LGBT Actresses Who Broke the Hollywood Mold

Hollywood has long been an industry of strict archetypes and rigid expectations regarding gender and sexuality. A significant number of actresses challenged these norms by living authentically and choosing roles that defied conventions. These performers navigated a complex landscape to carve out space for LGBTQ+ representation on screen. Their contributions have helped shift the cultural conversation and paved the way for future generations of talent.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster transitioned from a prolific child star to an Academy Award winning actress and director. She maintained a high level of privacy regarding her personal life for decades before publicly acknowledging her sexuality. Her roles in films like ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ established her as a formidable talent capable of carrying complex narratives. Foster continues to influence the industry through her work behind and in front of the camera.

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin broke ground in comedy and drama while maintaining a decades-long partnership with Jane Wagner. She gained fame on ‘Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In’ before transitioning to a successful film career with hits like ‘9 to 5’. Her resurgence in the series ‘Grace and Frankie’ introduced her unique humor to a new generation of viewers. Tomlin has consistently proven that longevity in Hollywood is possible without compromising one’s identity.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson became a household name through her versatile performances in various Ryan Murphy productions. She earned critical acclaim for her portrayal of Marcia Clark in ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson’ and won an Emmy Award. Paulson is known for her high-profile relationship with Holland Taylor and lives openly in the public eye. Her career demonstrates that character actors can achieve leading lady status and mainstream success.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart skyrocketed to international fame with the ‘Twilight’ saga before pivoting to critically acclaimed independent films. She became the first American actress to win a Cesar Award for her role in ‘Clouds of Sils Maria’. Stewart has been open about her fluid sexuality and refuses to label herself for public consumption. Her portrayal of Princess Diana in ‘Spencer’ earned her an Academy Award nomination and solidified her status as a serious dramatic artist.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon is best known for her portrayal of Miranda Hobbes in the iconic series ‘Sex and the City’. She later transitioned into political activism and ran for Governor of New York while advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. Nixon identifies as queer and has been a vocal supporter of marriage equality. Her career path highlights the intersection of celebrity influence and civic engagement.

Jane Lynch

Jane Lynch redefined the character actress mold with her breakout role as Sue Sylvester in ‘Glee’. She brought a distinct comedic energy to Christopher Guest films such as ‘Best in Show’. Lynch has hosted game shows and award ceremonies while being openly gay throughout her mainstream rise. Her success proved that unique and non-conforming women could dominate network television.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes established herself as one of the funniest stand-up comics and writers in the entertainment industry. She came out publicly at a rally against a proposition banning same-sex marriage. Sykes has since created and starred in numerous projects including ‘The Upshaws’ while maintaining a prolific touring schedule. Her sharp wit and political commentary have made her a vital voice in modern comedy.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah transitioned from a groundbreaking hip-hop artist to a box office star and producer. She received an Oscar nomination for her role in ‘Chicago’ and starred in the hit sitcom ‘Living Single’. While she kept her personal life private for many years she has recently been more open about her partner and family. Latifah remains a powerful mogul who creates opportunities for diverse talent.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné grew up on television screens starting with ‘The Cosby Show’ and later her own Disney Channel series ‘That’s So Raven’. She publicly addressed her sexuality by tweeting about her ability to get married after legalization in the United States. She has since co-hosted ‘The View’ and returned to her sitcom roots. Her journey from child star to openly gay adult offered powerful representation for millennials.

Ariana DeBose

Ariana DeBose made history as the first Afro-Latina openly queer actress to win an Academy Award for acting. Her dynamic performance as Anita in Steven Spielberg’s ‘West Side Story’ showcased her triple-threat talents. She began her career in the ensemble of ‘Hamilton’ before breaking out into film. DeBose uses her platform to advocate for greater inclusion in the arts.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez became the first transgender actor to win a Golden Globe for her role in the drama series ‘Pose’. Her portrayal of house mother Blanca Evangelista brought heart and dignity to stories about the ballroom scene. Rodriguez has also showcased her singing ability and continues to break barriers in mainstream media. Her success signaled a major shift in how trans narratives are awarded and recognized.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox achieved a historic milestone as the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in an acting category. Her role as Sophia Burset in ‘Orange Is the New Black’ brought significant visibility to the transgender community. She consistently advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and highlights the struggles faced by trans women of color. Cox uses her platform to challenge industry standards and promote inclusivity in media.

Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer transitioned from high fashion modeling to acting with her debut in the HBO hit ‘Euphoria’. She co-wrote a special episode of the series that explored her character’s internal struggles with identity. Schafer has become a style icon and a voice for trans youth rights. Her rapid ascent proves that trans talent can lead major television franchises.

Bella Ramsey

Bella Ramsey gained immediate recognition for her scene-stealing role in ‘Game of Thrones’ before leading ‘The Last of Us’. She identifies as non-binary and has been open about her preference for gender-neutral pronouns. Her performance in ‘The Last of Us’ earned her critical acclaim and an Emmy nomination. Ramsey challenges traditional gender categorization in casting and award shows.

Emma Corrin

Emma Corrin captured global attention with their portrayal of Princess Diana in ‘The Crown’. They identify as non-binary and have appeared on magazine covers discussing the nuances of gender identity. Corrin continues to take on diverse roles in theater and film that challenge perception. Their visibility helps normalize non-binary identities in high-prestige dramas.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg has been a vocal advocate for intersectional feminism and queer identity since her breakout in ‘The Hunger Games’. She starred in ‘The Hate U Give’ and ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’ while continuously discussing her non-binary and gay identity. Stenberg selects projects that often tackle social issues and youth culture. She represents a generation of actors who refuse to separate their art from their activism.

Cara Delevingne

Cara Delevingne successfully pivoted from being a supermodel to starring in films like ‘Paper Towns’ and ‘Suicide Squad’. She identifies as pansexual and has been candid about her relationships with women in the public eye. Delevingne often plays characters that challenge traditional femininity. Her openness about mental health and sexuality has resonated with young fans worldwide.

Ruby Rose

Ruby Rose burst onto the international scene with her role in ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and quickly became a symbol of gender fluidity. She starred as the lead in the television series ‘Batwoman’ which featured a lesbian superhero. Rose has starred in various action films including ‘John Wick: Chapter 2’. Her androgynous aesthetic challenged the typical look of a Hollywood leading lady.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson has built a diverse filmography ranging from indie hits like ‘Dear White People’ to blockbusters like ‘Thor: Ragnarok’. She is open about her bisexuality and often advocates for queer representation in major franchises. Thompson plays the Marvel character Valkyrie who is canonically queer in the comic books and films. Her production company works to amplify underrepresented voices in cinema.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe began as a musician with a futuristic android persona before delivering acclaimed acting performances in ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Hidden Figures’. She identifies as non-binary and pansexual and frequently incorporates these themes into her art. Her role in ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’ further cemented her status as a versatile movie star. Monáe consistently blurs the lines between masculine and feminine energy.

Stephanie Beatriz

Stephanie Beatriz is best known for playing the tough detective Rosa Diaz on ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. She influenced the writers to make her character bisexual to mirror her own real-life identity. Beatriz also provided the voice for the lead character in Disney’s ‘Encanto’. Her work has significantly increased bisexual visibility on network television.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza cultivated a cult following with her deadpan performance in ‘Parks and Recreation’. She has since starred in films like ‘Ingrid Goes West’ and the series ‘The White Lotus’. Plaza is openly bisexual and brings a chaotic and unique energy to every role she inhabits. Her career defies genre categorization and embraces the unconventional.

Kate McKinnon

Kate McKinnon became the standout star of ‘Saturday Night Live’ during her tenure on the show. She is the first openly lesbian cast member to be hired and went on to win multiple Emmy Awards. McKinnon starred in the ‘Ghostbusters’ reboot and ‘Barbie’ while bringing a queer sensibility to her comedy. She proved that openly gay women could be the face of American sketch comedy.

Sara Gilbert

Sara Gilbert grew up on screen as Darlene Conner in ‘Roseanne’ and later reprised the role in ‘The Conners’. She created and co-hosted the daytime talk show ‘The Talk’ which ran for over a decade. Gilbert has been out for many years and often discusses her family life on television. Her contribution to daytime TV brought a lesbian perspective to millions of homes daily.

Samira Wiley

Samira Wiley gained fame as Poussey Washington in ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and later starred in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. She won an Emmy Award for her dramatic work and is a prominent figure in LGBTQ+ media. Wiley is married to a writer she met on the set of her breakout show. Her visibility as a queer Black woman in prestige television has been impactful.

