Gay Actresses With Military Backgrounds

When discussing the intersection of Hollywood glamour and military service, the conversation often centers on male actors like James Stewart or Elvis Presley. However, a distinct group of LGBTQ+ actresses and entertainers also served their countries before finding fame. These women navigated strict military regulations and societal expectations while serving in various branches of the armed forces. From World War II resistance fighters to modern Navy veterans, their stories highlight a unique blend of patriotism and personal identity.

Angelica Ross

‘Pose’ star Angelica Ross served in the United States Navy before she became a celebrated actress and businesswoman. She enlisted at the age of 17 with the goal of qualifying for the G.I. Bill to fund her education. Her time in the service was cut short after six months when she was discharged under the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy due to harassment she faced regarding her identity. Ross later became a leading voice for transgender rights and founded TransTech Social Enterprises to support LGBTQ+ people in the tech industry.

Nancy Kulp

Best known for her role as Miss Jane Hathaway in ‘The Beverly Hillbillies’, Nancy Kulp had a distinguished military career during World War II. She joined the United States Naval Reserve in 1943 and attained the rank of Lieutenant, Junior Grade. Her service included work with the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) where she received several decorations including the American Campaign Medal. Kulp later confirmed her sexuality in an interview with author Boze Hadleigh and became an enduring queer icon.

Josephine Baker

This legendary entertainer used her fame as a shield while working as a spy for the French Resistance during World War II. Josephine Baker collected intelligence on German troop movements and smuggled messages written in invisible ink on her sheet music. She held the rank of Sous-lieutenant in the Women’s Auxiliary of the French Air Force and was the first American woman to receive the Croix de Guerre. Baker was openly bisexual and maintained relationships with women throughout her life while advocating for civil rights.

April Ashley

April Ashley was a trailblazing model and actress who served in the Merchant Navy as a teenager before her transition. She enlisted at age 16 and worked on transport ships that traveled as far as the Pacific Ocean. Her time in the uniformed service was difficult due to the intense suppression of her gender identity at the time. Ashley later became one of the first British people to undergo gender affirmation surgery and appeared in films like ‘The Road to Hong Kong’.

Heklina

San Francisco drag legend and actress Heklina served in the United States Navy before becoming a nightlife icon. Born Stefan Grygelko, she joined the military in her youth and was stationed in Iceland where her mother was from. After her service ended, she moved to San Francisco and founded the legendary club night Trannyshack which launched the careers of countless drag artists. Heklina appeared in numerous films and television shows before her passing in 2023.

Orna Banai

Orna Banai is one of Israel’s most famous actresses and comedians who completed her mandatory service in the Israel Defense Forces. She served as an education coordinator at a high school for youth in the Negev region during her conscription. Banai became a household name through her roles in ‘Eretz Nehederet’ and ‘Rak BeYisrael’ while becoming a prominent figure in the Israeli LGBTQ+ community. She publicly came out as a lesbian in 2011 and has raised two children.

Chelsea Manning

Chelsea Manning served as an intelligence analyst in the United States Army before becoming a well-known public figure and media personality. She was deployed to Iraq in 2009 where she had access to classified information that she later disclosed to WikiLeaks. Manning transitioned while in military custody and fought for the right to receive gender-affirming care while incarcerated. She has since appeared in the documentary ‘XY Chelsea’ and works as a network security expert and activist.

Marlene Dietrich

While not a typical enlistee, Marlene Dietrich was made an honorary colonel in the US Army for her extensive work during World War II. The bisexual screen legend suspended her film career to tour with the USO and performed for Allied troops on the front lines in Algeria and France. She also worked with the OSS to record anti-Nazi propaganda broadcasts intended to demoralize German soldiers. Her fearless dedication to the war effort earned her the Medal of Freedom and the French Legion of Honour.

Are there any other LGBTQ+ veterans in the entertainment industry that should be on this list? Tell us your favorites in the comments.