The Most Beautiful Gay Actresses

The entertainment industry has seen a significant shift toward visibility and authentic representation over the last several decades. Many actresses have used their platforms to openly discuss their identities and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. This visibility helps dismantle long standing barriers while providing inspiration to audiences worldwide. The following list highlights talented women in film and television who identify as gay queer or bisexual. These professionals are recognized for their artistic contributions and their commitment to living authentically in the public eye.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart rose to international prominence after starring as Bella Swan in the ‘Twilight’ film franchise. She later earned critical acclaim for her roles in independent films like ‘Clouds of Sils Maria’ for which she won a César Award. During a 2017 appearance on ‘Saturday Night Live’ she publicly identified as queer while addressing cultural expectations. Stewart received an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Princess Diana in the 2021 drama ‘Spencer’. She continues to be a leading figure for queer representation in major Hollywood productions.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson is widely recognized for her versatile performances in the anthology series ‘American Horror Story’. She has won several accolades including an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe for her role as Marcia Clark in ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson American Crime Story’. Paulson has been open about her relationship with fellow actress Holland Taylor since 2015. She frequently speaks about the importance of fluid identity and resisting labels in the acting industry. Her recent work includes leading roles in the thriller series ‘Ratched’ and the film ‘Run’.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster began her career as a child actor before becoming a two time Academy Award winner for ‘The Accused’ and ‘The Silence of the Lambs’. She publicly acknowledged her long term partner and her identity during a speech at the 2013 Golden Globe Awards. Foster has balanced her work in front of the camera with a successful career as a director and producer. In 2021 she won a Golden Globe for her performance in the legal drama ‘The Mauritanian’. She remains one of the most respected and influential figures in contemporary cinema.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon gained global fame for portraying Miranda Hobbes on the hit series ‘Sex and the City’. Beyond her acting career she is a prominent political activist and ran for Governor of New York in 2018. Nixon has been married to her wife Christine Marinoni since 2012 and identifies as queer. She reprised her iconic role in the revival series ‘And Just Like That’ which explores more diverse storylines. Her work continues to bridge the gap between entertainment and social advocacy.

Holland Taylor

Holland Taylor is a celebrated stage and screen actress known for her role as Evelyn Harper on the sitcom ‘Two and a Half Men’. She won a Primetime Emmy Award for her portrayal of Judge Roberta Kittleson on ‘The Practice’. Taylor confirmed her identity and her relationship with Sarah Paulson during a radio interview in 2015. She has written and starred in the solo play ‘Ann’ based on the life of Ann Richards. Taylor currently appears in the drama series ‘The Morning Show’ on Apple TV+.

Lily-Rose Depp

Lily-Rose Depp began her acting career with a cameo in ‘Tusk’ and later starred in the period drama ‘The Dancer’. She has modeled for high fashion brands and appeared in films such as ‘The King’ and ‘Wolf’. In 2015 she participated in a photography project for the Self Evident Truths series which celebrates people who fall anywhere on the LGBTQ+ spectrum. Depp has stated that she does not feel the need to label her sexuality with a single term. She recently took on a leading role in the HBO drama series ‘The Idol’.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg first caught the public eye as Rue in ‘The Hunger Games’ before starring in ‘The Hate U Give’. They came out as gay in an interview with Wonderland magazine in 2018 after previously identifying as bisexual. Stenberg is vocal about intersectionality and the importance of representation for Black queer youth. They have been featured on the cover of Time magazine as a Next Generation Leader. Their recent projects include the slasher film ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’ and the series ‘The Acolyte’.

Evan Rachel Wood

Evan Rachel Wood earned a Golden Globe nomination for her breakout role in the film ‘Thirteen’. She is well known for her portrayal of Dolores Abernathy in the HBO science fiction series ‘Westworld’. Wood came out as bisexual in 2011 and has since been a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and domestic violence survivors. She has worked on legislative efforts like the Phoenix Act to extend the statute of limitations for domestic violence cases. Her artistic range spans from musical films like ‘Across the Universe’ to gritty independent dramas.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson has starred in major blockbusters including ‘Thor Ragnarok’ and the ‘Creed’ film series. She publicly discussed her attraction to both men and women in a 2018 interview while highlighting the fluidity of her identity. Thompson is a co founder of the Time’s Up movement and pushes for better representation in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She played a leading role in the period drama ‘Passing’ which explores themes of racial and social identity. She continues to produce and star in projects that challenge traditional Hollywood narratives.

