LGBTQ+ Actors Who Are Into Spiritual Stuff

In an industry defined by superficiality and intense scrutiny, many performers seek refuge in practices that ground them and offer a sense of higher purpose. LGBTQ+ male actors often turn to various forms of spirituality to navigate the complexities of fame and the personal challenges associated with living authentically. These stars utilize tools ranging from ancient Buddhist chants to modern astrology apps to maintain their mental and emotional well-being. By prioritizing their inner lives, they demonstrate that true power comes from a connection to something greater than the entertainment business.

RuPaul

Most famous for hosting ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’, this multimedia mogul has long advocated for the power of spiritual wellness and metaphysics. He frequently cites the teachings of Eckhart Tolle and the importance of understanding one’s own ego to achieve inner peace. RuPaul often discusses the concept of the “Universe” guiding one’s path and uses meditation to maintain his composure amidst a busy career. His approach combines drag culture with a serious dedication to self-love and higher consciousness.

George Takei

Best known for his role as Sulu in ‘Star Trek’, George Takei has been a practicing Buddhist for his entire life. He follows the traditions of both Zen and Shin Buddhism, which were passed down from his parents and sustained him during his time in Japanese American internment camps. Takei and his husband were even married in a ceremony officiated by a Buddhist priest at the Japanese American National Museum. He frequently speaks about how these spiritual principles guide his activism and daily life.

Ricky Martin

The acclaimed singer and actor, who starred in ‘The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story’, has traveled extensively to India to explore his spirituality. He practices Kriya Yoga and has spoken about the profound impact of silence and meditation on his mental health. Martin identifies as spiritual rather than religious, drawing heavily from Buddhist philosophies to navigate the pressures of fame. He credits these practices with helping him find balance as a father and performer.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer, known for his roles in ‘White Collar’ and ‘The Normal Heart’, is a dedicated practitioner of Transcendental Meditation. He discovered the practice in his early twenties and credits it with helping him manage the stress of his acting career and personal life. Bomer supports the David Lynch Foundation, an organization dedicated to bringing this meditation technique to vulnerable populations. He often speaks about how 20 minutes of meditation helps him reset and stay grounded.

Jonathan Groff

Tony Award winner and star of ‘Mindhunter’, Jonathan Groff turned to Transcendental Meditation to cope with the overwhelming demands of Broadway and television schedules. He has described the practice as a practical tool that allows him to disconnect and recharge his creative energy. Groff finds that this specific form of meditation helps him maintain focus during intense production runs. It has become a non-negotiable part of his daily routine for mental clarity.

Billy Porter

The ‘Pose’ star grew up in the Pentecostal church but eventually distanced himself to find a spiritual path that embraced his identity. Porter now distinguishes between religion, which he views as man-made, and spirituality, which he considers divine and inclusive. He often speaks about the power of “Spirit” and creative energy in his work as an actor and director. His memoir details this journey from religious trauma to a liberated, spiritual existence.

Colman Domingo

Oscar-nominated actor Colman Domingo incorporates mindfulness and reflection into his daily life to balance his explosive career. He collaborated with the meditation app Calm to narrate a “Sleep Story” titled ‘The Art of Presence’, which guides listeners through a meditative journey. Domingo emphasizes the importance of journaling and finding quiet moments to process emotions and creativity. His spiritual approach focuses on being present and available to the artistic moment.

Ncuti Gatwa

The ‘Doctor Who’ and ‘Sex Education’ star is a self-proclaimed astrology enthusiast who relies on the stars for guidance. Gatwa checks astrology apps daily to understand the cosmic climate and how it might affect his interactions and mood. He has openly discussed his Libra sun and Scorpio rising placements, using them to explain his personality traits and acting choices. This cosmic framework provides him with a sense of structure and understanding in a chaotic industry.

John Cameron Mitchell

The creator and star of ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’ has long been associated with the Radical Faeries, a counter-cultural spiritual movement for queer men. His work often explores themes of spiritual searching, sex magic, and the creation of alternative communities. Mitchell views his artistic output as a form of spiritual expression, often referring to his home and creative spaces as temples of art. He blends pagan sensibilities with a punk-rock ethos to create a unique spiritual identity.

