LGBTQ+ Actresses Who Were Everywhere in the 2010s

The 2010s marked a significant era of transformation in the entertainment industry, characterized by increased visibility and more nuanced representation for LGBTQ+ performers. During this decade, many actresses not only came out publicly but also led major franchises, starred in critically acclaimed television series, and won prestigious awards. From the rise of streaming services like Netflix to the continued dominance of prestige cable networks, these women became staples of the cultural zeitgeist. This list highlights fifty LGBTQ+ actresses who were ubiquitous across film and television throughout the decade.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson solidified her status as a television icon during the 2010s through her extensive work in the ‘American Horror Story’ anthology series. She portrayed a wide array of characters across the show’s various seasons, earning critical acclaim for her versatility and emotional range. In 2016, she won a Primetime Emmy Award for her portrayal of Marcia Clark in ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story’. Paulson also appeared in high-profile films such as ’12 Years a Slave’, ‘Carol’, and ‘Ocean’s 8’.

Kristen Stewart

After the massive success of ‘The Twilight Saga’ in the early part of the decade, Kristen Stewart transitioned into a career defined by acclaimed independent films. She starred in ‘Clouds of Sils Maria’ in 2014, becoming the first American actress to win a César Award in France. Her work in films like ‘Personal Shopper’ and ‘Certain Women’ showcased her dedication to arthouse cinema. Stewart returned to mainstream blockbusters toward the end of the decade with a leading role in the 2019 reboot of ‘Charlie’s Angels’.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson experienced a meteoric rise in the 2010s, beginning with her breakout performance in the 2014 film ‘Dear White People’. She reached global audiences as Valkyrie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, debuting in ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ and appearing in ‘Avengers: Endgame’. On television, she played the pivotal role of Charlotte Hale in the HBO science fiction series ‘Westworld’. Thompson also starred in the ‘Creed’ franchise and the 2018 science fiction horror film ‘Annihilation’.

Kate McKinnon

Kate McKinnon became a cornerstone of ‘Saturday Night Live’ after joining the cast in 2012, eventually winning two Emmy Awards for her comedic work. She was widely recognized for her impressions of political figures and original characters throughout the decade. Her film career expanded with a starring role as Jillian Holtzmann in the 2016 ‘Ghostbusters’ reboot. McKinnon also appeared in comedies like ‘Rough Night’ and ‘The Spy Who Dumped Me’, while providing voices for various animated series.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox rose to international prominence for her role as Sophia Burset on the Netflix original 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. Throughout the 2010s, Cox became a prominent advocate for trans visibility while maintaining a steady acting career. She appeared in projects such as ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let’s Do the Time Warp Again’ and guest-starred in series like ‘The Mindy Project’ and ‘Doubt’.

Samira Wiley

Samira Wiley gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of Poussey Washington in the Netflix series ‘Orange Is the New Black’ during the first half of the decade. Following her departure from the show, she transitioned into a leading role in the dystopian series ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. Her performance as Moira Strand earned her a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series. Wiley also appeared in films like ‘Nerve’ and provided voice work for the video game ‘The Walking Dead: Michonne’.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza spent much of the 2010s starring as April Ludgate on the hit NBC sitcom ‘Parks and Recreation’. Her deadpan delivery and unique comedic style made her a fan favorite throughout the show’s seven-season run. During this time, she also took on leading roles in independent films such as ‘Safety Not Guaranteed’ and ‘Ingrid Goes West’. Plaza continued to show her range by starring in the FX psychological superhero series ‘Legion’ as Lenny Busker.

Evan Rachel Wood

Evan Rachel Wood headlined the high-concept HBO series ‘Westworld’ as Dolores Abernathy, a role that earned her multiple award nominations. Prior to the show’s 2016 debut, she appeared in the final seasons of ‘True Blood’ as the vampire queen Sophie-Anne Leclerq. In film, she starred in the musical ‘Across the Universe’ and provided the voice for Queen Iduna in the 2019 blockbuster ‘Frozen II’. Wood was also a vocal advocate for survivors of domestic violence during this period.