Jane Lynch

Jane Lynch is a prolific actress and comedian famous for her role as Sue Sylvester on the musical series ‘Glee’. She has won multiple Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe for her comedic performances. Lynch has been openly gay throughout her mainstream career and has written a memoir titled ‘Happy Accidents’. She frequently hosts game shows and lends her voice to popular animated films like ‘Wreck-It Ralph’. Her presence in comedy has paved the way for many other queer performers in television.

Portia de Rossi

Portia de Rossi is known for her roles in the television series ‘Ally McBeal’ and ‘Arrested Development’. She came out publicly in 2005 and has been married to television host Ellen DeGeneres since 2008. De Rossi wrote a memoir titled ‘Unbearable Lightness’ which chronicles her personal struggles and professional journey. She transitioned from acting to the art world by founding a high tech art company called General Public. Her career remains a notable example of high profile visibility in the early 2000s.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes is an Emmy Award winning comedian and actress known for her sharp social commentary. She came out publicly during a rally against Proposition 8 in 2008 and has been an advocate for marriage equality ever since. Sykes has starred in ‘The New Adventures of Old Christine’ and her own sitcom ‘The Upshaws’. She frequently uses her stand up specials to discuss her life as a mother and wife in a same sex marriage. In 2022 she co hosted the 94th Academy Awards ceremony.

Samira Wiley

Samira Wiley gained fame for her portrayal of Poussey Washington in the Netflix series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She later won a Primetime Emmy Award for her role as Moira in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. Wiley met her wife Lauren Morelli on the set of ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and they married in 2017. She is a frequent speaker on LGBTQ+ rights and the importance of diverse casting in television. Wiley continues to take on complex roles that center on the experiences of queer Black women.

Beanie Feldstein

Beanie Feldstein earned critical acclaim for her roles in ‘Lady Bird’ and the comedy ‘Booksmart’. She made her Broadway debut in ‘Hello Dolly’ and later starred as Fanny Brice in the revival of ‘Funny Girl’. Feldstein has been open about her relationship with producer Bonnie Chance Roberts whom she married in 2023. She often discusses her identity in the context of her career and the importance of queer joy in storytelling. Her performance in ‘Impeachment American Crime Story’ earned her a Golden Globe nomination.

Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer is a model and actress who rose to fame playing Jules Vaughn in the HBO series ‘Euphoria’. She is a transgender woman and has described her sexuality as being close to lesbian or queer. Schafer co wrote and co executive produced a special episode of ‘Euphoria’ that explored her character’s internal journey. Before acting she was a successful high fashion model for brands like Prada and Dior. She recently starred in the blockbuster film ‘The Hunger Games The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’.

Indya Moore

Indya Moore is an actress and model best known for their role as Angel Evangelista in the FX series ‘Pose’. They identify as transgender and non binary and have used their platform to advocate for marginalized groups. Moore was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world in 2019. They have appeared in fashion campaigns for Louis Vuitton and Calvin Klein while continuing to act in film and television. Their work focuses on bringing awareness to the experiences of Black and Brown trans individuals.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez made history as the first transgender actress to win a Golden Globe Award for her role in ‘Pose’. She portrayed Blanca Rodriguez an Afro Latina house mother navigating the ballroom culture of the 1980s. Rodriguez has also performed in theatre productions like ‘Rent’ where she played the role of Angel. She transitioned into a music career with the release of her debut single Something to Say. Her success has been a landmark moment for transgender representation in the entertainment industry.

Ruby Rose

Ruby Rose gained international attention for her role in the third season of ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She has since starred in action films like ‘John Wick Chapter 2’ and ‘The Meg’. Rose came out as a lesbian at a young age and also identifies as genderfluid. she was cast as the lead in the ‘Batwoman’ television series making her the first openly gay lead in a live action superhero show. She continues to work as a model DJ and actress in various international projects.

