Gay Actresses Who Don’t Believe In God

Finding prominent figures in Hollywood who openly identify as both LGBTQ+ and non-religious can be a specific intersection of identities. Many of these women have spoken publicly about their departure from traditional faith or their embrace of secular humanism. They often cite personal experiences or rationalist worldviews as the reasons for their lack of belief in a deity. The following list highlights actresses who have identified as lesbian, bisexual, or queer and have expressed atheistic or agnostic views.

Jodie Foster

This acclaimed actress and director has been in the public eye for decades and eventually addressed her lack of religious belief. Foster stated in an interview with ‘Entertainment Weekly’ that she is an atheist who still enjoys religious rituals for their cultural value. She mentioned celebrating various holidays with her children to provide them with a well-rounded education. Her approach demonstrates a respect for history and tradition without a belief in a divine power.

Amber Heard

Heard was raised in a strict Catholic environment in Texas but began questioning her faith at a young age. She declared herself an atheist around the age of sixteen following the tragic death of a close friend in a car accident. The actress has mentioned reading the works of Ayn Rand and other authors who influenced her secular worldview. She has since been open about her lack of belief in God during various interviews.

Angelina Jolie

Jolie has been open about her bisexuality throughout her career and has expressed a secular viewpoint regarding religion. She once stated in an interview that there does not need to be a God for her. The actress finds spirituality in her children and the human spirit rather than in organized religion or a specific deity. Her humanitarian work is often driven by a sense of global responsibility rather than religious obligation.

Jane Lynch

Known for her comedic roles, Lynch has identified herself as an atheist in candid interviews. She once humorously noted that she still says “God bless you” when people sneeze despite her lack of belief. The ‘Glee’ star was raised in a Catholic household but drifted away from those beliefs as she matured. Lynch focuses her energy on the present moment and tangible reality.

Marlene Dietrich

The legendary screen siren was openly bisexual and known for her defiance of gender norms during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Dietrich lost her faith in God during her experiences witnessing the horrors of World War II. She famously said that if God exists he needs to review his plan. Her atheism was a firm stance she held until her death.

Sandi Toksvig

This British-Danish broadcaster and actress is a prominent humanist and patron of Humanists UK. Toksvig has publicly stated that she does not believe in God and often advocates for secularism in public life. She came out as a lesbian in the 1990s and has faced opposition from religious groups throughout her career. Her work often emphasizes reason and human kindness over religious dogma.

Miriam Margolyes

Margolyes is an outspoken lesbian actress who has never shied away from expressing her opinions. She has identified as an atheist and a secular Jew who values her cultural heritage but rejects theistic belief. The actress has stated in interviews that she does not believe in a higher power or an afterlife. Her memoir details her journey away from religion and her embrace of a secular life.

Asia Argento

The Italian actress and director has defined herself as an atheist in various media appearances. She has stated clearly that she does not believe in God and prefers to focus on artistic expression. Argento has explored themes of spirituality in her work but maintains a personal lack of religious faith. She remains a controversial and vocal figure in the entertainment industry.

Aubrey Plaza

Plaza has mentioned in interviews and video segments that she does not believe in God. She was raised in a Catholic household and attended an all-girls Catholic school which she often discusses with dry humor. The actress frequently plays dark or cynical characters that reflect her own skeptical worldview. Her comedy often subverts traditional religious expectations.

Lea DeLaria

Best known for her role in ‘Orange Is the New Black’, DeLaria is a pioneering lesbian comedian and actress. She has been vocal about her rejection of the Catholic upbringing she experienced as a child. DeLaria identifies as an atheist and often incorporates her criticism of religion into her stand-up routines. She views the church as an institution that has historically oppressed the LGBTQ+ community.

Cameron Esposito

Esposito is a stand-up comic and actress who frequently discusses her background as a former devout Catholic. She often jokes about her journey from a religious upbringing to becoming an outspoken lesbian atheist. Her comedy specials address the conflict she felt between her faith and her sexuality. She now advocates for LGBTQ+ rights from a strictly secular perspective.

Hannah Gadsby

This Australian comedian and writer gained international fame with her special ‘Nanette’ which deconstructed her trauma and identity. Gadsby has spoken openly about growing up in a conservative religious environment in Tasmania where homosexuality was illegal. She rejects the religious teachings of her youth and identifies as an atheist. Her work criticizes the harm that religious dogma can inflict on marginalized groups.

