Gen Alpha’s Favorite LGBTQ+ Actresses

Modern entertainment has undergone a significant transformation, with Gen Alpha growing up in an era where representation is increasingly prioritized on screen. This generation, characterized by its digital fluency and social awareness, gravitates toward performers who embrace their authentic identities. From Disney icons to stars of viral streaming hits, these actresses have become cultural touchstones for a demographic that values visibility. The following list highlights prominent LGBTQ+ actresses who have made a lasting impact on younger audiences through their roles and advocacy.

Joelle Siwa

Siwa became a household name following her appearances on the reality television series ‘Dance Moms’. She built a massive media empire through her music, merchandise, and YouTube presence, becoming a major influence on younger generations. In 2021, she publicly came out as part of the LGBTQ+ community, receiving significant support from her fanbase. She has since appeared in projects like ‘The J Team’ and ‘High School Musical: The Musical: The Series’.

Bella Ramsey

Ramsey rose to international stardom through their lead role in the acclaimed television adaptation of ‘The Last of Us’. They gained early recognition for their standout performance as Lyanna Mormont in the fantasy series ‘Game of Thrones’. Ramsey identifies as non-binary and has been vocal about the importance of gender-neutral categories in the industry. Their portrayal of Ellie has been praised for capturing the emotional depth of a teenager navigating a post-apocalyptic world.

Reneé Rapp

Rapp gained significant popularity for her role as Regina George in the 2024 musical film ‘Mean Girls’. She first reached television audiences through her performance as Leighton Murray in ‘The Sex Lives of College Girls’. As a singer and actress, Rapp has been open about her identity as a lesbian and frequently incorporates queer themes into her music. Her candid personality has made her a favorite figure on social media platforms like TikTok.

Yasmin Finney

Finney is best known for her breakout role as Elle Argent in the hit Netflix series ‘Heartstopper’. Her performance in the show has been celebrated for its positive representation of the transgender experience in a high school setting. In 2023, she joined the long-running science fiction series ‘Doctor Who’ as Rose Noble. Finney continues to use her platform to advocate for transgender visibility and rights in the entertainment industry.

Hunter Schafer

Schafer gained worldwide fame for her portrayal of Jules Vaughn in the HBO drama series ‘Euphoria’. She transitioned from a successful modeling career to acting, quickly becoming a prominent voice for transgender youth. Schafer recently appeared in the blockbuster film ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’ as Tigris Snow. Her work often explores the intersection of art, fashion, and identity.

Dove Cameron

Cameron first captured the attention of younger viewers through her dual roles in the Disney Channel series ‘Liv and Maddie’. she became a central figure in the ‘Descendants’ franchise, portraying Mal, the daughter of Maleficent. In 2021, she publicly came out as queer, a revelation that resonated deeply with her long-term fanbase. Cameron has since transitioned into more mature roles and a successful career as a recording artist.

Ariana DeBose

DeBose reached new heights of fame after winning an Academy Award for her performance as Anita in ‘West Side Story’. She provided the voice for the lead character, Asha, in the Disney animated film ‘Wish’. DeBose is openly queer and has consistently advocated for marginalized voices within the theater and film communities. Her career spans across Broadway, film, and television, showcasing her immense talent as a triple-threat performer.

Auliʻi Cravalho

Cravalho is widely recognized as the voice of the title character in the Disney animated classic ‘Moana’. She recently starred as Janis ‘I’mi’ike in the 2024 musical adaptation of ‘Mean Girls’. Cravalho came out as bisexual in 2020 through a social media post, receiving widespread support from her fans. She continues to represent her Hawaiian heritage and the LGBTQ+ community through her diverse acting choices.

Stephanie Beatriz

Beatriz is best known for her role as Detective Rosa Diaz in the popular sitcom ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. She reached a global audience of Gen Alpha viewers as the voice of Mirabel Madrigal in the Disney hit ‘Encanto’. Like her character Rosa, Beatriz identifies as bisexual and has been an active advocate for queer representation in media. Her distinctive voice work has made her a staple in modern animation and family entertainment.

Amandla Stenberg

Stenberg first gained recognition as Rue in ‘The Hunger Games’ and has since starred in films like ‘The Hate U Give’. They identify as non-binary and gay, often speaking out about social justice and identity politics. Stenberg recently joined the ‘Star Wars’ universe as the lead in the series ‘The Acolyte’. Their commitment to choosing socially relevant roles has made them a significant figure for modern audiences.

Madison Bailey

Bailey rose to fame as Kiara ‘Kie’ Carrera in the popular Netflix adventure series ‘Outer Banks’. She has been open about her identity as pansexual, sharing her personal journey with her followers on social media. Her performance in the series has made her a favorite among teenagers and younger viewers who enjoy the show’s focus on friendship and mystery. Bailey is also recognized for her work in the horror series ‘American Horror Stories’.