Ruby Rose

Australian actress Ruby Rose became a global sensation after joining the cast of ‘Orange Is the New Black’ in its third season. Her performance as Stella Carlin led to a series of high-octane roles in action films like ‘John Wick: Chapter 2’ and ‘xXx: Return of Xander Cage’. In 2019, she was cast as the lead in the CW series ‘Batwoman’, making her the first person to play an openly LGBTQ+ lead in a live-action superhero show. Rose also appeared in the musical comedy ‘Pitch Perfect 3’.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg first gained major attention as Rue in the 2012 film ‘The Hunger Games’. Throughout the decade, she transitioned into leading roles in films such as ‘Everything, Everything’ and ‘The Hate U Give’. Her performance in the latter earned significant critical praise for its powerful exploration of social issues. Stenberg also appeared in the ‘Lemonade’ visual album by Beyoncé and provided voice work for the animated film ‘Rio 2’.

Janelle Monáe

Initially known for her successful music career, Janelle Monáe made a significant impact on cinema with two major roles in 2016. She starred in the Academy Award-winning ‘Moonlight’ and the critically acclaimed biographical drama ‘Hidden Figures’. In 2018, she released the ‘Dirty Computer’ emotion picture to accompany her album, further blending film and music. Monáe also appeared in the biographical film ‘Harriet’ and the animated feature ‘UglyDolls’.

Cara Delevingne

Cara Delevingne successfully transitioned from a high-profile modeling career to acting during the mid-2010s. She starred in the 2015 adaptation of the John Green novel ‘Paper Towns’ before joining the DC Extended Universe as Enchantress in ‘Suicide Squad’. In 2017, she took the lead role in the ambitious science fiction film ‘Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets’. Toward the end of the decade, she moved into television with a starring role in the Amazon Prime series ‘Carnival Row’.

Stephanie Beatriz

Stephanie Beatriz became a staple of network television through her role as Detective Rosa Diaz on the sitcom ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. Her portrayal of the tough, enigmatic character was a central part of the show’s success from 2013 onward. Outside of the sitcom, she appeared in the independent film ‘Short Term 12’ and the drama ‘The Light of the Moon’. Beatriz also provided voices for animated series such as ‘Bojack Horseman’ and ‘Bob’s Burgers’.

Indya Moore

Indya Moore rose to fame as Angel Evangelista in the FX series ‘Pose’, which debuted in 2018. The show was celebrated for having the largest cast of transgender actors in series regular roles for a scripted series. Moore quickly became a fashion icon and an influential voice for transgender and non-binary rights. In addition to television, Moore appeared in the 2019 film ‘Queen & Slim’ and worked on various high-end modeling campaigns.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez led the cast of the groundbreaking series ‘Pose’ as Blanca Evangelista. Her performance as the house mother seeking to create a legacy for her chosen family received widespread critical acclaim. During the 2010s, she also appeared in the film ‘Saturday Church’ and guest-starred in shows like ‘Nurse Jackie’ and ‘Luke Cage’. Her work on ‘Pose’ eventually led to historic award nominations that reshaped the industry’s view of trans performers.

Dominique Jackson

Dominique Jackson portrayed the formidable Elektra Abundance on the FX drama ‘Pose’ starting in 2018. Her character’s sharp wit and commanding presence made her one of the most memorable figures in the series. Before her mainstream breakout, Jackson was a prominent figure in the New York ballroom scene and published an autobiography. During the late 2010s, she also appeared as a guest judge on ‘Legendary’ and became a sought-after speaker.

Angelica Ross

Angelica Ross appeared in both ‘Pose’ and ‘American Horror Story: 1984’ toward the end of the decade. On ‘Pose’, she played the role of Candy Ferocity, a character whose storyline became one of the series’ most emotional arcs. She then made history by becoming the first transgender actress to have two series-regular roles in one year. Ross is also known for founding TransTech Social Enterprises, a company that provides employment opportunities for trans people.

Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer made her acting debut in 2019 as Jules Vaughn in the HBO teen drama ‘Euphoria’. The role immediately catapulted her to fame and made her a significant figure in contemporary television. Before acting, Schafer had a highly successful career as a fashion model, walking for major brands like Dior and Prada. Her performance in ‘Euphoria’ was praised for its authenticity and nuanced portrayal of a transgender teenager.

Trace Lysette

Trace Lysette became known for her recurring role as Shea on the Amazon Video series ‘Transparent’. She also made a notable appearance in the 2019 film ‘Hustlers’ alongside Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu. Throughout the 2010s, Lysette was a vocal advocate for the “trans actors for trans roles” movement in Hollywood. She appeared in several other television projects, including ‘Drunk History’ and ‘Pose’.

