Who Is The Most Famous LGBTQ+ Actress Right Now?

The landscape of Hollywood has shifted dramatically over the last few decades to embrace a wider spectrum of identities. LGBTQ+ actresses are now leading blockbuster franchises and winning the most prestigious awards in the industry. These performers are not only visible but are celebrated for their authentic lives and exceptional talent. This list highlights the most prominent and influential LGBTQ+ actresses working in entertainment today.

Miriam Margolyes

Miriam Margolyes is a veteran British actress known for her scene-stealing character roles. She gained global fame as Professor Sprout in the ‘Harry Potter’ film series. Her candid humor and frequent television appearances have made her a beloved public figure. Margolyes has been openly gay for decades and remains an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.

Saffron Burrows

Saffron Burrows has enjoyed a long career in both film and television. She is widely recognized for her role in the hit psychological thriller series ‘You’. The actress has also appeared in major films such as ‘Deep Blue Sea’ and ‘Troy’. Burrows has spoken openly about her relationships with women and her journey as a queer woman in Hollywood.

Rutina Wesley

Rutina Wesley captured the attention of audiences with her role as Tara Thornton in the vampire drama ‘True Blood’. She recently starred in the post-apocalyptic hit series ‘The Last of Us’. Her intense and grounded performances have earned her a dedicated fan base. Wesley publicly announced her engagement to a woman in 2017 and continues to take on challenging roles.

Samira Wiley

Samira Wiley became a breakout star for her portrayal of Poussey Washington in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She continued her success with a significant role in the dystopian drama ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. Her work has earned her an Emmy Award and critical acclaim. Wiley is married to writer Lauren Morelli and is a prominent figure in LGBTQ+ media.

Abbi Jacobson

Abbi Jacobson is best known as the co-creator and star of the comedy series ‘Broad City’. She voiced the lead character in the animated film ‘The Mitchells vs. the Machines’. Jacobson recently starred in and adapted the series ‘A League of Their Own’ which centers on queer women in baseball. She identifies as bisexual and frequently explores queer themes in her work.

Alia Shawkat

Alia Shawkat gained fame as Maeby Fünke in the cult classic sitcom ‘Arrested Development’. She famously starred in the mystery comedy series ‘Search Party’. Shawkat has also made a name for herself in independent films and visual arts. She identifies as bisexual and is known for playing complex and unconventional characters.

Stephanie Beatriz

Stephanie Beatriz is beloved for her role as Rosa Diaz in the comedy series ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. Her character famously came out as bisexual in a storyline that mirrored her real life. Beatriz also provided the voice for the lead character Mirabel in the Disney animated film ‘Encanto’. She is a vocal advocate for bisexual visibility and representation in the media.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg first gained attention as Rue in ‘The Hunger Games’. The actress has since starred in ‘The Hate U Give’ and the ‘Star Wars’ series ‘The Acolyte’. Stenberg identifies as gay and non-binary and often speaks about gender and sexuality. They continue to be a powerful voice for young queer people in the entertainment industry.

Lily-Rose Depp

Lily-Rose Depp has established herself as a rising star with roles in films like ‘The King’ and the series ‘The Idol’. She is the daughter of Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis but has carved her own path in acting and modeling. Depp has alluded to her sexual fluidity in the past and prefers not to label her sexuality. Her fashion influence and acting projects keep her in the global spotlight.

Alexandra Shipp

Alexandra Shipp took on the iconic role of Storm in the ‘X-Men’ franchise. She also starred in ‘Love, Simon’ which was a major studio film featuring a gay teen romance. The actress appeared in the musical ‘tick, tick… BOOM!’ alongside Andrew Garfield. Shipp came out publicly as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and uses her platform to support queer youth.

Jasmin Savoy Brown

Jasmin Savoy Brown has become a horror icon with her role in the recent ‘Scream’ films. She also stars in the critically acclaimed survival drama ‘Yellowjackets’. Her characters are often queer which brings authentic representation to the horror and thriller genres. Brown identifies as queer and is quickly becoming one of the most exciting young talents in Hollywood.

Kiersey Clemons

Kiersey Clemons broke out in the film ‘Dope’ and has since appeared in major blockbusters. She played Iris West in ‘The Flash’ and starred in the independent film ‘Hearts Beat Loud’. Clemons identifies as queer and often gravitates toward unique and artistic projects. Her versatile acting skills allow her to transition seamlessly between comedy and drama.

Bella Thorne

Bella Thorne started her career as a Disney Channel star on ‘Shake It Up’. She has since transitioned into a variety of roles in horror and action films. Thorne is openly pansexual and frequently discusses her dating life and identity in the press. She maintains a massive social media following and remains a fixture in pop culture news.

Dove Cameron

Dove Cameron gained fame playing dual roles on the Disney Channel series ‘Liv and Maddie’. She won a Daytime Emmy Award and has launched a successful music career. Cameron identifies as queer and often incorporates themes of identity into her music and acting choices. Her role in ‘Schmigadoon!’ showcased her theatrical talents to a broader audience.