Rowan Blanchard

Blanchard became a star on the Disney Channel series ‘Girl Meets World’, where she played the lead role of Riley Matthews. She has since moved into more complex roles in projects like the television series ‘Snowpiercer’. Blanchard identifies as queer and has written extensively about feminism and social issues. Her activism and career evolution have allowed her to remain a relevant figure for Gen Alpha as they grow up.

Josie Totah

Totah gained early popularity for her roles in Disney Channel and Nickelodeon projects before starring in the ‘Saved by the Bell’ revival. She publicly came out as a transgender woman in a 2018 essay, receiving praise for her honesty and courage. Totah has also worked as a producer, aiming to create more inclusive spaces for transgender performers in Hollywood. Her comedic timing and advocacy have made her a standout star of her generation.

Nicole Maines

Maines made history by portraying Nia Nal, the first transgender superhero on television, in the series ‘Supergirl’. She has since appeared in the critically acclaimed drama ‘Yellowjackets’ as Lisa. Maines is a dedicated activist whose personal legal battle for transgender rights was the subject of the book ‘Becoming Nicole’. Her work in the superhero genre has provided vital representation for younger LGBTQ+ viewers.

Hari Nef

Nef is a versatile actress and model who gained significant attention for her role in the 2023 ‘Barbie’ movie. She has appeared in various television series, including ‘Transparent’ and ‘And Just Like That…’. Nef was the first openly transgender woman to be signed to IMG Models, breaking barriers in the fashion industry. Her presence in major blockbuster films has solidified her status as a prominent figure in contemporary cinema.

Zión Moreno

Moreno is widely recognized for her role as Luna La in the 2021 revival of ‘Gossip Girl’. Before her work on the show, she starred in the Spanish-language Netflix series ‘Control Z’. Moreno is a transgender actress of Mexican and American descent who began her career in modeling. Her stylish performance and visibility on major streaming platforms have made her a favorite among Gen Alpha viewers.

Quintessa Swindell

Swindell first gained notice for their role as Tabitha Foster in the Netflix series ‘Trinkets’. They reached a massive audience by portraying the superhero Cyclone in the DC Extended Universe film ‘Black Adam’. Swindell identifies as non-binary and has expressed the importance of playing roles that reflect a spectrum of identities. Their rising profile in the superhero genre continues to inspire younger fans looking for diverse representation.

Jasmin Savoy Brown

Brown is a prominent actress known for her roles in the ‘Scream’ franchise and the survival drama ‘Yellowjackets’. She identifies as queer and has been vocal about the necessity of authentic LGBTQ+ storylines in horror and drama. Her performance as Mindy Meeks-Martin in ‘Scream’ was praised for its meta-commentary and representation. Brown is also a talented musician, often sharing her creative work with her followers.

Liv Hewson

Hewson is an Australian performer known for their role as Abby Hammond in the Netflix series ‘Santa Clarita Diet’. They later gained further acclaim for portraying the teenage version of Van Palmer in ‘Yellowjackets’. Hewson identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, often discussing the challenges of navigating the industry outside the gender binary. Their consistent work in popular streaming series has earned them a loyal following.

Kiana Madeira

Madeira starred as Deena Johnson in the ‘Fear Street’ trilogy on Netflix, a role that centered on a queer romance. She also appeared in the series ‘Trinkets’ and the ‘After’ film franchise. Madeira has been praised for her ability to lead major genre projects while bringing depth to her characters. Her work in the ‘Fear Street’ films specifically provided a landmark moment for queer representation in teen horror.

Olivia Scott Welch

Welch starred alongside Kiana Madeira in the ‘Fear Street’ trilogy, playing the role of Sam Fraser. She also led the Amazon Prime series ‘Panic’, which explored high-stakes challenges in a small town. Welch has become a recognizable face in the young adult genre, often appearing in projects with cult followings. Her onscreen chemistry with her costars has made her a popular figure among fans of modern streaming cinema.

Sasha Lane

Lane made her professional acting debut in the critically acclaimed film ‘American Honey’. She entered the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the series ‘Loki’, playing the character Hunter C-20. Lane identifies as gay and has often spoken about her experiences with mental health and identity. Her unique career path and involvement in major franchises have made her an influential figure for younger audiences.

Tati Gabrielle

Gabrielle is well known for her roles in popular series such as ‘The 100’, ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’, and ‘You’. She also starred in the live-action film ‘Uncharted’ alongside Tom Holland. Gabrielle has been open about her fluid identity and her commitment to portraying strong, multi-dimensional characters. Her frequent appearances in supernatural and action-driven content have made her a household name for Gen Alpha.

