress in New York before becoming one of the first trans people to play a non-trans role on television. Lysette has been a vocal critic of the industry’s history of casting cisgender actors in trans roles. She recently starred in the critically acclaimed independent film ‘Monica’.

Hari Nef

Hari Nef is a trans actress and model who gained fame as the first openly transgender woman signed to IMG Models. She has appeared in the Amazon series ‘Transparent’ and the film ‘Assassination Nation’. Nef played one of the Barbies in the 2023 blockbuster ‘Barbie’, directed by Greta Gerwig. She is frequently cited as a fashion icon and an influential voice in the queer community.

Bella Thorne

Bella Thorne began her career as a child star on the Disney Channel series ‘Shake It Up’. She came out as bisexual in 2016 and later clarified that she identifies as pansexual. Thorne has been open about her personal life and her experiences navigating the transition from teen stardom to adult roles. She has since moved into directing and producing while continuing to act in various genres.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is an accomplished singer and actress who has starred in ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘Moonlight’. They came out as non-binary in 2022 and had previously identified as pansexual. Monáe’s work often explores themes of identity, futurism, and liberation. They earned further acclaim for their lead role in the whodunit ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’.

Ariana DeBose

Ariana DeBose won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Anita in ‘West Side Story’. She made history as the first Afro-Latina and openly queer woman to win an acting Oscar. DeBose began her career on Broadway, performing in the original cast of ‘Hamilton’. She has since hosted the Tony Awards multiple times and continues to be a prominent figure in musical film.

Stephanie Beatriz

Stephanie Beatriz is best known for her role as Detective Rosa Diaz on the sitcom ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. Much like her character, Beatriz came out as bisexual in real life, and the show eventually incorporated this into her storyline. She also voiced the lead character Mirabel in the Disney animated hit ‘Encanto’. Beatriz has been an active advocate for bisexual visibility in the media.

Abbi Jacobson

Abbi Jacobson is the co-creator and star of the hit comedy series ‘Broad City’. She came out as bisexual in 2018, noting that she dates both men and women. Jacobson recently developed and starred in the television adaptation of ‘A League of Their Own’, which focuses heavily on queer history in sports. She is also an accomplished illustrator and author.

Alia Shawkat

Alia Shawkat gained fame as Maeby Fünke on the series ‘Arrested Development’. She came out as bisexual in 2017 and has since focused on roles that challenge conventional narratives. Shawkat starred in the dark comedy series ‘Search Party’, which received critical acclaim throughout its five-season run. She is also a visual artist and has exhibited her work in various galleries.

Clea DuVall

Clea DuVall has been a prominent figure in queer cinema since the 1990s, starring in ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’. She has since moved into directing, helming the LGBTQ+ holiday film ‘Happiest Season’. DuVall has appeared in numerous television shows, including ‘Veep’ and ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. She has been open about her identity for many years and continues to advocate for queer representation behind the camera.

Natasha Lyonne

Natasha Lyonne has had a long career spanning from ‘Everyone Says I Love You’ to her lead role in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. While she has not applied a specific label to her sexuality, she has been a long-time icon within the LGBTQ+ community and has played many queer roles. She co-created and stars in the Netflix series ‘Russian Doll’. Lyonne currently stars in the mystery series ‘Poker Face’.

Samira Wiley

Samira Wiley rose to fame as Poussey Washington on the series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She won a Primetime Emmy for her role as Moira in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. Wiley is married to writer Lauren Morelli, whom she met on the set of her breakout show. She has been an active spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign and other LGBTQ+ organizations.

Danielle Brooks

Danielle Brooks is an actress and singer known for her role as Tasha “Taystee” Jefferson in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She received an Academy Award nomination for her performance as Sofia in the 2023 film adaptation of ‘The Color Purple’. While she is married to a man, she has spoken about her fluid identity and the importance of queer narratives in her work. Brooks is also a Tony-nominated Broadway performer.

Lea DeLaria

Lea DeLaria is a comedian and actress who was the first openly gay comic to appear on a late-night talk show in 1993. She gained widespread fame for her role as Big Boo in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. DeLaria has been a lifelong activist for LGBTQ+ rights and is a prominent figure in the jazz music scene. Her career has spanned stand-up, Broadway, and television.