Jane Lynch

Jane Lynch remained a constant presence in the 2010s, largely due to her role as Sue Sylvester on ‘Glee’. She won a Primetime Emmy Award for the role and became one of the most recognizable faces in television comedy. During the decade, she also hosted the game show ‘Hollywood Game Night’ and starred in the Broadway revival of ‘Annie’. Lynch appeared in films like ‘Wreck-It Ralph’ and the series ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon continued her prolific career in the 2010s with a variety of roles across film, television, and theater. She starred as Emily Dickinson in the 2016 biographical film ‘A Quiet Passion’, receiving high praise for her performance. In 2017, she won a Tony Award for her work in the play ‘The Little Foxes’. Nixon also made headlines in 2018 when she ran for Governor of New York, bringing further attention to her public profile.

Holland Taylor

Holland Taylor remained active throughout the decade, starring in the sitcom ‘Two and a Half Men’ until its conclusion in 2015. She then moved into more dramatic territory with a recurring role in the series ‘Mr. Mercedes’. In 2013, she wrote and starred in the solo play ‘Ann’, based on the life of Ann Richards, which earned her a Tony nomination. Taylor also appeared in the 2010s films ‘Gloria Bell’ and ‘To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You’.

Cherry Jones

Cherry Jones appeared in several major television series throughout the 2010s, including ’24’ and ‘Transparent’. She won a Primetime Emmy Award for her guest role in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ and another for ‘Succession’ later in the decade. Her film work during this period included roles in ‘The Party’, ‘Boy Erased’, and ‘Rainy Day in New York’. Jones also maintained a strong presence in the theater, starring in ‘The Glass Menagerie’ on Broadway.

Fiona Shaw

Irish actress Fiona Shaw experienced a career resurgence in the late 2010s with her role as Carolyn Martens in ‘Killing Eve’. She won a BAFTA TV Award for Best Supporting Actress for her work on the series. Shaw also appeared in the second season of ‘Fleabag’ as a therapist, a role that became a viral sensation. Her film credits during the decade included ‘The Tree of Life’ and ‘Colette’.

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin saw a major career boost in the 2010s when she began starring in the Netflix series ‘Grace and Frankie’ in 2015. Alongside Jane Fonda, she became a face of the streaming era’s push for content led by older actors. She also starred in the 2015 film ‘Grandma’, which earned her a Golden Globe nomination. Tomlin received the SAG Life Achievement Award in 2017 in recognition of her storied career.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes remained a prominent figure in comedy and acting throughout the 2010s. She had a recurring role as Daphne Lido in the sitcom ‘Black-ish’ and provided voices for the ‘Ice Age’ film franchise. In 2019, she released a successful Netflix stand-up special titled ‘Not Normal’. Sykes also appeared in films like ‘Snatched’ and ‘Bad Moms Christmas’ while continuing to guest star in various television comedies.

Abbi Jacobson

Abbi Jacobson co-created and starred in the Comedy Central series ‘Broad City’, which ran from 2014 to 2019. The show became a cultural touchstone for the decade, praised for its portrayal of female friendship. Jacobson also voiced the lead character Bean in the animated Netflix series ‘Disenchantment’. She appeared in the 2016 film ‘Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising’ and the 2018 drama ‘6 Balloons’.

Carrie Brownstein

Carrie Brownstein co-created and starred in the sketch comedy series ‘Portlandia’ throughout most of the 2010s. The show won several awards and became a definitive parody of hipster culture during the decade. Brownstein also had a recurring role in the Amazon series ‘Transparent’ as Syd Feldman. In addition to her acting work, she released a memoir titled ‘Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl’ in 2015.

Lena Waithe

Lena Waithe made a significant impact as an actress and writer in the 2010s, starting with her role in ‘Master of None’. She became the first Black woman to win a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series for the episode ‘Thanksgiving’. Waithe also appeared in the 2018 blockbuster ‘Ready Player One’ and the series ‘Westworld’. She created the drama series ‘The Chi’, which premiered in 2018.

Jodie Foster

Though she became more selective with her roles, Jodie Foster remained a high-profile figure in the 2010s. She starred in the 2011 film ‘Carnage’ and the 2013 science fiction feature ‘Elysium’. In 2018, she took the lead role in the stylized thriller ‘Hotel Artemis’. Foster also shifted her focus toward directing during this decade, helming episodes of ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and ‘Black Mirror’.

