The Absolute Best LGBTQ+ Actresses of the Past 10 Years

The landscape of the entertainment industry has shifted significantly over the last ten years, with increased representation for the LGBTQ+ community both in front of and behind the camera. Actresses across film and television have used their platforms to advocate for queer rights while delivering award-winning performances in diverse roles. From major blockbusters to independent dramas, these performers have redefined what it means to be a leading lady in Hollywood. Their visibility continues to inspire new generations of artists and audiences alike.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson has become a mainstay in modern television through her long-running collaboration with producer Ryan Murphy. She earned critical acclaim and an Emmy Award for her portrayal of Marcia Clark in ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story’. Her versatility is further demonstrated in multiple seasons of ‘American Horror Story’ and the lead role in ‘Ratched’. Paulson has been in a long-term relationship with fellow actress Holland Taylor since 2015. She continues to be a prominent figure in both film and psychological thriller series.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart transitioned from franchise stardom to becoming a critically respected figure in independent and international cinema. She made history as the first American actress to win a César Award for her role in ‘Clouds of Sils Maria’. In 2021, she received her first Academy Award nomination for portraying Princess Diana in the biopic ‘Spencer’. Stewart has been open about her fluid identity and has frequently appeared in queer-themed projects like ‘Happiest Season’ and ‘Love Lies Bleeding’. Her work often explores complex, character-driven narratives across various genres.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson has navigated between massive superhero franchises and intimate independent films throughout the last decade. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Valkyrie in the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’, specifically in ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ and ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’. Thompson also starred in the critically acclaimed drama ‘Passing’ and the television series ‘Westworld’. She has spoken openly about her attraction to both men and women, emphasizing the importance of bisexual representation in media. Her production company, Viva Maude, focuses on telling stories from marginalized perspectives.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza rose to fame as April Ludgate on ‘Parks and Recreation’ before venturing into more dramatic and experimental film roles. She received high praise for her performance in the 2022 thriller ‘Emily the Criminal’ and the second season of ‘The White Lotus’. Plaza, who identifies as bisexual, has often played characters with ambiguous or queer orientations. Her career is marked by a distinct deadpan comedic style and a willingness to take on unconventional projects. She continues to be one of the most sought-after actresses in both comedy and drama.

Ariana DeBose

Ariana DeBose made history in 2022 by becoming the first Afro-Latina and openly queer woman to win an Academy Award for acting. She received the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Anita in Steven Spielberg’s ‘West Side Story’. Before her film success, DeBose was a member of the original Broadway cast of ‘Hamilton’ and starred in ‘The Prom’ on Netflix. She is a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and uses her platform to promote inclusion in the arts. Her recent work includes voice acting in the Disney film ‘Wish’ and a role in the action film ‘Argylle’.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez is best known for her lead role as Blanca Evangelista in the FX series ‘Pose’. In 2022, she became the first transgender actress to win a Golden Globe Award for her performance in the show. Her work on ‘Pose’ has been cited as a landmark moment for transgender representation in mainstream media. Beyond television, she has pursued a career in music and starred in the Apple TV+ comedy series ‘Loot’. Rodriguez remains a prominent activist for trans rights and visibility in the entertainment industry.

Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer gained immediate fame for her debut role as Jules Vaughn in the HBO series ‘Euphoria’. As a transgender woman, Schafer has worked closely with series creator Sam Levinson to ensure her character’s experiences are portrayed authentically. In addition to acting, she is a successful fashion model and has walked for major brands such as Prada and Dior. She recently starred in the blockbuster prequel ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’. Schafer continues to be a leading voice for her generation within the LGBTQ+ community.

Lily Gladstone

Lily Gladstone received widespread acclaim for her performance as Mollie Burkhart in Martin Scorsese’s ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’. She became the first Native American woman to win a Golden Globe for Best Actress and receive an Academy Award nomination in the same category. Gladstone identifies as queer and non-binary, using both she and they pronouns to honor her heritage and identity. Her career includes notable roles in ‘Certain Women’ and the television series ‘Reservation Dogs’. She is recognized for her understated and powerful acting style.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is a multi-talented artist who has excelled in both the music industry and professional acting. She delivered standout performances in the Academy Award-winning ‘Moonlight’ and the biographical drama ‘Hidden Figures’. In 2022, she appeared in the ensemble cast of the hit mystery film ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’. Monáe came out as non-binary in 2022 and has long identified as queer or pansexual. Her work frequently incorporates themes of Afrofuturism and social justice.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon is widely recognized for her role as Miranda Hobbes in ‘Sex and the City’ and its revival ‘And Just Like That…’. Beyond her acting career, she is a dedicated political activist and ran for Governor of New York in 2018. Nixon, who is married to Christine Marinoni, has been a prominent advocate for marriage equality and public education. She also starred in the period drama ‘The Gilded Age’ and the film ‘A Quiet Passion’. Her influence spans across entertainment, politics, and social advocacy.