Niecy Nash-Betts

Niecy Nash-Betts built a career in comedy with ‘Reno 911!’ before delivering powerful dramatic performances in ‘When They See Us’ and ‘Dahmer’. She surprised fans by marrying musician Jessica Betts and opening up about her fluid sexuality. Nash-Betts continues to work prolifically in both television and film. Her journey highlights that self-discovery can happen at any stage of life.

Clea DuVall

Clea DuVall became a queer icon in the 90s with her role in the satire ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’. She has worked steadily as an actress in films like ‘Argo’ and shows like ‘Veep’. DuVall transitioned to directing with the holiday rom-com ‘Happiest Season’ which centered on a lesbian couple. She focuses on creating the kind of mainstream queer stories she wished she had growing up.

Fiona Shaw

Fiona Shaw is a legendary stage and screen actress known for her role as Petunia Dursley in ‘Harry Potter’. She gained a new legion of fans with her performance in the spy thriller ‘Killing Eve’. Shaw is openly gay and brings a fierce intelligence to her characters. Her career spans decades of acclaimed work in the United Kingdom and Hollywood.

Miriam Margolyes

Miriam Margolyes is a veteran British character actress known for ‘The Age of Innocence’ and the ‘Harry Potter’ franchise. She has been with her female partner for over fifty years and is known for her unfiltered storytelling. Margolyes became an internet sensation for her candid talk show appearances. She has lived authentically for decades regardless of industry pressures.

Holland Taylor

Holland Taylor is an Emmy-winning actress known for ‘The Practice’ and ‘Two and a Half Men’. She publicly discussed her relationship with Sarah Paulson in her seventies. Taylor continues to work in high-profile projects like ‘The Morning Show’. Her openness later in life challenges ageist and heteronormative assumptions in Hollywood.

Portia de Rossi

Portia de Rossi starred in the legal drama ‘Ally McBeal’ and the cult comedy ‘Arrested Development’. She faced intense media scrutiny before coming out and marrying Ellen DeGeneres. De Rossi wrote a memoir detailing her struggles with eating disorders and the pressure to remain closeted. She eventually retired from acting to focus on business and philanthropy.

Lea DeLaria

Lea DeLaria was the first openly gay comic to appear on a late-night talk show in America. She achieved mainstream acting success as Big Boo in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. DeLaria has spent her entire career refusing to tone down her butch identity. She remains a vocal activist and a pioneer for masculine-presenting women in entertainment.

Rosie O’Donnell

Rosie O’Donnell broke barriers with her popular daytime talk show and roles in films like ‘A League of Their Own’. She used her platform to advocate for gay adoption rights and famously came out during the height of her fame. O’Donnell has returned to acting in series like ‘SMILF’ and ‘The L Word: Generation Q’. Her candor changed the landscape of daytime television.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie was open about her bisexuality early in her career and spoke frequently about her attraction to women. She became one of the biggest action stars in the world with films like ‘Tomb Raider’ and ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’. Jolie transitioned into directing and humanitarian work while maintaining A-list status. Her refusal to hide her past relationships set a precedent for honesty in the early 2000s.

Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore overcame a troubled childhood to become a beloved actress and producer. She has stated in interviews that she considers herself bisexual and has always loved women. Barrymore produced and starred in hits like ‘Charlie’s Angels’ and ‘Never Been Kissed’. She now hosts a successful daytime talk show where she connects with guests through her empathetic style.

Anna Paquin

Anna Paquin won an Academy Award as a child for ‘The Piano’ and starred in the ‘X-Men’ franchise. She came out as bisexual in a public service announcement for LGBT equality. Paquin has starred in series like ‘True Blood’ and ‘Flack’. She frequently speaks out against bisexual erasure and asserts the validity of her identity within a monogamous marriage.

Evan Rachel Wood

Evan Rachel Wood transitioned from a teen actress in ‘Thirteen’ to a dramatic lead in ‘Westworld’. She came out as bisexual on Twitter and has been a fierce advocate for survivors of domestic violence. Wood selects roles that often explore trauma and resilience. Her activism is deeply intertwined with her public persona.

