The Best LGBTQ+ Actresses In Television History

Television history has been shaped by many talented actresses who have used their platforms to increase visibility for the LGBTQ community. These women have delivered groundbreaking performances while navigating an industry that was not always welcoming to queer identities. From sitcom pioneers to modern dramatic icons their contributions have moved beyond the screen to influence social change. The following actresses represent some of the most significant and influential figures to ever work in the medium.

Fiona Shaw

Fiona Shaw is an Irish actress who gained widespread recognition for her role as Carolyn Martens in ‘Killing Eve’. Her performance as the head of the Russia Section at MI6 earned her a BAFTA TV Award and multiple Emmy nominations. Shaw maintained a career in theater and film before becoming a television mainstay in the United Kingdom and America. She is married to memoirist Sonali Deraniyagala and has spoken about the realization of her sexuality later in life. Her work is characterized by classical training and frequent appearances in prestige television dramas.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes is an influential comedian and actress who has appeared in shows such as ‘The New Adventures of Old Christine’ and ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’. She publicly came out as a lesbian at a rally against Proposition 8 in 2008 and has been an advocate for equality ever since. Sykes currently stars in and produces the sitcom ‘The Upshaws’ on Netflix. Her work often incorporates social commentary and sharp wit regarding race and sexuality in America. She has received multiple Emmy nominations for her writing and performing across various television platforms.

Kate McKinnon

Kate McKinnon became a standout performer during her tenure on ‘Saturday Night Live’ as the first openly lesbian cast member. She is famous for her impressions of political figures and her wide range of eccentric original characters. Her work on the sketch comedy show earned her two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress. McKinnon has since transitioned into film and voice acting while remaining a prominent figure in the LGBTQ community. She is often cited as one of the most talented comedic minds of her generation.

Jane Lynch

Jane Lynch is widely recognized for her role as the cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester in ‘Glee’. Her performance on the musical series earned her a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award. Lynch has been open about her identity throughout her career and has frequently appeared in both comedic and dramatic roles. She also hosts the game show ‘Hollywood Game Night’ and has voiced characters in various animated television programs. Her comedic timing and unique screen presence have made her a staple of modern television.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon is best known for her portrayal of Miranda Hobbes in the iconic HBO series ‘Sex and the City’. She reprised her role in the sequel series ‘And Just Like That’ which further explored her character’s journey with sexual identity. Nixon is a recipient of two Emmy Awards and has also found great success on the Broadway stage. She identifies as queer and has been a vocal activist for LGBTQ rights and public education reform. Her transition from acting to political activism includes a run for the office of Governor of New York.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez became a household name for her performance as Blanca Evangelista in the FX series ‘Pose’. She made history in 2022 by becoming the first transgender actress to win a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series Drama. Her work on the show highlighted the experiences of the ballroom community and the HIV AIDS epidemic in the eighties and nineties. The role earned her significant critical praise and a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress. She uses her platform to advocate for greater inclusion and authentic storytelling for the LGBTQ community.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox rose to international fame for her portrayal of Sophia Burset in the Netflix series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She made history as the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in an acting category. Beyond her acting work she became a prominent advocate for trans rights and appeared on the cover of Time magazine. Her performance earned her critical acclaim and solidified her place as a pioneer for transgender visibility on television. She has since appeared in various programs including ‘Doubt’ and ‘Inventing Anna’.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson is an acclaimed performer known for her frequent collaborations with producer Ryan Murphy on ‘American Horror Story’. She won a Primetime Emmy Award for her role as Marcia Clark in ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson American Crime Story’. Paulson has been open about her relationships with women including her partner Holland Taylor. Her versatility allows her to play a wide range of characters from antagonists to protagonists across multiple television genres. She is currently one of the most prolific actresses working in the television industry.

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin is a highly decorated actress with a career spanning over six decades in American television. She gained early fame on variety programs such as ‘Laugh In’ before starring in numerous scripted series. Tomlin recently concluded a long run on the Netflix comedy ‘Grace and Frankie’ alongside Jane Fonda. She has been in a relationship with writer Jane Wagner since 1971 and the two officially married in 2013. Her accolades include multiple Emmy Awards and a Tony Award for her contributions to the performing arts.

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres made television history when she came out as gay on her sitcom ‘Ellen’ in 1997. This decision coincided with her real life announcement on the cover of Time magazine and an appearance on ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show’. The episode titled ‘The Puppy Episode’ drew over forty million viewers and remains a landmark moment for LGBTQ representation. She later won multiple Emmy Awards for her daytime talk show and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Her career path helped establish a new level of visibility for queer performers in mainstream media.

Please share your thoughts on which actress you believe had the most significant impact on the industry in the comments.