Natasha Lyonne

Natasha Lyonne experienced a significant career resurgence over the past decade with her role as Nicky Nichols in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She co-created and stars in the Netflix series ‘Russian Doll’, which has received multiple Emmy nominations. More recently, she led the mystery series ‘Poker Face’ as the lie-detecting protagonist Charlie Cale. Lyonne has been a frequent collaborator in projects that celebrate queer culture and offbeat narratives. Her distinct voice and comedic timing have made her a staple of modern television.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox rose to international prominence as Sophia Burset on the Netflix series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She was the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in an acting category. Since then, she has appeared in films like ‘Promising Young Woman’ and the television series ‘Inventing Anna’. Cox is a tireless advocate for transgender rights and has produced documentaries exploring trans history and identity. She remains one of the most recognizable and influential transgender figures in the world.

Stephanie Beatriz

Stephanie Beatriz is best known for portraying the tough and stoic Detective Rosa Diaz on the sitcom ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. Her character’s coming out as bisexual mirrored Beatriz’s own real-life identity, providing important representation on network television. She also provided the voice for Mirabel Madrigal in the Disney hit ‘Encanto’ and starred in the film adaptation of ‘In the Heights’. Beatriz has become a prominent figure in the voice acting community, lending her talents to shows like ‘Hazbin Hotel’. She continues to champion bisexual visibility in all facets of her career.

Kate McKinnon

Kate McKinnon was a foundational cast member of ‘Saturday Night Live’ for over a decade, known for her celebrity impressions and original characters. She was the show’s first openly lesbian cast member and won two Emmy Awards during her tenure. In 2023, she reached a wider global audience with her role as Weird Barbie in the blockbuster film ‘Barbie’. McKinnon has also starred in ‘Ghostbusters’ and the limited series ‘Joe vs. Carole’. Her comedic influence has left a lasting impact on late-night television.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg first gained attention as Rue in ‘The Hunger Games’ before taking on leading roles in ‘The Hate U Give’ and ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’. She identifies as gay and non-binary, often speaking out about intersectional feminism and queer identity. Stenberg recently joined the Star Wars universe with a lead role in the series ‘The Acolyte’. In addition to acting, she is an artist and musician who uses her work to explore social issues. She is widely considered a leading voice for Gen Z activists.

Bella Ramsey

Bella Ramsey rose to fame as the fierce Lyanna Mormont in ‘Game of Thrones’ before landing the lead role of Ellie in ‘The Last of Us’. Their performance in the HBO adaptation earned critical praise and solidified their status as a major talent. Ramsey identifies as non-binary and has been open about their journey with gender identity. They also starred in the historical comedy ‘Catherine Called Birdy’. Ramsey continues to select roles that challenge traditional gender expectations.

Emma Corrin

Emma Corrin gained international recognition for portraying Lady Diana Spencer in the fourth season of ‘The Crown’. This role earned them a Golden Globe Award and an Emmy nomination. Corrin identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, often discussing their identity in major fashion and entertainment publications. They have since starred in ‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover’ and ‘My Policeman’. Corrin is also set to play a major villainous role in the upcoming ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’.

Maya Hawke

Maya Hawke joined the cast of ‘Stranger Things’ in its third season as Robin Buckley, the show’s first major LGBTQ+ character. Her portrayal of the quirky and intelligent teenager quickly made her a fan favorite. Hawke has also appeared in films like ‘Do Revenge’ and ‘Asteroid City’. In addition to her acting career, she is a successful singer-songwriter with multiple studio albums. She has been open about her experiences navigating Hollywood as the child of famous parents while carving out her own path.

Indya Moore

Indya Moore is a transgender and non-binary actress and model best known for their role as Angel Evangelista on ‘Pose’. Their work on the show highlighted the struggles and triumphs of trans women of color during the 1980s and 90s. Moore has been featured in major fashion campaigns for brands like Louis Vuitton and Calvin Klein. They are also a vocal activist for social justice and the protection of marginalized communities. Moore appeared in the 2023 film ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’.