Beanie Feldstein

Beanie Feldstein emerged as a breakout star in the latter half of the 2010s. She gained widespread attention for her role in the 2017 film ‘Lady Bird’ before taking a lead role in the 2019 comedy ‘Booksmart’. Her performance in ‘Booksmart’ earned her a Golden Globe nomination and established her as a leading comedic actress. Feldstein also appeared on Broadway in the 2017 revival of ‘Hello, Dolly!’.

Alexandra Shipp

Alexandra Shipp took over the role of Storm in the ‘X-Men’ franchise, appearing in ‘X-Men: Apocalypse’ and ‘Dark Phoenix’. She also starred in the 2014 television biopic ‘Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B’. In 2018, she played a significant role in the ground-breaking teen rom-com ‘Love, Simon’. Shipp also appeared in the 2019 action film ‘Shaft’ and the Netflix drama ‘All the Bright Places’.

Alia Shawkat

Alia Shawkat starred in the dark comedy series ‘Search Party’, which premiered in 2016 and became a cult hit. She also reprised her role as Maeby Fünke in the Netflix revival of ‘Arrested Development’. Throughout the 2010s, Shawkat appeared in numerous independent films, including ‘Green Room’ and ‘The Final Girls’. She was a frequent guest on various television comedies like ‘Broad City’ and ‘Portlandia’.

Michelle Rodriguez

Michelle Rodriguez continued to be a major action star throughout the 2010s, primarily through her role as Letty Ortiz in the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise. She appeared in multiple installments of the series, including ‘Fast Five’, ‘Fast & Furious 6’, ‘Furious 7’, and ‘The Fate of the Furious’. Rodriguez also starred in the 2018 heist film ‘Widows’ and ‘Alita: Battle Angel’. She remained one of the most visible Latina and LGBTQ+ actresses in Hollywood blockbusters.

Amber Heard

Amber Heard appeared in a wide variety of films during the 2010s, ranging from independent dramas to massive blockbusters. She starred in ‘The Danish Girl’ and ‘Magic Mike XXL’ before joining the DC Extended Universe as Mera. She made her debut as the character in ‘Justice League’ before co-starring in the 2018 hit ‘Aquaman’. Heard also appeared in the 2011 cult film ‘Drive Angry’ and the 2013 thriller ‘Paranoia’.

Shannon Purser

Shannon Purser became an overnight sensation for her role as Barb in the first season of ‘Stranger Things’ in 2016. The character’s popularity led to a dedicated fan following and an Emmy nomination for Purser. She later took the lead role in the 2018 Netflix film ‘Sierra Burgess Is a Loser’. Purser also played Ethel Muggs in the CW series ‘Riverdale’ throughout much of the late 2010s.

Bex Taylor-Klaus

Bex Taylor-Klaus gained a following for their roles in several high-profile television series during the 2010s. They starred as Bullet in the third season of ‘The Killing’ and played Audrey Jensen in ‘Scream: The TV Series’. Taylor-Klaus also appeared in the superhero series ‘Arrow’ as Sin and voiced Pidge in the animated series ‘Voltron: Legendary Defender’. Their work across different genres made them a recognizable face in young adult programming.

Portia de Rossi

Portia de Rossi appeared in the final seasons of ‘Arrested Development’ as Lindsay Bluth-Fünke during the 2010s. She also had a significant role in the ABC political thriller ‘Scandal’ as Elizabeth North from 2014 to 2017. In 2017, she starred in the Netflix comedy ‘Santa Clarita Diet’ before announcing her retirement from acting shortly after. De Rossi remained a public figure through her marriage to Ellen DeGeneres and her philanthropic efforts.

Lea DeLaria

Lea DeLaria became a household name for her role as Big Boo on ‘Orange Is the New Black’. Her character was one of the first openly butch lesbian characters to receive significant screen time on a major series. Throughout the 2010s, DeLaria used her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. She also appeared in the 2016 film ‘Bear with Us’ and guest-starred in several television shows and theater productions.

Clea DuVall

Clea DuVall had a busy decade with recurring roles in series like ‘American Horror Story: Asylum’, ‘The Newsroom’, and ‘Veep’. She also appeared in the Academy Award-winning film ‘Argo’ in 2012. In 2016, she made her directorial debut with the film ‘The Intervention’, in which she also starred. DuVall became increasingly active behind the scenes toward the end of the decade while continuing to act in projects like ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’.

