Gay Actresses Who Defied the Haters

The landscape of Hollywood has transformed significantly as more actresses choose to live authentically and share their identities with the world. These women have navigated industry pressures and societal expectations while maintaining successful careers in film and television. By coming out, they have paved the way for future generations of LGBTQ+ performers to work without hiding their true selves. This list highlights influential actresses who have embraced their identities and continued to thrive in the spotlight.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster is a two-time Academy Award winner known for her roles in ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ and ‘The Accused’. She famously addressed her sexual orientation during her acceptance speech for the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the 2013 Golden Globes. Throughout her career, she has transitioned from a child star in ‘Taxi Driver’ to a prominent director and producer. She married photographer Alexandra Hedison in 2014 and continues to be a respected figure in the film industry.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson has earned critical acclaim for her frequent collaborations with Ryan Murphy in ‘American Horror Story’. She has been in a long-term relationship with fellow actress Holland Taylor since 2015. Paulson won an Emmy Award for her portrayal of Marcia Clark in ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story’. She often speaks about her fluid approach to sexuality in various interviews. Her work continues to span across major film productions and prestigious television dramas.

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres made television history in 1997 when her character came out as gay on the sitcom ‘Ellen’. This move was synchronized with her own public coming out on the cover of Time magazine. Despite facing an immediate career backlash, she eventually returned to massive success with ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’. She also provided the voice for Dory in the animated hit ‘Finding Nemo’. DeGeneres has been married to actress Portia de Rossi since 2008.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon is best known for portraying Miranda Hobbes in the long-running series ‘Sex and the City’. She identifies as queer and has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights for many years. Nixon entered a relationship with Christine Marinoni in 2004, and the couple married in 2012. Beyond acting, she ran for Governor of New York in 2018 to advocate for progressive policy changes. She currently stars in the revival series ‘And Just Like That…’.

Holland Taylor

Holland Taylor is a veteran actress known for her roles in ‘Two and a Half Men’ and ‘The Practice’. She confirmed her relationship with Sarah Paulson in 2015, noting that most of her relationships have been with women. Taylor has enjoyed a prolific career on both the stage and screen, including a Tony-nominated performance in ‘Ann’. She often portrays authoritative and sophisticated characters in various television productions. Her career has remained vibrant and active for over five decades.

Jane Lynch

Jane Lynch gained widespread fame for her comedic role as Sue Sylvester in the musical series ‘Glee’. She has been open about her identity since the early stages of her career in the Chicago theater scene. Lynch has won multiple Emmy Awards and has hosted popular shows like ‘Hollywood Game Night’. She has appeared in numerous films, including ‘Best in Show’ and ‘The 40-Year-Old Virgin’. Lynch continues to be a prominent figure in both comedy and voice acting.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes is a comedian and actress who publicly came out during a marriage equality rally in 2008. She has appeared in several television shows, including ‘The New Adventures of Old Christine’ and ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’. Sykes is also a prolific voice actress, lending her talents to ‘Ice Age: Continental Drift’. She often incorporates her personal life and social commentary into her stand-up specials. She has been married to her wife, Alex Niedbalski, since 2008.

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin is a comedy legend who has been with her partner, Jane Wagner, since 1971. The couple officially married in 2013 after forty-two years of partnership. Tomlin is known for her classic sketch comedy on ‘Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In’ and her role in ‘9 to 5’. She recently starred in the popular Netflix series ‘Grace and Frankie’ alongside Jane Fonda. Her career has earned her numerous accolades, including a Kennedy Center Honor.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza rose to fame as April Ludgate on the sitcom ‘Parks and Recreation’. She came out as bisexual in 2016, stating that she falls in love with girls and guys. Plaza has since taken on diverse roles in films like ‘Ingrid Goes West’ and ‘Black Bear’. She also starred in the television series ‘Legion’ and the second season of ‘The White Lotus’. Her deadpan comedic style has made her a unique presence in modern Hollywood.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart became a global superstar through the ‘Twilight’ film franchise. She has been open about her sexuality for years and frequently discusses her identity in media interviews. Stewart received an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Princess Diana in the film ‘Spencer’. She has moved away from mainstream blockbusters to focus on acclaimed independent cinema. Stewart is currently engaged to screenwriter Dylan Meyer.