Dominique Jackson

Dominique Jackson gained widespread acclaim for her portrayal of the formidable house mother Elektra Abundance on ‘Pose’. Her performance was praised for its elegance, sharp wit, and emotional depth. Jackson is a transgender woman who has been open about her experiences with homelessness and the ballroom circuit prior to her acting success. She has since appeared in ‘American Gods’ and released a memoir titled ‘The Transsexual from Tobago’. She remains an iconic figure within the LGBTQ+ community and the fashion world.

Trace Lysette

Trace Lysette is an actress and advocate who first gained notice for her role in the Amazon series ‘Transparent’. She became one of the first transgender people to play a non-trans-specific role in a major series with her work on ‘Blunt Talk’. In 2022, she received critical acclaim for her leading role in the independent film ‘Monica’. Lysette has been a leader in the movement for authentic trans representation in Hollywood. She also appeared in the film ‘Hustlers’ alongside Jennifer Lopez.

Beanie Feldstein

Beanie Feldstein became a breakout star with her roles in the comedy ‘Lady Bird’ and the coming-of-age hit ‘Booksmart’. She received a Golden Globe nomination for ‘Booksmart’, which was praised for its portrayal of a lesbian protagonist. Feldstein also portrayed Monica Lewinsky in ‘Impeachment: American Crime Story’. She is openly queer and married producer Bonnie-Chance Roberts in 2023. Her work often focuses on stories of female friendship and personal growth.

Fiona Shaw

Fiona Shaw is a veteran actress who has seen continued success in the last decade with roles in ‘Killing Eve’ and ‘Andor’. Her portrayal of Carolyn Martens in ‘Killing Eve’ earned her a BAFTA TV Award and multiple Emmy nominations. Shaw is openly gay and has been a prominent figure in the theater community for decades. She also appeared in the film ‘Ammonite’, which explores a romantic relationship between two women. Her commanding presence makes her one of the most respected performers in the industry.

Holland Taylor

Holland Taylor has enjoyed a prolific career in film, television, and theater, notably starring in ‘Two and a Half Men’. In recent years, she appeared in the series ‘Mr. Mercedes’ and the Netflix limited series ‘Hollywood’. Taylor has been in a high-profile relationship with Sarah Paulson since 2015. She continues to work steadily, including a recurring role on ‘The Morning Show’. Taylor is also known for her acclaimed solo play ‘Ann’, based on the life of Ann Richards.

Sarah Catherine Hook

Sarah Catherine Hook gained significant attention for her leading role as Juliette Fairmont in the Netflix series ‘First Kill’. The show focused on a queer romance between a vampire and a monster hunter, gaining a dedicated fan base. Hook has also appeared in ‘The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It’ and the series ‘Monsterland’. She has been open about her queer identity and the importance of representing LGBTQ+ stories in the horror and fantasy genres. Her career continues to grow with upcoming projects in television.

Reneé Rapp

Reneé Rapp first rose to fame on Broadway as Regina George in the ‘Mean Girls’ musical. She transitioned to television with a lead role in the Max series ‘The Sex Lives of College Girls’, playing a closeted student. Rapp further solidified her stardom by reprising her role as Regina George in the 2024 ‘Mean Girls’ film adaptation. She is an openly queer artist who also has a successful career as a pop singer. Her debut album, ‘Snow Angel’, explores themes of love, heartbreak, and identity.

Rachel Sennott

Rachel Sennott became an indie film sensation after starring in the 2020 film ‘Shiva Baby’. She followed this success by co-writing and starring in the queer teen comedy ‘Bottoms’ in 2023. Sennott also appeared in the horror-comedy ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’ and the HBO series ‘The Idol’. She is known for her sharp comedic timing and her ability to portray anxious, contemporary characters. Sennott has been an active part of the queer creative community in New York and Los Angeles.

Ayo Edebiri

Ayo Edebiri is an actress, comedian, and writer who won an Emmy for her role as Sydney Adamu in ‘The Bear’. She also starred alongside Rachel Sennott in the queer-themed comedy film ‘Bottoms’. Edebiri has provided voice work for animated series like ‘Big Mouth’ and ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’. She has identified as queer and is celebrated for her versatile performances in both comedy and drama. Her rapid rise in Hollywood has made her one of the most influential young stars today.

Jameela Jamil

Jameela Jamil became a household name for her role as Tahani Al-Jamil on the NBC comedy ‘The Good Place’. She is also a prominent activist who founded the “I Weigh” movement to promote body neutrality. Jamil came out as queer in 2020 and has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and disability awareness. She recently appeared as the villain Titania in the Marvel series ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’. Her work often intersections with her advocacy for inclusivity and social change.