Bex Taylor-Klaus

Taylor-Klaus gained recognition for their roles in the ‘Scream’ television series and the film ‘Dumplin”. They also provided the voice for Pidge in the popular animated series ‘Voltron: Legendary Defender’. Taylor-Klaus identifies as non-binary and trans masculine, and they have been a pioneer for gender-nonconforming representation. Their work in animation and teen dramas has helped them connect with a broad range of younger viewers.

Lachlan Watson

Watson became one of the youngest non-binary actors in Hollywood during their time on ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’. They portrayed the character Theo Putnam, whose transition was a central part of the show’s narrative. Watson has also appeared in the horror series ‘Chucky’, continuing their work in the genre. They are recognized for their advocacy and for sharing their personal journey with gender identity openly.

Emma Corrin

Corrin rose to international fame for their portrayal of Princess Diana in the fourth season of ‘The Crown’. They identify as non-binary and have become a fashion icon known for challenging traditional gender norms. Corrin recently entered the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the villain Cassandra Nova in ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’. Their ability to move between prestige drama and blockbuster action has garnered them significant attention.

Ayo Edebiri

Edebiri is an actress and comedian who gained immense popularity for her role as Sydney Adamu in ‘The Bear’. She also voiced characters in ‘Big Mouth’ and starred in the queer teen comedy ‘Bottoms’. Edebiri has been open about her queer identity and is celebrated for her sharp comedic timing and relatable screen presence. Her rapid rise in both television and film has made her a standout figure for the current generation.

Kiersey Clemons

Clemons first gained attention for her role in the independent film ‘Dope’ and has since appeared in major projects like ‘The Flash’. She has worked extensively in both film and television, including the series ‘Transparent’ and ‘Swarm’. Clemons identifies as queer and has been an advocate for more inclusive casting in Hollywood. Her involvement in superhero franchises and indie hits showcases her wide-ranging appeal.

Barbie Ferreira

Ferreira became a breakout star for her portrayal of Kat Hernandez in the HBO series ‘Euphoria’. She began her career as a model, advocating for body positivity and diverse representation in the fashion world. Ferreira identifies as queer and has used her social media presence to connect with fans on issues of identity and self-image. Her bold fashion choices and authentic persona have made her a significant influence on Gen Alpha.

Natalie Morales

Morales is a versatile actress known for her roles in ‘Parks and Recreation’, ‘Dead to Me’, and the film ‘No Hard Feelings’. She came out as queer in 2017 through an emotional essay, aiming to provide visibility for others in the industry. Morales has also directed films, including the teen comedy ‘Plan B’. Her long-standing career in comedy and her recent high-profile roles have kept her in the spotlight for younger viewers.

Shannon Purser

Purser became an overnight 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 appeared in the series ‘Riverdale’. Purser came out as bisexual in 2017 and has been vocal about the importance of self-acceptance. Her relatability and presence in some of the most popular shows of the decade have made her a favorite among Gen Alpha.

Lili Reinhart

Reinhart gained global fame for her portrayal of Betty Cooper in the long-running series ‘Riverdale’. She has also starred in films such as ‘Hustlers’ and ‘Look Both Ways’. Reinhart came out as bisexual in 2020 and has been an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness. Her transparency regarding her personal struggles and her identity has fostered a strong connection with her younger fanbase.

Tessa Thompson

Thompson is a major star known for her roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Valkyrie and the ‘Creed’ franchise. She has consistently championed for more diversity and queer representation within the superhero genre. Thompson has spoken openly about her attraction to both men and women, identifying as bisexual. her work in blockbuster films and independent projects like ‘Passing’ demonstrates her incredible range as an actress.

Janelle Monáe

Monáe is a world-renowned singer and actress who has starred in films like ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘Glass Onion’. They identify as non-binary and pansexual, often using their art to explore themes of identity and futurism. Monáe’s performance in the ‘Knives Out’ sequel was a significant hit with audiences across all demographics. Their unique style and commitment to authenticity have made them a powerful icon for the LGBTQ+ community.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

Rodriguez made history as the first transgender actress to win a Golden Globe for her role in ‘Pose’. She has since expanded her career with a lead role in the comedy series ‘Loot’ alongside Maya Rudolph. Rodriguez is also a talented singer, releasing music that celebrates her journey and identity. Her trailblazing achievements in television have paved the way for future generations of transgender performers.

Indya Moore

Moore rose to prominence for their portrayal of Angel Evangelista in the FX series ‘Pose’. They have since appeared in major projects like ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’ and the horror film ‘Escape Room: Tournament of Champions’. Moore identifies as non-binary and transgender, using their platform to advocate for marginalized communities. Their work in both prestige drama and action cinema has earned them international recognition.

Dominique Provost-Chalkley

Provost-Chalkley is best known for her role as Waverly Earp in the cult-favorite series ‘Wynonna Earp’. Her character’s queer romance on the show became a landmark for representation in the sci-fi and fantasy genres. Provost-Chalkley came out as queer in 2020 and has since focused on projects that promote wellness and community. Her dedicated fanbase, often referred to as Earpers, remains highly active on social media.