Ruby Rose

Ruby Rose became an international sensation after joining the cast of ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She went on to star in action films like ‘John Wick: Chapter 2’ and ‘The Meg’. Rose was the first openly lesbian superhero lead in the television series ‘Batwoman’. She identifies as genderfluid and has been a major figure for gender non-conforming visibility.

Clea DuVall

Clea DuVall is a staple of LGBTQ+ cinema thanks to her role in the cult classic ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’. She has transitioned into directing with the holiday romantic comedy ‘Happiest Season’. DuVall continues to act in shows like ‘Veep’ and ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. Her contributions to queer storytelling both in front of and behind the camera are significant.

Fiona Shaw

Fiona Shaw is a legendary Irish actress known for her immense stage and screen work. She terrified audiences as Aunt Petunia in ‘Harry Potter’ and captivated them in ‘Killing Eve’. Her role in ‘Andor’ brought her acclaim within the ‘Star Wars’ universe. Shaw is openly lesbian and brings gravitas to every project she joins.

Holland Taylor

Holland Taylor is a celebrated actress with a career spanning decades. She won an Emmy for her role in ‘The Practice’ and is well known for playing the mother in ‘Two and a Half Men’. Taylor has been in a high-profile relationship with actress Sarah Paulson since 2015. She remains an active and respected figure in television and theater.

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin is a comedy legend who starred in the hit Netflix series ‘Grace and Frankie’. Her career includes iconic films like ‘9 to 5’ and a successful run on ‘Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In’. She married her longtime partner Jane Wagner in 2013 after decades together. Tomlin continues to perform live and act in major film projects.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes is one of the most recognizable comedians and actresses in the world. She voices characters in numerous animated films and stars in the sitcom ‘The Upshaws’. Sykes came out publicly in 2008 and has been a vocal activist for marriage equality. Her sharp wit and comedic timing have made her an entertainment staple.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné has been on television since she was a toddler on ‘The Cosby Show’. She starred in the massively popular Disney series ‘That’s So Raven’ and its recent spinoff. The actress came out in 2013 and has hosted major talk shows like ‘The View’. She remains a significant figure in family entertainment and LGBTQ+ visibility.

Anna Paquin

Anna Paquin won an Academy Award at age 11 for her performance in ‘The Piano’. She later starred as Rogue in the ‘X-Men’ films and Sookie Stackhouse in ‘True Blood’. Paquin has been openly bisexual for many years and advocates for bisexual visibility. She continues to work steadily in prestigious television dramas and films.

Evan Rachel Wood

Evan Rachel Wood began her career as a child actress and transitioned into acclaimed adult roles. She starred in the sci-fi series ‘Westworld’ and voiced Queen Iduna in ‘Frozen II’. Wood identifies as bisexual and is a survivor activist who speaks out against domestic violence. Her powerful performances often explore deep and complex emotional territory.

Michelle Rodriguez

Michelle Rodriguez is famous for her tough action roles in the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise. She also starred in ‘Avatar’ and the recent ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ movie. Rodriguez identifies as bisexual and has challenged gender norms in action cinema for twenty years. She remains one of the highest-grossing actresses in the box office history.

Katy O’Brian

Katy O’Brian had a breakout year with her lead role in the thriller ‘Love Lies Bleeding’. She also appeared in ‘The Mandalorian’ and ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’. O’Brian is a martial artist and brings intense physicality to her performances. She is openly lesbian and is rising rapidly in the action and thriller genres.

Natasha Lyonne

Natasha Lyonne is known for her raspy voice and eccentric characters. She starred in ‘Russian Doll’ and currently leads the mystery series ‘Poker Face’. Lyonne has been a queer icon since ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’ and ‘Orange Is the New Black’. Her work as a writer and director complements her unique acting style.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is a musical superstar who successfully transitioned into major acting roles. She starred in the critically acclaimed films ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Hidden Figures’. Monáe recently led the cast of ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’. She identifies as non-binary and pansexual and consistently pushes artistic boundaries.

Rebel Wilson

Rebel Wilson became a household name with her comedic role as Fat Amy in ‘Pitch Perfect’. She has starred in numerous comedies and recently directed her first film. Wilson came out publicly in 2022 when she announced her relationship with Ramona Agruma. She continues to be a major force in Hollywood comedy.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox made history with her role as Sophia Burset on ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She was the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy in an acting category. Cox is a prominent advocate for trans rights and appears in numerous films and documentaries. Her presence has opened doors for trans actors across the industry.

Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer gained immediate fame for her role as Jules in the HBO series ‘Euphoria’. She recently starred in the blockbuster ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’. Schafer acts as a fashion model and a voice for transgender rights. Her artistic sensibility and acting talent have made her a highly sought-after star.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez starred as Blanca in the groundbreaking series ‘Pose’. She became the first trans woman to win a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Television Drama. Rodriguez acts in both television and film while also pursuing a music career. Her historic wins represent a major shift in industry recognition for trans performers.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon is best known for portraying Miranda Hobbes in ‘Sex and the City’. She reprised the role in ‘And Just Like That’ and stars in ‘The Gilded Age’. Nixon is a Tony Award winner and has been an active political activist in New York. She has been married to her wife Christine Marinoni since 2012.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson is one of the most acclaimed actresses working in television today. She is famous for her various roles in ‘American Horror Story’ and her portrayal of Marcia Clark. Paulson has won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her work. She is in a high-profile relationship with Holland Taylor and is known for her intense dramatic range.

Kate McKinnon

Kate McKinnon was a breakout star on ‘Saturday Night Live’ for over a decade. She starred in the ‘Ghostbusters’ reboot and played Weird Barbie in the massive hit ‘Barbie’. McKinnon is the first openly lesbian cast member of SNL. Her comedic versatility has led to a successful film career following her departure from sketch comedy.

Cara Delevingne

Cara Delevingne transitioned from being a supermodel to a successful actress. She starred in ‘Suicide Squad’ and the fantasy series ‘Carnival Row’. Delevingne identifies as pansexual and genderfluid. She remains a major celebrity figure with significant influence in both fashion and film.

Megan Fox

Megan Fox skyrocketed to fame with the ‘Transformers’ franchise. She gained a cult following for her role in the horror comedy ‘Jennifer’s Body’. Fox came out as bisexual early in her career and has spoken about being misunderstood by the media. She continues to act in genre films and remains a major pop culture fixture.

Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore has been a Hollywood star since her childhood role in ‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial’. She starred in ‘Charlie’s Angels’ and currently hosts her own popular daytime talk show. Barrymore identifies as bisexual and has always been open about her fluid sexuality. She is a beloved figure known for her bubbly personality and resilience.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson plays Valkyrie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and starred in the ‘Creed’ films. She gained critical acclaim for her role in the sci-fi series ‘Westworld’. Thompson identifies as bisexual and often advocates for diverse representation in film. Her career balances massive blockbusters with thoughtful independent dramas.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza became famous for her deadpan comedy in ‘Parks and Recreation’. She earned critical raves for her work in ‘The White Lotus’ and ‘Emily the Criminal’. Plaza recently joined the Marvel universe in ‘Agatha All Along’. She identifies as bisexual and is known for her unique and unpredictable public persona.

Ariana DeBose

Ariana DeBose won an Academy Award for her role as Anita in Steven Spielberg’s ‘West Side Story’. She is a celebrated Broadway performer who starred in ‘Hamilton’ and ‘The Prom’. DeBose hosted the Tony Awards multiple times and is a vocal queer advocate. Her triple-threat talent makes her one of the most versatile stars today.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo is a powerhouse vocalist and actress who was nominated for two Oscars for ‘Harriet’. She stars as Elphaba in the highly anticipated film adaptation of ‘Wicked’. Erivo identifies as queer and bisexual. Her commanding screen presence and incredible voice have secured her a place among Hollywood’s elite.

Ayo Edebiri

Ayo Edebiri has had a meteoric rise with her role as Sydney in ‘The Bear’. She voiced characters in ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ and ‘Inside Out 2’. Edebiri identifies as queer and started her career in comedy writing. She is currently one of the most in-demand and awarded young actresses in the industry.

Bella Ramsey

Bella Ramsey delivered a critically acclaimed performance as Ellie in ‘The Last of Us’. The actor first gained attention as Lyanna Mormont in ‘Game of Thrones’. Ramsey identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns. Their raw talent has earned them leading roles in major productions at a young age.

Emma Corrin

Emma Corrin won a Golden Globe for portraying Princess Diana in ‘The Crown’. They recently starred as the villain in the blockbuster ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’. Corrin identifies as non-binary and has been a trailblazer for gender-neutral acting categories. Their career continues to ascend with high-profile film roles.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster is a cinema legend with two Best Actress Academy Awards. She recently starred in the fourth season of ‘True Detective’ which earned her fresh acclaim. Foster famously came out publicly during a Golden Globes speech in 2013. She continues to direct and act in projects that challenge and intrigue audiences.

Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus is a global superstar who originated the role of ‘Hannah Montana’. She recently appeared in the anthology series ‘Black Mirror’ in a standout episode. Cyrus identifies as pansexual and acts sporadically while focusing on her massive music career. Her influence on pop culture remains undeniable and vast.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart became the highest-paid actress in the world during the ‘Twilight’ era. She reinvented her career with acclaimed roles in ‘Spencer’ and ‘Love Lies Bleeding’. Stewart is openly gay and has become an icon for queer cinema and fashion. She consistently chooses bold and artistic projects that define her generation.

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga is one of the most famous entertainers on the planet. She won critical acclaim for ‘A Star Is Born’ and starred as Harley Quinn in ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’. Gaga identifies as bisexual and has been a fierce LGBTQ+ advocate throughout her entire career. Her transition from pop icon to serious actress has been incredibly successful.

Share your favorite performance from these talented stars in the comments.