Ariana DeBose

Ariana DeBose won an Academy Award for her performance as Anita in Steven Spielberg’s ‘West Side Story’. She is an openly queer Afro Latina actress who began her career on Broadway in shows like ‘Hamilton’. DeBose has used her acceptance speeches to highlight the importance of identity and belonging for the LGBTQ+ community. She has hosted the Tony Awards and starred in films such as ‘The Prom’ and ‘Argylle’. Her career spans musical theatre film and television with a focus on high energy performance.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is a multifaceted artist known for her music career as well as her roles in films like ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Hidden Figures’. She came out as pansexual and non binary stating that her identity is not limited by gender. Monáe has received multiple Grammy nominations and has been a prominent figure in the Afrofuturism movement. She starred in the mystery sequel ‘Glass Onion A Knives Out Mystery’ to critical acclaim. Her work often explores themes of liberation identity and social justice.

Cara Delevingne

Cara Delevingne started her career as a world renowned fashion model before transitioning into acting. She has starred in films such as ‘Paper Towns’ and ‘Suicide Squad’ and the series ‘Carnival Row’. Delevingne identifies as pansexual and has been open about her relationships with women in the public eye. She frequently speaks about her journey with mental health and the challenges of the modeling industry. Her recent work includes a role in the series ‘American Horror Story Delicate’.

Adèle Haenel

Adèle Haenel is a highly decorated French actress known for her roles in ‘Water Lilies’ and ‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’. She came out publicly during her acceptance speech at the César Awards in 2014. Haenel is recognized for her intense performances and her vocal stance against industry misconduct. She has been a leading voice in the French MeToo movement and has shifted her focus toward political activism. Her performance in ‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’ is considered a masterpiece of queer cinema.

Jasmin Savoy Brown

Jasmin Savoy Brown is known for her roles in the ‘Scream’ franchise and the survival drama series ‘Yellowjackets’. She identifies as queer and has advocated for more authentic LGBTQ+ characters in horror and thriller genres. Brown also provided the voice and motion capture for Phin Mason in the video game ‘Spider-Man Miles Morales’. She is a musician and frequently shares her work with her followers on social media. Her characters often reflect her own identity and provide representation for queer women of color.

Liv Hewson

Liv Hewson is an Australian actress known for playing Abby Hammond in the Netflix series ‘Santa Clarita Diet’. They also star as Van in the critically acclaimed series ‘Yellowjackets’. Hewson identifies as non binary and gay and has been vocal about the lack of non binary categories in major acting awards. They began their career in theatre and web series before moving to international television. Hewson continues to advocate for gender diverse performers and inclusive storytelling in Hollywood.

Alexandra Shipp

Alexandra Shipp rose to fame portraying Storm in the ‘X-Men’ film franchise and starring in ‘Love, Simon’. She came out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community in 2021 via an Instagram post during Pride month. Shipp has appeared in various projects including the musical film ‘tick, tick… BOOM!’ and the ‘Barbie’ movie. She has discussed the challenges of coming out later in her career while working in the public eye. Her work spans across blockbuster franchises and independent cinema.

Tati Gabrielle

Tati Gabrielle is recognized for her roles in ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ and the series ‘You’. She has spoken about her identity as a queer woman and the importance of diverse representation in the fantasy and horror genres. Gabrielle also starred in the action film ‘Uncharted’ alongside Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg. She began her career as a child model before transitioning into professional acting. Her distinct style and versatile performances have made her a rising star in television.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné became a household name as a child star on ‘The Cosby Show’ and later in ‘That’s So Raven’. She came out publicly in 2013 via social media following the legalization of same sex marriage in more states. She has served as a co host on ‘The View’ and reprised her famous role in the spin off ‘Raven’s Home’. In 2020 she married her partner Miranda Maday in a private ceremony. Raven-Symoné continues to produce and direct while remaining a prominent figure in pop culture.

Niecy Nash-Betts

Niecy Nash-Betts is an Emmy winning actress known for ‘Reno 911!’ and ‘Claws’. She surprised fans in 2020 by announcing her marriage to singer Jessica Betts and describing herself as a free soul. Nash-Betts has been praised for her performance in ‘Dahmer Monster The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’ for which she won an Emmy. She frequently posts about her relationship to promote visibility for Black queer love. Her career continues to thrive with leading roles in both comedy and drama.

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor is an Academy Award nominated actress known for her roles in ‘King Richard’ and ‘Lovecraft Country’. She publicly discussed her identity as a bisexual woman during an interview in 2022. Ellis-Taylor has been a consistent presence in film and television for decades with roles in ‘The Help’ and ‘When They See Us’. She wore a suit with the word Queer embroidered on it to the Essence Black Women in Hollywood event. Her work is often centered on powerful narratives of Black history and resilience.

