Coolest Gay Actresses Of All Time

The entertainment industry has seen a significant shift in representation as more actresses openly share their identities with the world. These women have not only excelled in their craft but have also paved the way for future generations of performers. From Academy Award winners to television icons these individuals bring diverse perspectives to their roles. Their contributions to film and television continue to shape the cultural landscape of Hollywood.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster began her career as a child performer before becoming one of the most respected actresses in the industry. She earned Academy Awards for her roles in ‘The Accused’ and ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ during the height of her career. Foster has transitioned into directing with projects like ‘Little Man Tate’ and episodes of ‘Orange Is the New Black’ as well. She maintains a private personal life while remaining an influential figure in the queer community.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson is widely recognized for her extensive work in the ‘American Horror Story’ franchise and other television projects. She won an Emmy for her portrayal of Marcia Clark in ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson American Crime Story’ in 2016. Paulson has also appeared in major films such as ‘Ocean’s 8’ and ‘Carol’ alongside other talented stars. She is open about her long term relationship with actress Holland Taylor and advocates for queer visibility.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon rose to international fame for her role as Miranda Hobbes on the hit series ‘Sex and the City’ and its revival. Beyond her acting career she has become a prominent political activist and even ran for Governor of New York. Nixon has been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ rights and married her wife Christine Marinoni in 2012. She continues to balance her work in theater and television with her dedication to social causes.

Holland Taylor

Holland Taylor has enjoyed a prolific career on stage and screen spanning several decades. She is well known for her roles in ‘The Practice’ and the sitcom ‘Two and a Half Men’ where she earned multiple award nominations. Taylor wrote and starred in the solo play ‘Ann’ which focused on the life of Ann Richards. Her relationship with Sarah Paulson has made her a prominent figure in discussions about queer representation in Hollywood.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart gained global stardom for her lead role in the ‘Twilight’ film series. She has since focused on independent projects and received critical acclaim for ‘Clouds of Sils Maria’ and ‘Spencer’ where she played Princess Diana. Stewart is the first American actress to win a Cesar Award in France for her film work. She has been open about her identity and continues to challenge traditional expectations for leading ladies.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza became a household name through her portrayal of April Ludgate on the sitcom ‘Parks and Recreation’ for seven seasons. She has since moved into film production and starring roles in movies like ‘Ingrid Goes West’ and ‘Emily the Criminal’ which showcased her range. Plaza often brings a unique deadpan style to her performances that has earned her a dedicated following. She came out as bisexual in 2016 and has been a frequent collaborator with other queer creators.

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin is a comedy legend who has been active in the entertainment industry since the 1960s. She gained early fame on the variety show ‘Rowan and Martin’s Laugh In’ before moving into successful film roles like ‘9 to 5’ with Jane Fonda. Tomlin has been in a relationship with Jane Wagner for over fifty years and they married in 2013. Her more recent work includes the long running Netflix series ‘Grace and Frankie’ which explored friendship and aging.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes is a comedian and actress known for her sharp wit and distinct voice. She has appeared in various films and television shows including ‘The New Adventures of Old Christine’ and ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ as a recurring guest. Sykes came out publicly at a rally in 2008 and has been an advocate for equality ever since. She frequently incorporates her life as a mother and wife into her stand up comedy specials.

Jane Lynch

Jane Lynch became a breakout star for her role as Sue Sylvester on the musical series ‘Glee’ which won her several awards. She is also recognized for her comedic timing in films such as ‘Best in Show’ and ‘The 40 Year Old Virgin’ throughout the early 2000s. Lynch has hosted the game show ‘Hollywood Game Night’ and performed on Broadway in ‘Annie’ and ‘Funny Girl’ to great success. She has been an out and proud member of the community for the duration of her public career.