Samira Wiley

Samira Wiley is best known for her breakout role as Poussey Washington in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She met her wife, writer Lauren Morelli, on the set of the Netflix series. Wiley has also received critical praise for her role as Moira in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. Her performance in the Hulu series earned her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress. She continues to be a visible advocate for the LGBTQ+ community in media.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson has played major roles in ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ and the ‘Creed’ film series. She came out as queer in 2018, noting her attraction to both men and women. Thompson portrays Valkyrie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a character she has confirmed is bisexual. She has also starred in the science fiction series ‘Westworld’ and the independent film ‘Passing’. Her career is marked by a commitment to diverse and challenging roles.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is an actress and singer who identifies as non-binary and pansexual. She garnered critical acclaim for her roles in the Oscar-winning films ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Hidden Figures’. Monáe often uses her platform to promote queer identity and afrofuturism through her music and acting. She starred in the second season of the Amazon series ‘Homecoming’ and the mystery film ‘Glass Onion’. Her artistic work frequently explores themes of freedom and self-expression.

Portia de Rossi

Portia de Rossi is known for her roles in ‘Arrested Development’ and ‘Ally McBeal’. She came out publicly in 2005 and married television host Ellen DeGeneres in 2008. De Rossi wrote a memoir titled ‘Unbearable Lightness’ detailing her personal struggles and her journey to self-acceptance. Though she retired from acting in 2018, she has made occasional appearances in ‘Arrested Development’ revivals. She is currently focused on her art curation company, General Public.

Rosie O’Donnell

Rosie O’Donnell is a comedian and actress who hosted ‘The Rosie O’Donnell Show’ for several years. She came out as a lesbian in 2002 to bring attention to LGBTQ+ adoption issues. O’Donnell has appeared in films like ‘A League of Their Own’ and ‘Sleepless in Seattle’. She served as a co-host on ‘The View’ and has been a Broadway performer. Throughout her career, she has remained a prominent and sometimes controversial activist.

Cherry Jones

Cherry Jones is a distinguished stage and screen actress with multiple Tony and Emmy Awards. She is well known for her role as President Allison Taylor in the action series ’24’. Jones was one of the first high-profile actresses to be openly gay while working in the industry. She has appeared in numerous television projects, including ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ and ‘Succession’. Her work in theater is particularly celebrated, having starred in ‘The Heiress’ and ‘Doubt’.

Fiona Shaw

Fiona Shaw is an Irish actress known for her roles in ‘Killing Eve’ and the ‘Harry Potter’ series. She is openly gay and is married to the economist and author Sonali Deraniyagala. Shaw has received numerous awards for her theatrical work with the Royal Shakespeare Company. In recent years, she has gained a new generation of fans for her portrayal of Carolyn Martens. Her career spans classic stage productions and modern television dramas.

Miriam Margolyes

Miriam Margolyes is a British-Australian actress known for her role as Professor Sprout in ‘Harry Potter’. She has been open about her sexuality since the 1960s and has been with her partner, Heather Sutherland, for decades. Margolyes is famous for her unfiltered honesty in interviews and her extensive work in character roles. She won a BAFTA for her performance in Martin Scorsese’s ‘The Age of Innocence’. She continues to work frequently in film, television, and documentary projects.

Tig Notaro

Tig Notaro is a stand-up comedian and actress who gained international fame for a set about her cancer diagnosis. She created and starred in the semi-autobiographical Amazon series ‘One Mississippi’. Notaro is married to actress Stephanie Allynne, and the couple has two children. She has also appeared in ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ and the film ‘Army of the Dead’. Her comedy is known for its deadpan delivery and observational nature.