Ruby Rose

Ruby Rose gained international attention for her role in the third season of ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She identifies as genderfluid and has been open about her identity since the age of 12. Rose made history when she was cast as the lead in the ‘Batwoman’ television series, playing a lesbian superhero. She has also appeared in several action films, including ‘John Wick: Chapter 2’.

Beanie Feldstein

Beanie Feldstein is known for her breakout roles in ‘Lady Bird’ and ‘Booksmart’. She has been open about her relationship with her wife, Bonnie-Chance Roberts, whom she met on a film set. Feldstein recently starred as Monica Lewinsky in ‘Impeachment: American Crime Story’. She is also a recognized stage actress, having starred in the Broadway revival of ‘Funny Girl’.

Cherry Jones

Cherry Jones is a legendary stage and screen actress with five Emmy nominations and two Tony Awards. She has been open about her lesbian identity for decades and was one of the first high-profile actresses to be out in the industry. Jones is known for her roles in ’24’, ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’, and ‘Succession’. She remains one of the most respected performers in both the New York theater scene and Hollywood.

Fiona Shaw

Fiona Shaw is an Irish actress known for her roles as Petunia Dursley in the ‘Harry Potter’ series and Carolyn Martens in ‘Killing Eve’. She has been open about her identity for years and is married to economist Sonali Deraniyagala. Shaw has received numerous accolades for her work on stage, including several Olivier Awards. She continues to be a major presence in both British and American television.

Tig Notaro

Tig Notaro is a stand-up comedian and actress who gained national attention for her set about her cancer diagnosis in 2012. She is openly gay and is married to actress Stephanie Allynne. Notaro has starred in her own semi-autobiographical series ‘One Mississippi’ and appeared in ‘Star Trek: Discovery’. Her deadpan humor and honesty have made her a beloved figure in the comedy world.

Hannah Gadsby

Hannah Gadsby is an Australian comedian who gained global fame for her Netflix special ‘Nanette’. The special explored her experiences as a lesbian and her trauma, challenging the conventions of stand-up comedy. Gadsby has since released several more specials and written a memoir titled ‘Ten Steps to Nanette’. She has been a vocal critic of how the entertainment industry treats marginalized voices.

Emma Corrin

Emma Corrin rose to prominence for their portrayal of Princess Diana in the fourth season of ‘The Crown’. They identify as non-binary and use they/them pronouns, often discussing the importance of gender-neutral categories in awards shows. Corrin has since starred in films such as ‘My Policeman’ and ‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover’. They are set to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe in ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’.

Bella Ramsey

Bella Ramsey is best known for their roles in ‘Game of Thrones’ and the hit series ‘The Last of Us’. They identify as non-binary and have stated that they are comfortable with any pronouns, though they often use they/them. Ramsey’s performance in ‘The Last of Us’ has been highly praised for its emotional depth and authenticity. They continue to be a leading voice for young non-binary performers in the industry.

Reneé Rapp

Reneé Rapp gained fame starring in the Broadway musical ‘Mean Girls’ before transitioning to television in ‘The Sex Lives of College Girls’. She identifies as a lesbian and has been vocal about her identity in both her acting and music careers. Rapp starred as Regina George in the 2024 film adaptation of ‘Mean Girls’. She has also released a successful debut album and toured internationally.

Margaret Cho

Margaret Cho is a comedian and actress known for her work on ‘All-American Girl’ and ‘Drop Dead Diva’. She identifies as bisexual and has long been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and Asian American visibility. Cho’s comedy often addresses themes of sexuality, race, and social justice. She has received numerous awards for her humanitarian work and activism.

Sara Ramirez

Sara Ramirez is best known for their long-running role as Dr. Callie Torres on the medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. They came out as bisexual in 2016 and later identified as non-binary in 2020. Ramirez has been a major advocate for LGBTQ+ representation and has worked with various organizations to support queer youth. Recently, they joined the cast of the ‘Sex and the City’ revival, ‘And Just Like That…’.

Jamie Clayton

Jamie Clayton is an actress and model best known for her role in the Netflix series ‘Sense8’. As a trans woman, she has been a prominent advocate for authentic trans representation in Hollywood. She recently starred as the iconic character Pinhead in the 2022 reimagining of ‘Hellraiser’. Clayton continues to work in high-profile projects, including the series ‘The L Word: Generation Q’.

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