Sophie Turner

Sophie Turner is best known for her role as Sansa Stark in ‘Game of Thrones’ and Jean Grey in the ‘X-Men’ films. In 2019, she spoke about her sexuality, stating that she loves a soul rather than a specific gender. Turner recently appeared in the Netflix film ‘Do Revenge’ and the crime drama ‘The Staircase’. She has used her platform to discuss mental health and the pressures of fame. Her career remains focused on high-profile film and television projects.

Ruby Rose

Ruby Rose gained international fame for her role as Stella Carlin in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She made history as the first openly LGBTQ+ lead in a live-action superhero series when she starred in ‘Batwoman’. Rose, who identifies as genderfluid, has also appeared in major action films like ‘John Wick: Chapter 2’ and ‘The Meg’. She has been a visible figure for the queer community for many years, starting her career as a VJ in Australia. Her presence in the action genre has broken barriers for gender-nonconforming performers.

Hari Nef

Hari Nef is a transgender actress and model who has appeared in ‘Transparent’, ‘The Idol’, and ‘Barbie’. She was the first openly transgender woman to be signed to IMG Models and has since transitioned into a successful acting career. Nef’s role in ‘Barbie’ as Dr. Barbie showcased her in a major commercial production. She is also a writer whose work has appeared in various fashion and art publications. Nef remains a key figure in the integration of trans identity into mainstream entertainment.

Angelica Ross

Angelica Ross is best known for her roles in ‘Pose’ and ‘American Horror Story’, making history as the first trans actress to secure two series regular roles. She is also the founder and CEO of TransTech Social Enterprises, which helps provide employment for trans people. Her performance as Candy Ferocity in ‘Pose’ was highly praised for its emotional resonance. Ross has become a leading voice for Black trans women in the tech and entertainment sectors. She continues to act and advocate for systematic change within Hollywood.

Patti Harrison

Patti Harrison is a comedian and actress known for her unique and surreal sense of humor. She has appeared in ‘I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson’ and starred in the 2021 film ‘Together Together’. Harrison is a transgender woman who often plays roles that are not strictly defined by her gender identity. She has also lent her voice to animated series like ‘BoJack Horseman’ and ‘Tuca & Bertie’. Her work is celebrated for its originality and sharp wit.

Jane Lynch

Jane Lynch is a prolific actress and comedian who won multiple awards for her role as Sue Sylvester on ‘Glee’. In the last decade, she has hosted the game show ‘Hollywood Game Night’ and appeared in ‘Only Murders in the Building’. Lynch is openly gay and has been a visible representative for the community throughout her long career. She also provided the voice for Sergeant Calhoun in the ‘Wreck-It Ralph’ films. Her comedic legacy continues to influence television and film.

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin is a legendary figure in comedy and acting whose career has spanned several decades. From 2015 to 2022, she starred alongside Jane Fonda in the popular Netflix series ‘Grace and Frankie’. Tomlin has been in a relationship with her wife, Jane Wagner, for over 50 years. She continues to be an active performer, recently appearing in the films ’80 for Brady’ and ‘Moving On’. Her career is marked by numerous accolades, including a Kennedy Center Honor.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes is a comedian and actress who has been a prominent voice in entertainment for over twenty years. She currently stars in the Netflix sitcom ‘The Upshaws’ and provides the voice of Queen of Hearts in ‘Alice’s Wonderland Bakery’. Sykes came out publicly in 2008 and has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and racial equality. She has won multiple Emmy Awards for her writing and performances. Her stand-up comedy frequently addresses social issues and personal experiences.

Niecy Nash-Betts

Niecy Nash-Betts is an Emmy-winning actress known for her roles in ‘Claws’, ‘Reno 911!’, and ‘Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’. She received significant media attention in 2020 when she announced her marriage to singer Jessica Betts. Nash-Betts has been vocal about her journey with her sexuality, describing it as a “going into” herself. She has since used her platform to promote self-love and acceptance. Her versatile career spans across broad comedy and intense drama.

Tig Notaro

Tig Notaro is a stand-up comedian and actress known for her deadpan delivery and observational humor. She created and starred in the semi-autobiographical series ‘One Mississippi’, which explored themes of grief and family. Notaro has also appeared in ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ and the action film ‘Army of the Dead’. She is openly gay and often incorporates her life experiences into her comedy sets. Her resilience and unique comedic voice have earned her a dedicated following.

Carrie Brownstein

Carrie Brownstein is a musician and actress who co-created and starred in the sketch comedy series ‘Portlandia’. She is also a founding member of the influential rock band Sleater-Kinney. In the last decade, she has appeared in ‘Transparent’ and ‘The Nowhere Inn’. Brownstein identifies as bisexual and has written a best-selling memoir, ‘Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl’. Her work often explores the intersection of music, comedy, and underground culture.