Clea DuVall

Clea DuVall is an actress and director who became a queer icon through her role in ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’. She has appeared in numerous films and shows, including ‘Argo’ and ‘Veep’. DuVall made her directorial debut with ‘The Intervention’ and later directed the holiday rom-com ‘Happiest Season’. She has spoken about the challenges of being a closeted actress in Hollywood during the late 1990s. She remains a prominent figure in LGBTQ+ storytelling today.

Beanie Feldstein

Beanie Feldstein achieved breakout success with her roles in ‘Lady Bird’ and ‘Booksmart’. She has been open about her relationship with producer Bonnie Chance Roberts, whom she married in 2023. Feldstein portrayed Monica Lewinsky in ‘Impeachment: American Crime Story’ and starred in the Broadway revival of ‘Funny Girl’. She often discusses the importance of queer representation in coming-of-age stories. Her career continues to grow with high-profile film and stage roles.

Niecy Nash-Betts

Niecy Nash-Betts is a versatile actress known for ‘Reno 911!’ and ‘Claws’. She surprised fans in 2020 by announcing her marriage to singer Jessica Betts. Nash-Betts has clarified that she does not feel the need to label her sexuality, simply stating she loves who she loves. She won an Emmy for her powerful performance in ‘Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’. Her career has spanned comedy, drama, and reality television hosting.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné began her career as a child star on ‘The Cosby Show’ before starring in ‘That’s So Raven’. She publicly acknowledged her sexuality in 2013 via a tweet celebrating the legalization of same-sex marriage. She has served as a co-host on ‘The View’ and returned to her famous role in the spin-off ‘Raven’s Home’. Raven-Symoné married Miranda Maday in 2020. She has been a consistent presence in television for over three decades.

Lea DeLaria

Lea DeLaria is a comedian, actress, and jazz singer who was the first openly gay comic to appear on a late-night talk show. She is best known for her role as Big Boo in the Netflix series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. DeLaria has been a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community since the 1980s. She has performed on Broadway and released several successful jazz albums. Her work often focuses on butch lesbian visibility and challenging societal norms.

Carrie Brownstein

Carrie Brownstein is an actress, musician, and writer who co-created and starred in ‘Portlandia’. She is also a founding member of the influential rock band Sleater-Kinney. Brownstein has been open about her bisexuality and discusses her life in her memoir ‘Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl’. She has appeared in films such as ‘Carol’ and the series ‘Transparent’. Her work is often characterized by its sharp satirical wit and musical influence.

Abbi Jacobson

Abbi Jacobson is the co-creator and star of the hit comedy series ‘Broad City’. She came out as queer in 2018, stating that she dates both men and women. Jacobson recently developed and starred in the television adaptation of ‘A League of Their Own’. She is also a talented illustrator and has published several books. In 2022, she announced her engagement to actress Jodi Balfour.

Maria Bello

Maria Bello has had a long career in film and television, including roles in ‘Coyote Ugly’ and ‘A History of Violence’. she wrote a column for The New York Times in 2013 titled ‘Coming Out as a Modern Family’. In the piece, she discussed her relationship with her female partner and her fluid view of partnerships. Bello has also starred in ‘ER’ and ‘NCIS’ for several seasons. She continues to work as both an actress and a producer in the industry.

Margaret Cho

Margaret Cho is a comedian and actress known for her groundbreaking sitcom ‘All-American Girl’. She identifies as bisexual and frequently centers her comedy on themes of race and sexuality. Cho has appeared in numerous television shows, including ‘Drop Dead Diva’ and ‘The Masked Singer’. She is a lifelong activist for LGBTQ+ rights and has received many awards for her advocacy. Her stand-up specials are known for their provocative and political content.