Niecy Nash-Betts

Niecy Nash Betts is an actress and television host known for her roles in ‘Reno 911’ and the drama ‘Claws’ on TNT. She received critical praise for her work in the miniseries ‘When They See Us’ and ‘Dahmer Monster The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’ recently. Nash Betts surprised fans in 2020 by announcing her marriage to singer Jessica Betts. She has since become a vocal advocate for living authentically and finding love in unexpected places.

Samira Wiley

Samira Wiley is best known for her portrayal of Poussey Washington in the Netflix series ‘Orange Is the New Black’ which became a cultural phenomenon. She later starred in the dystopian drama ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ and won an Emmy for her performance as Moira. Wiley is married to writer Lauren Morelli whom she met while working on her breakout show. She continues to use her platform to support diverse storytelling and representation for queer women of color.

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 rose to fame for her role as Sophia Burset on ‘Orange Is the New Black’ where she portrayed a trans woman navigating prison life. Cox is also a prominent activist and producer who works to increase visibility for the transgender community. She has appeared in various projects including ‘Promising Young Woman’ and the series ‘Inventing Anna’ on Netflix.

Cherry Jones

Cherry Jones is a distinguished stage and television actress who has won two Tony Awards for her work on Broadway. She is perhaps most recognizable to television audiences for her role as President Allison Taylor on the action series ’24’ during its later seasons. Jones has also appeared in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ and ‘Succession’ in guest roles that earned her further acclaim. She has been open about her identity for many years and was previously in a high profile relationship with Sarah Paulson.

Fiona Shaw

Fiona Shaw is an Irish actress renowned for her extensive work with the Royal Shakespeare Company and her roles in major film franchises. She played Petunia Dursley in the ‘Harry Potter’ movies and later gained a new generation of fans for her role in ‘Killing Eve’ on television. Shaw has received numerous accolades including a Bafta and multiple Olivier Awards for her theatrical performances. She is married to economist Sonali Deraniyagala and continues to work across stage and screen internationally.

Beanie Feldstein

Beanie Feldstein rose to prominence with her breakout roles in the films ‘Lady Bird’ and ‘Booksmart’ where she played relatable teenage characters. She made her Broadway debut in the revival of ‘Hello Dolly’ and later starred as Fanny Brice in ‘Funny Girl’ on stage. Feldstein portrayed Monica Lewinsky in the series ‘Impeachment American Crime Story’ to showcase her dramatic range. She has spoken openly about her relationship with Bonnie Chance Roberts and their marriage.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson is a versatile actress known for her roles in the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’ as Valkyrie and in the ‘Creed’ film series. She has also starred in critically acclaimed independent movies like ‘Dear White People’ and ‘Passing’ which explored complex themes of identity. Thompson has been open about her attraction to both men and women and frequently discusses the importance of queer representation in blockbusters. She continues to be a major force in Hollywood as both an actress and a producer.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg first gained recognition for her role as Rue in the blockbuster film ‘The Hunger Games’ as a young actress. She has since starred in ‘The Hate U Give’ and ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’ while becoming a prominent voice for her generation. Stenberg is vocal about social justice issues and her identity as a gay woman and a nonbinary person. She continues to choose projects that challenge societal norms and provide representation for marginalized communities.

Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer is a model and actress who became a breakout star for her role as Jules Vaughn on the HBO series ‘Euphoria’ in 2019. She collaborated with the show creator to write a special episode that explored her character’s internal life and identity. Schafer has also transitioned into film with a major role in ‘The Hunger Games The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ as Tigris Snow. She is a dedicated activist for transgender rights and uses her visibility to advocate for the community.

Ariana DeBose

Ariana DeBose won an Academy Award for her performance as Anita in the 2021 remake of ‘West Side Story’ directed by Steven Spielberg. She began her career in musical theater and was an original cast member of the hit Broadway show ‘Hamilton’ in New York. DeBose has hosted the Tony Awards multiple times and appeared in the musical film ‘The Prom’ on Netflix. She is the first Afro Latina and openly queer woman to win an Oscar for acting.