Clea DuVall

Clea DuVall became a cult icon after starring in the queer classic ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’. She has had a long career with roles in ‘Girl, Interrupted’ and the series ‘Veep’. DuVall came out publicly in 2016 and has since moved into writing and directing. She directed the holiday romantic comedy ‘Happiest Season’ which features a lesbian couple as the lead characters. She continues to be a driving force for queer storytelling behind the camera.

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin is a legendary comedian and actress whose career spans over five decades. She is known for ‘9 to 5’ and her long running partnership with Jane Fonda in ‘Grace and Frankie’. Tomlin has been in a relationship with her wife Jane Wagner since 1971 and they married in 2013. She has received numerous awards including a Grammy an Emmy and a Tony. Tomlin remains an active figure in both comedy and social activism for the LGBTQ+ community.

Fiona Shaw

Fiona Shaw is a renowned Irish actress known for her work in the ‘Harry Potter’ series and ‘Killing Eve’. She won a BAFTA Award for her portrayal of Carolyn Martens in ‘Killing Eve’. Shaw has been open about her identity and her marriage to economist Sonali Deraniyagala. She is also a celebrated stage actress having worked extensively with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Her career is marked by high caliber performances in both classical and contemporary roles.

Cherry Jones

Cherry Jones is a distinguished stage and screen actress with five Tony Award nominations and two wins. She gained widespread television fame for her role as President Allison Taylor on the series ’24’. Jones was one of the first high profile actresses to be out in the industry during the 1990s. She has also appeared in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ and ‘Succession’ winning Emmy Awards for her guest roles. She remains a respected figure for her commitment to craft and her early visibility.

Maria Bello

Maria Bello has starred in films like ‘Coyote Ugly’ and ‘The History of Violence’ and the series ‘NCIS’. She wrote a book titled ‘Whatever… Love Is Love’ after coming out in a New York Times essay in 2013. Bello has discussed the fluidity of her relationships and her commitment to non traditional family structures. She has been an activist for women’s rights in various international regions including Haiti. Her career continues to evolve with roles in projects like the Netflix series ‘Beef’.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza rose to fame as April Ludgate on the sitcom ‘Parks and Recreation’. She came out as bisexual in a 2016 interview stating that she falls in love with girls and guys. Plaza has transitioned into film production with projects like ‘Ingrid Goes West’ and ‘Emily the Criminal’. She is known for her unique deadpan comedy style and her versatile dramatic range. Her performance in the second season of ‘The White Lotus’ earned her significant critical acclaim.

Taylor Schilling

Taylor Schilling is best known for her leading role as Piper Chapman in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. The series was a landmark for LGBTQ+ representation on streaming platforms. Schilling confirmed her relationship with visual artist Emily Ritz during Pride weekend in 2020. She has since starred in projects like the miniseries ‘Pam & Tommy’ and the film ‘The Lucky One’. She continues to work in both television and film while maintaining a private personal life.

Carrie Brownstein

Carrie Brownstein is a musician actress and writer who co created and starred in ‘Portlandia’. She is also a founding member of the influential indie rock band Sleater-Kinney. Brownstein identifies as bisexual and has written a memoir titled ‘Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl’. She has directed episodes of various television shows including ‘Shrill’ and ‘Search Party’. Her work often explores subcultures and the nuances of modern identity.

Abbi Jacobson

Abbi Jacobson is the co creator and star of the hit comedy series ‘Broad City’. She came out as queer in 2018 during an interview with Vanity Fair. Jacobson later created and starred in the series adaptation of ‘A League of Their Own’ which focused on queer history in sports. She is also an author and illustrator who has published several books. In 2022 she announced her engagement to actress Jodi Balfour.

Stephanie Beatriz

Stephanie Beatriz is known for her role as Detective Rosa Diaz on the sitcom ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. Her character famously came out as bisexual on the show mirroring Beatriz’s own identity. She provided the voice for Mirabel Madrigal in the Disney animated film ‘Encanto’. Beatriz has been an advocate for bisexual visibility and has spoken about the importance of accurate representation. She continues to work in both live action and voice acting for major studios.

Brianna Hildebrand

Brianna Hildebrand gained recognition for playing Negasonic Teenage Warhead in the ‘Deadpool’ films. Her character was part of the first openly gay couple in a major superhero movie franchise. Hildebrand identifies as queer and has been open about her experiences navigating Hollywood as a young actress. She also starred in the Netflix series ‘Trinkets’ and the film ‘First Girl I Loved’. Her career focuses on bringing diverse and edgy characters to the screen.