Abbi Jacobson

Abbi Jacobson co-created and starred in the hit comedy series ‘Broad City’, which ran until 2019. She later developed and starred in the series adaptation of ‘A League of Their Own’ for Amazon Prime. Jacobson came out as queer in 2018 and has focused on telling LGBTQ+ stories in her recent work. She also provided the voice for Princess Bean in the animated series ‘Disenchantment’. Her creative output continues to emphasize female empowerment and queer representation.

Alia Shawkat

Alia Shawkat gained fame on ‘Arrested Development’ before starring in the acclaimed dark comedy ‘Search Party’. She has appeared in several independent films, including ‘Duck Butter’, which she also co-wrote. Shawkat identifies as bisexual and has been an active part of the indie film and art scene. She recently appeared in the series ‘The Old Man’ alongside Jeff Bridges. Her career is characterized by a preference for complex, character-driven projects.

Shannon Purser

Shannon Purser became a viral sensation for her role as Barb Holland in the first season of ‘Stranger Things’. She went on to star in the teen drama ‘Riverdale’ and the film ‘Sierra Burgess Is a Loser’. Purser came out as bisexual in 2017 and has been open about her experiences with mental health. She has become a representative for body positivity and LGBTQ+ youth in Hollywood. Her work continues to resonate with fans of young adult fiction and television.

Josie Totah

Josie Totah is a transgender actress who first gained notice as a child star on the Disney Channel. She came out as a trans woman in 2018 and subsequently starred in the ‘Saved by the Bell’ revival. Totah has also appeared in ‘Big Mouth’ and the film ‘Other People’. She is an advocate for transgender visibility and has written about her experiences for major publications. Her career represents a new era of authentic trans storytelling in the teen genre.

Barbie Ferreira

Barbie Ferreira is an actress and model who rose to prominence playing Kat Hernandez on the HBO series ‘Euphoria’. Before her acting career, she was a successful curve model advocating for body diversity in the fashion industry. Ferreira identifies as queer and has been open about her fluid identity. She recently appeared in the horror film ‘Nope’ and continues to work in both film and fashion. Her influence is particularly strong among Gen Z audiences.

Jasmin Savoy Brown

Jasmin Savoy Brown is known for her roles in the series ‘Yellowjackets’ and the ‘Scream’ film franchise. She plays Mindy Meeks-Martin in the ‘Scream’ films, a character who is openly queer and a fan of horror tropes. Brown identifies as queer and has spoken about the importance of seeing queer Black women in lead roles. She is also a singer-songwriter and has appeared in ‘The Leftovers’. Her career has seen a significant rise within the horror and thriller genres.

Liv Hewson

Liv Hewson is an Australian actress who stars as Van Palmer in the hit series ‘Yellowjackets’. They have also appeared in ‘Santa Clarita Diet’ and ‘Dramaworld’. Hewson identifies as non-binary and has been a vocal advocate for gender-diverse performers. They often participate in panels and discussions regarding LGBTQ+ representation in the arts. Their performance in ‘Yellowjackets’ has been praised for its physical and emotional intensity.

Sophie Thatcher

Sophie Thatcher gained widespread recognition for her role as the young Natalie Scatorccio in ‘Yellowjackets’. She also appeared in the Star Wars series ‘The Book of Boba Fett’ and the horror film ‘The Boogeyman’. Thatcher has identified as queer and is known for her edgy, alternative style and screen presence. In addition to acting, she is a musician who creates experimental music. She is considered one of the most promising young talents in the industry today.

Brigette Lundy-Paine (Jack Haven)

Brigette Lundy-Paine is best known for their role as Casey Gardner in the Netflix series ‘Atypical’. Their character’s journey with their sexuality was a central part of the show’s narrative. Lundy-Paine identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns. They also appeared in ‘Bill & Ted Face the Music’ and the film ‘The Glass Castle’. Their work often focuses on themes of self-discovery and non-conformity.

Kiersey Clemons

Kiersey Clemons had her breakout role in the 2015 film ‘Dope’ and has since appeared in ‘The Flash’ and ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’. She identifies as queer and has been an advocate for more diverse storytelling in Hollywood. Clemons also starred in the musical film ‘Hearts Beat Loud’ and the live-action ‘Lady and the Tramp’. She continues to work across major blockbusters and intimate independent features. Her career is marked by a wide range of roles and consistent critical praise.

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