Portia de Rossi

Portia de Rossi is an Australian American actress known for her roles in ‘Ally McBeal’ and the cult comedy series ‘Arrested Development’ as Lindsay Bluth Fünke. She also starred in the sitcom ‘Better Off Ted’ and the political thriller ‘Scandal’ during her active years in the industry. De Rossi has been married to Ellen DeGeneres since 2008 and the couple is known for their philanthropic efforts. Although she has largely retired from acting she remains a well known figure in the queer community.

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres made history when she came out as gay both in real life and through her character on the sitcom ‘Ellen’ in 1997. She went on to host the highly successful daytime talk show ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’ for nineteen seasons and won numerous awards. DeGeneres is also the voice of Dory in the animated films ‘Finding Nemo’ and ‘Finding Dory’ which became massive hits. Her public coming out was a landmark moment for LGBTQ visibility in mainstream media.

Rosie O’Donnell

Rosie O’Donnell is a comedian and actress who gained fame for her roles in films like ‘A League of Their Own’ and ‘Sleepless in Seattle’ in the 1990s. She hosted ‘The Rosie O’Donnell Show’ for several years and became known as the Queen of Nice during her time on daytime television. O’Donnell came out as a lesbian in 2002 and has been a tireless advocate for gay adoption and queer rights ever since. She has continued to act in television series such as ‘The Fosters’ and ‘SMILF’ throughout her career.

Tig Notaro

Tig Notaro is a stand up comedian and actress known for her deadpan delivery and autobiographical storytelling style. She received critical acclaim for her semi autobiographical series ‘One Mississippi’ and her role in the action film ‘Army of the Dead’ on Netflix. Notaro also appeared in the science fiction series ‘Star Trek Discovery’ as Jett Reno to much fan approval. She is married to actress Stephanie Allynne and frequently shares stories about their family in her comedy sets.

Clea DuVall

Clea DuVall has been a staple in independent and mainstream cinema since the late 1990s with roles in ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’ and ‘The Faculty’ as a teenager. She has transitioned into directing with the film ‘The Intervention’ and the holiday romantic comedy ‘Happiest Season’ which she also co wrote. DuVall has appeared in several television series including ‘Veep’ and ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ in recurring roles. She has been an out member of the community for many years and continues to advocate for queer narratives in film.

Maria Bello

Maria Bello is a versatile actress known for her performances in ‘The Cooler’ and ‘A History of Violence’ which earned her critical praise. She has had a long career in television with starring roles in ‘ER’ and ‘NCIS’ for several seasons. Bello wrote an essay for the New York Times in 2013 where she discussed her modern family and her relationship with a woman. She continues to be a prominent figure in the industry as both an actress and a writer.

Sara Ramirez

Sara Ramirez is a Tony Award winning performer who gained widespread fame for playing Dr. Callie Torres on the long running drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ for over a decade. They also starred as Che Diaz in the ‘Sex and the City’ revival series ‘And Just Like That’ which sparked much public discussion. Ramirez is nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns while continuing to advocate for LGBTQ rights and visibility in media. Their career began on Broadway where they won an award for their role in the musical ‘Spamalot’ in 2005.

Stephanie Beatriz

Stephanie Beatriz is best known for her role as Detective Rosa Diaz on the comedy series ‘Brooklyn Nine Nine’ where her character also came out as bisexual. She provided the voice for the lead character Mirabel Madrigal in the Disney animated film ‘Encanto’ which became a global success. Beatriz has also appeared in the film adaptation of the musical ‘In the Heights’ and the series ‘Twisted Metal’ recently. She is an out bisexual woman and has been a vocal supporter of queer representation in animation and live action.