Alia Shawkat

Alia Shawkat is best known for her role as Maeby Fünke in the series ‘Arrested Development’. She later starred in and produced the mystery comedy series ‘Search Party’. Shawkat came out as bisexual in 2017 and has spoken about how her identity influences her creative choices. She is also a talented artist and musician who frequently exhibits her work. Her performances are often praised for their naturalism and comedic timing.

Reneé Rapp

Reneé Rapp gained fame for her role as Regina George in the Broadway musical ‘Mean Girls’ and its 2024 film adaptation. She also starred in the series ‘The Sex Lives of College Girls’ on Max. Rapp is an openly queer artist who has also launched a successful career as a pop singer. She frequently uses her music and public appearances to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Her debut album ‘Snow Angel’ received positive reviews and solidified her status as a dual threat performer.

Bella Ramsey

Bella Ramsey broke out with their role as Lyanna Mormont in ‘Game of Thrones’ before starring in ‘The Last of Us’. They identify as non binary and have expressed that their sexuality is fluid. Ramsey has received critical acclaim for their portrayal of Ellie in the post apocalyptic series. They began acting at a young age in the United Kingdom and have appeared in several high profile dramas. Ramsey continues to be a prominent young voice for gender and sexual diversity in the arts.

Emma Corrin

Emma Corrin rose to international fame for portraying Princess Diana in the fourth season of ‘The Crown’. They identify as queer and non binary and have used their platform to advocate for gender neutral awards categories. Corrin has appeared in films such as ‘My Policeman’ and ‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover’. They are known for their fashion forward style and their commitment to playing complex non traditional roles. Their career includes both major streaming projects and experimental theatre.

Shannon Purser

Shannon Purser became a viral sensation for her role as Barb in the first season of ‘Stranger Things’. She later starred in the Netflix film ‘Sierra Burgess Is a Loser’ and the series ‘Riverdale’. Purser came out as bisexual on social media in 2017 while addressing her fans. She has been vocal about mental health awareness and the challenges of body image in the entertainment industry. Her career continues to grow with a focus on relatable and grounded characters.

Kiersey Clemons

Kiersey Clemons earned praise for her breakout role in the independent film ‘Dope’. She has appeared in major films like ‘The Flash’ and ‘Zack Snyder’s Justice League’ as Iris West. Clemons identifies as queer and non binary and has advocated for more inclusive casting in Hollywood. She also starred in the musical film ‘Hearts Beat Loud’ and the series ‘Swarm’. Her work often bridges the gap between independent cinema and large scale blockbusters.

Hari Nef

Hari Nef is an actress and model who was the first openly transgender woman signed to IMG Models. She has appeared in films such as ‘Assassination Nation’ and the ‘Barbie’ movie. Nef identifies as a queer woman and has written for various fashion publications about identity and culture. She also starred in the series ‘Transparent’ and ‘The Idol’. Her presence in both fashion and film has made her a prominent figure in modern queer representation.

Trace Lysette

Trace Lysette is an actress known for her roles in ‘Transparent’ and the film ‘Hustlers’. She is one of the first openly transgender people to appear in non transgender roles on television. Lysette starred in the independent film ‘Monica’ which received a standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival. She has been a leading advocate for the rights of trans performers and fair treatment on sets. Her career is marked by powerful performances that highlight the resilience of her characters.

Josie Totah

Josie Totah began her career as a child actor on Disney Channel and the series ‘Glee’. She came out as a transgender woman in a 2018 essay for Time magazine. Totah later produced and starred in the revival of the sitcom ‘Saved by the Bell’. She has been recognized for her comedic talent and her work in improving trans representation in teen media. Her career includes a mix of voice acting and live action roles in major television networks.

Quintessa Swindell

Quintessa Swindell is known for their roles in the Netflix series ‘Trinkets’ and the film ‘Black Adam’. They identify as non binary and queer and use they/them pronouns. Swindell also appeared in the HBO series ‘In Treatment’ alongside Uzo Aduba. They have spoken about the importance of being able to play characters across the gender spectrum. Their rising career includes work in both superhero franchises and intimate character driven dramas.

Please share your favorite performances from these talented actresses in the comments.