Fortune Feimster

Fortune Feimster is a stand-up comedian and actress who first gained fame on ‘Last Comic Standing’. She has appeared in series such as ‘The Mindy Project’ and ‘The L Word: Generation Q’. Feimster often shares humorous stories about her journey to coming out in her comedy specials. She married her partner, Jax Smith, in 2020. She continues to tour as a successful comedian and appears regularly in film and television.

Hannah Gadsby

Hannah Gadsby is an Australian comedian who achieved global fame with her Netflix special ‘Nanette’. In the special, she discusses her experiences as a lesbian and the trauma associated with it. She followed this success with the specials ‘Douglas’ and ‘Something Special’. Gadsby identifies as autistic and often explores neurodiversity in her work. She married her producer, Jenney Shamash, in 2021.

Michelle Rodriguez

Michelle Rodriguez is a major action star known for the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise and ‘Resident Evil’. She came out as bisexual in 2013 during an interview with Entertainment Weekly. Rodriguez has consistently played tough, independent characters throughout her career. She has also starred in the television series ‘Lost’ and the film ‘Avatar’. She remains one of the most prominent Latinx actresses in Hollywood.

Evan Rachel Wood

Evan Rachel Wood gained early acclaim for her performance in the film ‘Thirteen’. She came out as bisexual in 2011 and has been an outspoken advocate for bisexual visibility. Wood is best known for her role as Dolores Abernathy in the HBO series ‘Westworld’. She is also a musician and performs as part of the duo Evan + Zane. Wood has used her public platform to advocate for survivors of domestic abuse.

Amber Heard

Amber Heard has appeared in films such as ‘The Rum Diary’ and played Mera in ‘Aquaman’. She publicly came out as bisexual in 2010 at a GLAAD event. Heard has spoken about the pressure she faced from industry professionals to keep her sexuality private. Her career has been marked by both major blockbusters and high-profile legal battles. She continues to be a figure of public interest and occasional film work.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie is one of the most famous actresses in the world and has won an Academy Award for ‘Girl, Interrupted’. She has been open about her bisexuality since the early years of her career, specifically mentioning her relationship with Jenny Shimizu. Jolie has moved into directing with films like ‘Unbroken’ and ‘First They Killed My Father’. She is also well known for her extensive humanitarian work with the UN. Her personal life has been a subject of intense media scrutiny for decades.

Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer is a transgender actress and model who rose to fame in the series ‘Euphoria’. She has described her sexuality as being closer to lesbian or queer. Schafer is also an activist who has fought against legislation targeting the transgender community. She made her film debut in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’. Her work has made her a prominent icon for Gen Z and the LGBTQ+ community.

Bella Ramsey

Bella Ramsey gained widespread recognition for her role as Lyanna Mormont in ‘Game of Thrones’. She starred as Ellie in the acclaimed HBO adaptation of ‘The Last of Us’. Ramsey identifies as non-binary and has expressed a preference for being fluid regarding her identity and sexuality. She has received critical praise for her acting range at a young age. Ramsey continues to be a rising star in both television and film.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez made history as the first transgender actress to win a Golden Globe for her role in ‘Pose’. She portrays Blanca Evangelista, the matriarch of a chosen family in the New York ballroom scene. Rodriguez is also an accomplished singer and has released several singles. She has been a trailblazer for trans and queer representation in mainstream media. Her career has expanded to include roles in films like ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’.

Alia Shawkat

Alia Shawkat is best known for playing Maeby Fünke in the cult comedy series ‘Arrested Development’. She came out as bisexual in 2017 during an interview about her career. Shawkat starred in and produced the critically acclaimed series ‘Search Party’. She is also an artist and has showcased her work in various galleries. Her career is characterized by her involvement in quirky, independent projects.

Shannon Purser

Shannon Purser became an overnight sensation for her role as Barb in ‘Stranger Things’. She came out as bisexual to her fans on Twitter in 2017. Purser later starred in the Netflix film ‘Sierra Burgess Is a Loser’ and the series ‘Riverdale’. She has been open about her journey with mental health and her faith. She continues to work in both live-action and voice acting roles.