Javicia Leslie

Leslie made headlines as the first Black actress to portray Batwoman in the titular CW series. She previously starred in the series ‘God Friended Me’ and has appeared in various independent films. Leslie identifies as bisexual and has spoken about the honor of representing both the Black and LGBTQ+ communities as a superhero. Her role in the ‘Arrowverse’ provided an important milestone for inclusive casting in television.

Mary Wiseman

Wiseman is recognized for her role as Sylvia Tilly in the series ‘Star Trek: Discovery’. Her character is known for her intelligence and optimism, becoming a fan favorite within the ‘Star Trek’ franchise. Wiseman identifies as queer and has discussed how her identity informs her approach to her work. Her presence in a legendary science fiction series has allowed her to reach a wide and diverse audience.

Mishel Prada

Prada gained significant attention for her lead role as Emma Hernandez in the critically acclaimed series ‘Vida’. She later joined the cast of ‘Riverdale’ as Hermosa Lodge and starred in ‘The Continental’. Prada has been an advocate for Latinx and LGBTQ+ visibility in the entertainment industry throughout her career. Her work often focuses on complex family dynamics and the exploration of cultural identity.

Ser Anzoategui

Anzoategui is a non-binary actor known for their breakout role as Eddy in the series ‘Vida’. They have also appeared in shows like ‘Shameless’ and ‘Better Things’, bringing a unique perspective to their characters. Anzoategui is a playwright and activist who focuses on gender-nonconforming representation and social justice. Their work on ‘Vida’ was particularly influential in its depiction of queer Latinx life.

Vico Ortiz

Ortiz is a non-binary actor and drag performer who gained fame for their role as Jim in ‘Our Flag Means Death’. Their character’s journey on the show was celebrated for its nuanced and positive portrayal of a non-binary identity. Ortiz is also known for their work as a drag king and for their activism within the Puerto Rican community. Their charismatic screen presence has made them a standout star in the world of streaming comedy.

Brianne Tju

Tju is a talented actress known for her roles in the horror genre, including ‘Light as a Feather’ and ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’. She has become a recognizable face for younger viewers who enjoy suspense and thriller series. Tju has been open about her identity and her support for the LGBTQ+ community through her social media platforms. Her consistent work in teen-oriented content has established her as a prominent figure for Gen Alpha.

Anjelica Bette Fellini

Fellini gained popularity for her role as Blair Wesley in the Netflix series ‘Teenage Bounty Hunters’. She also appeared in the film ‘The French Dispatch’ and the series ‘The Gifted’. Fellini identifies as queer and has shared her experiences with identity and creativity in various interviews. Her performance in ‘Teenage Bounty Hunters’ was praised for its comedic timing and its exploration of teenage self-discovery.

Maddie Hasson

Hasson starred alongside Anjelica Bette Fellini in ‘Teenage Bounty Hunters’, playing the role of Sterling Wesley. She is also known for her work in the horror film ‘Malignant’ and the series ‘Impulse’. Hasson identifies as queer and has been an active supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. Her ability to navigate both intense drama and lighthearted comedy has made her a versatile performer for modern audiences.

Devery Jacobs

Jacobs is a Mohawk actress known for her leading role in the critically acclaimed series ‘Reservation Dogs’. She also joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the series ‘Echo’, providing a voice for Indigenous and queer representation. Jacobs identifies as queer and has been a vocal advocate for Indigenous rights and authentic storytelling. Her work as both an actress and a writer has made her a significant creative force in the industry.

Alexandra Shipp

Shipp is well known for her role as Storm in the ‘X-Men’ franchise and for her performance in ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’. She recently appeared in the hit romantic comedy ‘Anyone But You’ alongside Sydney Sweeney. Shipp came out as queer in 2021, sharing a message of self-love and pride with her followers. Her involvement in major musical and superhero films has solidified her status as a favorite among younger viewers.

Ruby Rose

Rose became an international icon following her role as Stella Carlin in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She went on to star as the lead in the first season of ‘Batwoman’, making her a prominent figure in the superhero genre. Rose identifies as lesbian and genderfluid, and she has been a pioneer for gender-neutral fashion and identity. Her bold career choices and high-profile action roles have made her a recognizable figure for Gen Alpha.

Aubrey Plaza

Plaza has become a household name known for her deadpan delivery in the sitcom ‘Parks and Recreation’. She recently joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the series ‘Agatha All Along’, reaching a new demographic of younger viewers. Plaza has spoken openly about her bisexuality in various interviews, contributing to her status as a queer icon. Her career spans both independent films and major franchise projects, showcasing her versatility as a performer.

Please share your thoughts on these talented performers and their impact in the comments.