Margaret Cho

Cho has explored various spiritual paths throughout her life but has frequently identified as an atheist or agnostic. She has stated in interviews that she has no god and prefers to look for answers within herself and the world around her. The comedian often critiques religious hypocrisy particularly regarding the treatment of the LGBTQ+ community. Her worldview is shaped by a desire for social justice rather than divine command.

Portia de Rossi

The Australian-American actress has stated that she does not have a spiritual practice and does not know what she believes regarding a deity. She has discussed her struggle with eating disorders and her sexuality without crediting religion for her recovery. De Rossi focuses on her relationships and her personal well-being. Her memoir touches on her journey toward self-acceptance without the need for religious validation.

Lily Tomlin

Tomlin was raised in a Southern Baptist family but grew to become irreligious as an adult. The legendary comedian and actress has collaborated for decades with her wife Jane Wagner on work that explores the human condition through a secular lens. She has often poked fun at religious institutions and cultural norms in her characters. Her focus remains on human connection and social observation.

Amandla Stenberg

Stenberg identifies as gay and non-binary and has expressed a personalized view of spirituality that excludes a traditional God. She has stated that she does not believe in a specific god or religion. The actress finds meaning in the organization of the universe and connections between people. Her beliefs are fluid and reject rigid theological structures.

Ellen DeGeneres

DeGeneres has stated in the past that she does not know if she believes in God. The comedian and former talk show host was raised as a Christian Scientist but moved away from organized religion in her adult life. She often emphasizes the importance of kindness and love without attributing those virtues to a divine source. Her public persona is built on secular humanist values.

Anna Paquin

Paquin was raised in a religious household but has described herself as non-religious or secular as an adult. The ‘True Blood’ star identifies as bisexual and has been an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. She keeps her personal beliefs relatively private but has not expressed a belief in God in recent years. Her focus is primarily on her family and her acting career.

Fiona Shaw

The Irish actress known for her extensive work in theater and film was raised Catholic but has since moved away from the church. Shaw has stated that she does not believe in God although she acknowledges the cultural power of religion. She often engages with religious themes in her work from a secular and artistic perspective. Her marriage to a woman further distances her from the traditional teachings of her upbringing.

Tig Notaro

Notaro is a dry-witted comedian who has explicitly stated she is not a religious or spiritual person. She famously addressed the cliché that God never gives you more than you can handle by calling it inaccurate during her cancer diagnosis. The actress relies on humor and reality to cope with life’s hardships rather than prayer. Her memoir and stand-up specials reflect this grounded and atheistic outlook.

Björk

The Icelandic singer and actress has criticized organized religion and expressed atheistic views. She once stated that if she gets into trouble there is no God to sort it out and she must rely on herself. Bjork finds a sense of spiritual connection in nature and science rather than in theological doctrines. Her artistic output often celebrates the natural world and human emotion.

Magda Szubanski

Szubanski is a beloved Australian actress who has described herself as an agnostic or atheist. She was raised in a Catholic family but left the church due to its treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals. The ‘Kath & Kim’ star was a prominent campaigner for marriage equality in Australia and argued from a secular standpoint. She values human rights and equality over religious tradition.

Beth Ditto

Ditto grew up in a strict Pentecostal and Southern Baptist environment in Arkansas. The singer and actress eventually rejected her religious upbringing and now identifies as an atheist. She has spoken about the difficulty of growing up queer in a fundamentalist community. Her career in music and acting has been a rebellion against those restrictive early influences.

Saffron Burrows

Burrows was raised by parents who were socialists and atheists. The actress has maintained a secular worldview throughout her life and career. She has spoken about her political activism which is rooted in humanism rather than faith. Burrows continues to support various social causes from a non-religious perspective.

Greta Garbo

The screen legend was known for her bisexual relationships and her reclusive nature. Biographers have noted that Garbo was non-religious and did not attend church or express belief in God. She found solace in long walks and solitude rather than in spiritual community. Her worldview was shaped by a desire for privacy and independence.

Alla Nazimova

Nazimova was a Jewish child who explored various belief systems before eventually becoming an atheist. The silent film star and producer was openly lesbian in her private circles and hosted famous salons at her home. She rejected the traditional religious constraints of her era to live a bohemian lifestyle. Her legacy is defined by her artistic contributions and her fearless personal authenticity.

Isadora Duncan

Although primarily known as a dancer, Duncan appeared in early films and was a massive celebrity who influenced the acting world. She was openly bisexual and explicitly stated that she was an atheist. Duncan rejected the Puritanism of her time and championed the freedom of the human body and spirit. Her autobiography details her rejection of religion in favor of art and nature.

Please let us know which of these actresses surprised you the most by sharing your thoughts in the comments.