Maisie Richardson-Sellers

Maisie Richardson-Sellers is a British actress known for her roles in ‘Legends of Tomorrow’ and ‘The Originals’. She identifies as queer and is in a relationship with singer CLAY. Richardson-Sellers has been vocal about the need for better representation of queer women of color in media. She also appeared in the Netflix film ‘The Kissing Booth 2’. She often works on projects that highlight diverse storytelling and social justice.

Kelly McCormack

Kelly McCormack is a Canadian actress and writer known for her role in ‘A League of Their Own’. she identifies as queer and has spoken about how her identity influences her creative work. McCormack also appeared in the series ‘Letterkenny’ and ‘Departure’. She has written and produced several of her own independent film projects. Her performance in the baseball drama earned her a dedicated following in the queer community.

Devery Jacobs

Devery Jacobs is an Indigenous Canadian actress known for her starring role in ‘Reservation Dogs’. she identifies as queer and has been an advocate for Indigenous and LGBTQ+ rights. Jacobs has appeared in ‘American Gods’ and the Marvel series ‘Echo’. She is also a writer and director, having worked on various short films. Her work often focuses on the intersection of her cultural heritage and her identity.

Jasika Nicole

Jasika Nicole is an actress known for her roles in ‘Fringe’ and ‘The Good Doctor’. She has been out as a lesbian since the beginning of her professional career. Nicole has spoken about the difficulties of being an out Black actress in Hollywood. She is also a talented artist and maker, often sharing her sewing and illustration projects online. She continues to advocate for diverse casting and authentic representation.

Adèle Haenel

Adèle Haenel is a French actress who gained international fame for ‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’. she publicly came out during her César Award acceptance speech in 2014. Haenel is a prominent activist and was a leading figure in the French #MeToo movement. In recent years, she has stepped away from the mainstream film industry to focus on theater and political activism. Her performance in ‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’ remains a landmark of queer cinema.

Heather Matarazzo

Heather Matarazzo is known for her breakout role in the independent film ‘Welcome to the Dollhouse’. She also played Lilly Moscovitz in ‘The Princess Diaries’ film series. Matarazzo has been out as a lesbian for many years and is an advocate for LGBTQ+ youth. She has appeared in various television shows, including ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘The L Word’. She remains an active figure in the independent film scene.

Leisha Hailey

Leisha Hailey is an actress and musician who starred as Alice Pieszecki in ‘The L Word’. She is also a member of the band Uh Huh Her and was previously in The Murmurs. Hailey has been out throughout her career and was a key figure in early 2000s queer visibility. She returned to her role for the revival series ‘The L Word: Generation Q’. She continues to work in both the music and television industries.

Kate Moennig

Katherine Moennig is best known for her role as Shane McCutcheon on ‘The L Word’. She has appeared in other major series such as ‘Ray Donovan’ and ‘Young Americans’. Moennig is a cousin of actress Gwyneth Paltrow but has built her own distinct career path. She has been open about her identity and the impact her most famous role had on queer audiences. She also co-hosts a podcast titled ‘Pants’ with her friend and co-star Leisha Hailey.

Brianna Hildebrand

Brianna Hildebrand gained fame for playing Negasonic Teenage Warhead in the ‘Deadpool’ films. She identifies as queer and has been open about her experiences dating both men and women. Hildebrand also starred in the Netflix series ‘Trinkets’ and the film ‘Tragedy Girls’. Her character in ‘Deadpool 2’ was notable for being part of the first same-sex couple in a major superhero film. She continues to take on roles that challenge traditional character archetypes.

Kiersey Clemons

Kiersey Clemons had her breakout role in the independent film ‘Dope’. she identifies as queer and non-binary, using both she and they pronouns. Clemons has appeared in ‘The Flash’ as Iris West and starred in the series ‘Swarm’. She has also lent her voice to animated projects like ‘BoJack Horseman’. Her career includes a mix of major studio productions and innovative independent cinema.

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