Wilson Cruz

Known for ‘My So-Called Life’ and ‘Star Trek: Discovery’, Wilson Cruz is a practitioner of Nichiren Buddhism. He chants “Nam-myoho-renge-kyo” as part of his daily practice to bring forth courage and wisdom. Cruz has credited this spiritual discipline with helping him navigate the ups and downs of Hollywood and his advocacy work. He frequently shares quotes and wisdom from his Buddhist mentors on social media.

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto, famous for playing Spock in ‘Star Trek’, engages in various grounding practices including the use of crystals and playing the banjo as a meditative tool. He has spoken about the importance of disconnecting from technology to reconnect with oneself and the energy of the world. Quinto values spiritual exploration and has been open about his journey toward self-acceptance and mindfulness. His interests lean toward the metaphysical and the importance of maintaining an energetic balance.

Keiynan Lonsdale

The ‘Love, Simon’ and ‘The Flash’ actor is very vocal about his spiritual journey, often discussing energy work and the power of crystals. Lonsdale, who also releases music under the moniker “Rainbow Boy”, views his art as a spiritual transmission intended to heal and inspire. He advocates for a fluid approach to identity and spirituality that rejects rigid labels. His social media often features messages about vibration, love, and higher consciousness.

Nico Tortorella

Star of ‘Younger’, Nico Tortorella is deeply immersed in indigenous spiritual practices, tarot, and investigating the sacredness of gender fluidity. They view their non-binary identity as a spiritual state and have written extensively about the connections between sexuality and the divine. Tortorella performs tarot readings and often speaks about the importance of connecting with the earth and ancestral wisdom. Their marriage is also framed through a lens of polyamorous spiritual partnership.

Alan Cumming

Scottish actor Alan Cumming practices meditation and promotes mindfulness as a way to handle his energetic lifestyle. He famously collaborated with Virgin Atlantic to create a “Zen Den” for their airport lounges, recording a guided meditation to help travelers relax. Cumming values the connection between nature and mental health, often retreating to his country home to recharge. His spirituality is practical, focused on kindness, presence, and mental well-being.

Lee Pace

‘Foundation’ and ‘The Hobbit’ actor Lee Pace finds his spirituality in nature and conservation. He built a farm from the ground up, an experience he describes as connecting him to the rhythms of the earth and life itself. Pace serves on the board of Conservation International, viewing the protection of nature as a moral and spiritual imperative. His social media reflects a deep, meditative communion with the outdoors and the cosmos.

Cheyenne Jackson

For ‘American Horror Story’ actor Cheyenne Jackson, spirituality played a crucial role in his recovery from addiction. He frequently refers to a “God of his understanding” that helped him achieve and maintain sobriety. Jackson grew up in a religious household and has reconnected with a sense of faith that is personal and affirming rather than restrictive. He finds spiritual solace in music, often singing hymns and gospel songs that remind him of his roots.

Boy George

The Culture Club icon and occasional actor has a well-documented history with the Hare Krishna movement. He wrote the song ‘Bow Down Mister’ as a tribute to the movement and has maintained a connection to its chanting and philosophies. Boy George credits these spiritual practices with helping him stay sober and grounded after years of turbulence. He continues to explore various spiritual avenues that promote peace and self-awareness.

Olly Alexander

Star of ‘It’s a Sin’, Olly Alexander has expressed a fascination with modern witchcraft and tarot. He has described himself as a “real-life witch” in interviews, noting his interest in casting spells and using crystals for protection and clarity. Alexander uses these practices to navigate anxiety and the pressures of being a pop culture figure. His spirituality is playful yet meaningful, offering him a sense of control and magic.

BD Wong

Tony Award winner BD Wong has lent his voice to spiritual texts, including narrating audiobooks for the Dalai Lama. He has spoken about the intersection of social justice, identity, and the human spirit in various lectures. Wong actively participates in community building which he views through a lens of compassion and ethical responsibility. His work often reflects a deep consideration of the human condition and interconnectedness.

Leslie Jordan

The late ‘Will & Grace’ actor found a spiritual renaissance later in life through the gospel music of his youth. Despite a complicated history with the Southern Baptist church, Jordan released the album ‘Company’s Comin’’, featuring hymns that brought him comfort and joy. He viewed his ability to bring laughter to millions during the pandemic as a spiritual service. Jordan famously stated that “religion is for people afraid of going to hell, spirituality is for those who have already been there.”

What are your thoughts on how spirituality influences creativity? Share your experiences in the comments.