Michelle Rodriguez

Michelle Rodriguez became the premier female action star of her generation through the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise. She came out as bisexual in an interview and expressed a desire to be honest about her life. Rodriguez consistently plays tough and independent characters in films like ‘Avatar’ and ‘Dungeons & Dragons’. She challenges the industry to write better roles for women in action.

Maria Bello

Maria Bello is known for her roles in ‘A History of Violence’ and ‘Coyote Ugly’. She wrote a modern love column for the New York Times about her partnership with a woman. Bello published a book titled ‘Whatever…Love Is Love’ that explored labels and fluid families. She continues to act and produce content that reflects modern relationship dynamics.

Tilda Swinton

Tilda Swinton is an Academy Award winner known for her avant-garde fashion and roles in films like ‘Michael Clayton’. She has described her sexuality and gender in fluid terms and often plays androgynous characters. Swinton starred as the gender-shifting protagonist in ‘Orlando’. Her career is defined by a complete disregard for traditional Hollywood limitations.

Kiersey Clemons

Kiersey Clemons broke out in the film ‘Dope’ and has since appeared in ‘Hearts Beat Loud’ and ‘The Flash’. She identifies as queer and prioritizes roles that offer authentic representation. Clemons brings a natural charisma to both indie dramas and studio blockbusters. She represents the new wave of talent that sees queerness as an asset rather than a hindrance.

Alexandra Shipp

Alexandra Shipp starred as Storm in the ‘X-Men’ films and appeared in the gay teen romance ‘Love, Simon’. She publicly came out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community in an emotional Instagram post. Shipp has discussed the relief of living her truth while navigating the film industry. She continues to take on diverse roles in films like ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’.

Alia Shawkat

Alia Shawkat is best known for her role as Maeby Fünke in ‘Arrested Development’. She has carved out a career in independent films and starred in the series ‘Search Party’. Shawkat has identified as bisexual and creates art that explores complex female perspectives. Her work is characterized by a unique and offbeat sensibility.

Abbi Jacobson

Abbi Jacobson co-created and starred in the hit comedy series ‘Broad City’. She voiced the lead character in the animated film ‘The Mitchells vs. the Machines’ which featured a queer protagonist. Jacobson reimagined ‘A League of Their Own’ as a series that centered on the queer history of the baseball league. She is engaged to actress Jodi Balfour.

Dove Cameron

Dove Cameron began her career as a dual-role lead on the Disney Channel series ‘Liv and Maddie’. She later came out as queer and released music that explores her sexuality. Cameron starred in the musical parody series ‘Schmigadoon!’ and continues to act in film. She uses her massive social media following to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.

Marlene Dietrich

Marlene Dietrich challenged traditional gender roles during the Golden Age of Hollywood through her androgynous style and on-screen personas. She notably wore a tuxedo and kissed another woman in the film ‘Morocco’ which was a daring move for the 1930s. Her bisexuality was an open secret in Hollywood circles despite the strict moral codes of the era. Dietrich remains an enduring icon for her refusal to conform to the expectations of her time.

Greta Garbo

Greta Garbo was one of the most enigmatic and successful stars of the silent and early sound eras. Historians and biographers have extensively documented her relationships with women. She retired early from the screen and lived a fiercely private life away from the Hollywood machine. Garbo’s legacy is defined by her incredible talent and her resistance to the studio system’s control over her personal life.

Dominique Jackson

Dominique Jackson brought the ballroom scene to life as Elektra Abundance in the series ‘Pose’. She is a trans woman who overcame homelessness and rejection to become a model and actress. Jackson published a memoir detailing her journey and the importance of self-belief. Her commanding screen presence has opened doors for trans women in fashion and television.

Indya Moore

Indya Moore gained recognition for their role as Angel Evangelista in ‘Pose’. They became the first trans and non-binary person to cover Elle magazine. Moore uses their platform to advocate for marginalized communities and challenge the fashion industry’s binary standards. Their work transcends acting to include significant activism and modeling.

Lily-Rose Depp

Lily-Rose Depp has built a career in both French and American cinema with films like ‘The King’ and the series ‘The Idol’. She has stated that she prefers not to label her sexuality and believes sexuality is a spectrum. Depp is a Chanel brand ambassador and follows in the footsteps of her famous parents. Her approach to privacy and labeling reflects the attitudes of Gen Z.

Tell us which of these actresses has inspired you the most by sharing your thoughts in the comments.