Maria Bello

Maria Bello appeared in several television and film projects throughout the 2010s, including a starring role in the series ‘NCIS’ as Dr. Jack Sloane. She also appeared in the 2013 thriller ‘Prisoners’ and the 2016 horror film ‘Lights Out’. In 2013, she wrote a popular column for the New York Times regarding her modern family and fluid identity. Her work during this decade spanned across mainstream procedural dramas and independent cinema.

Sara Ramirez

Sara Ramirez continued their long-running role as Dr. Callie Torres on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ until 2016. The character was one of the longest-running LGBTQ+ characters in television history at the time. After leaving the medical drama, Ramirez joined the cast of ‘Madam Secretary’ as Kat Sandoval. They also provided the voice for Queen Miranda in the animated series ‘Sofia the First’ throughout much of the decade.

Jasika Nicole

Jasika Nicole spent the early part of the 2010s starring as Astrid Farnsworth on the science fiction series ‘Fringe’. After the show ended in 2013, she continued to work steadily in television, eventually landing a recurring role in ‘The Good Doctor’ as Dr. Carly Lever. Nicole also provided voices for animated projects like ‘Adventure Time’ and ‘Justice League Action’. She was an active voice in the industry regarding the representation of queer women of color.

Daniela Vega

Chilean actress Daniela Vega gained international fame for her starring role in the 2017 film ‘A Fantastic Woman’. The film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, and Vega became the first transgender person to be a presenter at the Oscars. Her performance was widely cited as one of the best of the decade. In 2019, she appeared in the Netflix miniseries ‘Tales of the City’ as Yulani.

Bella Thorne

Bella Thorne was a constant presence in the 2010s, starting as a child star on the Disney Channel series ‘Shake It Up’. As she transitioned into adult roles, she starred in films like ‘The DUFF’, ‘Blended’, and ‘The Babysitter’. She also headlined the Freeform series ‘Famous in Love’ from 2017 to 2018. Thorne was frequently in the media spotlight for her prolific output on social media and her work in independent films.

Auliʻi Cravalho

Auli’i Cravalho rose to fame in 2016 as the voice of the title character in the Disney animated film ‘Moana’. Her performance of the song ‘How Far I’ll Go’ became an anthem of the decade and was performed at the Academy Awards. She then transitioned to live-action television, starring in the 2018 series ‘Rise’. Toward the end of the decade, she played Ariel in ‘The Little Mermaid Live!’ and filmed the movie ‘All Together Now’.

Adèle Haenel

French actress Adèle Haenel became an international figure in the late 2010s, particularly for her role in ‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’. The 2019 film was a critical sensation and solidified her as one of the most talented actresses of her generation. Throughout the decade, she won two César Awards for her roles in ‘Suzanne’ and ‘Love at First Fight’. Haenel was also known for her activism within the French film industry.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné returned to the spotlight in the 2010s, first as a co-host on the talk show ‘The View’ from 2015 to 2016. She then reprised her most famous role in the spin-off series ‘Raven’s Home’, which premiered in 2017. During the decade, she also had a recurring role in the hit drama ‘Empire’ as Olivia Lyon. She remained a significant figure in pop culture, often discussing her personal life and career in the public eye.

Natalie Morales

Natalie Morales was a frequent presence on television comedies throughout the 2010s, with roles in ‘Parks and Recreation’, ‘The Grinder’, and ‘Trophy Wife’. In 2019, she starred in the lead role of the sitcom ‘Abby’s’, which featured the first bisexual lead character in a network sitcom. She also appeared in the Netflix series ‘Santa Clarita Diet’ and ‘Dead to Me’. Morales also made her directorial debut during this period with the series ‘Hap and Leonard’.

Margaret Cho

Margaret Cho continued her dual career in stand-up comedy and acting during the 2010s. She starred in the series ‘Drop Dead Diva’ as Teri Lee until 2014 and made guest appearances on ’30 Rock’ as Kim Jong-il. In 2012, she released the comedy album ‘Cho Dependent’, which was nominated for a Grammy Award. Cho also appeared in the 2019 film ‘Faith Based’ and remained a high-profile advocate for the LGBTQ+ and Asian American communities.

Please share which of these actresses had your favorite performance of the decade in the comments.