Cara Delevingne

Cara Delevingne began her career as a high fashion model before transitioning into acting with roles in ‘Paper Towns’ and ‘Suicide Squad’ in 2016. She starred in the series ‘Carnival Row’ on Amazon Prime and has appeared in the anthology show ‘American Horror Story Delicate’ recently. Delevingne has been open about her fluid identity and her experiences as a queer woman in the spotlight. She continues to work across the fashion and entertainment industries while supporting various charitable causes.

Indya Moore

Indya Moore is a model and actress who rose to international fame for their role as Angel Evangelista on the FX series ‘Pose’ starting in 2018. They have used their platform to advocate for transgender rights and to highlight the experiences of marginalized people in the ballroom community. Moore has also appeared in films like ‘Escape Room Night of Champions’ and the television series ‘A Black Lady Sketch Show’ as a guest. They identify as nonbinary and continue to push for more inclusive casting in Hollywood.

Dominique Jackson

Dominique Jackson is an actress and model best known for her commanding performance as Elektra Abundance on the series ‘Pose’ for three seasons. She has written a memoir titled ‘The Transsexual from Tobago’ which chronicles her journey from her home country to the United States. Jackson has also appeared in the series ‘American Gods’ and worked as a model for several high profile fashion brands. She is a dedicated activist who speaks out about the challenges faced by transgender women of color.

Jasika Nicole

Jasika Nicole is an actress and artist who gained fame for her role as Astrid Farnsworth on the science fiction series ‘Fringe’ which ran for five seasons. She later appeared as Dr. Carly Lever on the medical drama ‘The Good Doctor’ and voiced characters in various animated projects. Nicole is an out queer woman and has been vocal about her experiences with interracial marriage and representation in the industry. She is also an avid maker and shares her passion for sewing and craft on her social media platforms.

Lea DeLaria

Lea DeLaria is a comedian and actress who became widely known for her role as Big Boo on the hit Netflix series ‘Orange Is the New Black’ starting in 2013. She was the first openly gay comic to appear on a late night talk show when she performed on ‘The Arsenio Hall Show’ in 1993. DeLaria is also an accomplished jazz singer and has released several albums throughout her career. She continues to be a bold and visible figure in the queer community through her performances and advocacy work.

Kate McKinnon

Kate McKinnon was a standout cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’ for a decade where she became famous for her celebrity impressions and original characters. She has starred in major comedy films such as ‘Ghostbusters’ and ‘Yesterday’ as well as the blockbuster ‘Barbie’ in 2023. McKinnon was the first openly lesbian cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’ and has won multiple Emmy Awards for her comedic work. She is known for her immense talent and her ability to bring humor to a wide range of roles.

Abbi Jacobson

Abbi Jacobson is a writer and actress who co created and starred in the hit comedy series ‘Broad City’ which began as a web series. She later developed the television adaptation of ‘A League of Their Own’ for Amazon Prime where she also played a lead role. Jacobson has voiced characters in animated films like ‘The Mitchells vs. the Machines’ and the series ‘Disenchantment’ as well. She is an out queer woman and recently married her partner actress Jodi Balfour.

Carrie Brownstein

Carrie Brownstein is a musician and actress who first gained fame as a member of the influential rock band Sleater Kinney. She co created and starred in the sketch comedy series ‘Portlandia’ which satirized the culture of Portland Oregon for eight seasons. Brownstein has also appeared in the film ‘Carol’ and the series ‘Transparent’ while continuing to produce and direct television. She is an out bisexual woman and her memoir ‘Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl’ was released to critical acclaim.

Roberta Colindrez

Roberta Colindrez is an actress and writer known for her roles in the series ‘Vida’ and the television adaptation of ‘A League of Their Own’ on Amazon Prime. She first gained attention for her performance in the Broadway musical ‘Fun Home’ which was based on the graphic novel by Alison Bechdel. Colindrez has also appeared in the series ‘The Deuce’ and ‘Girls’ while establishing herself as a versatile dramatic performer. She is an out queer actress who frequently portrays complex and nuanced characters on screen.

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