LGBTQ+ Actresses No One Hates

From Oscar winners to boundary-pushing TV stars, these actresses have been open about their LGBTQ+ identities while building impressive, wide-ranging careers. Below are quick, fact-focused snapshots—work highlights, public statements, and advocacy—so you can see what each has done on and off screen.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster is an Academy Award–winning actress and director who publicly acknowledged her sexuality in a 2013 speech. Her film credits include ‘The Silence of the Lambs’, ‘Taxi Driver’, and ‘Contact’. She has also directed features and TV, including episodes of ‘Black Mirror’. Foster has long supported LGBTQ+ visibility in the industry and has spoken about privacy and representation in multiple interviews.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart has identified as queer and has discussed her relationships with women in press interviews. She earned acclaim for ‘Spencer’ and leads the thriller ‘Personal Shopper’, with early fame from ‘The Twilight Saga’. Stewart has produced and directed short-form projects and a documentary series focused on paranormal investigation. She frequently collaborates on independent cinema while appearing in studio features like ‘Charlie’s Angels’.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson, who identifies as queer, is known for her anthology work in ‘American Horror Story’ and her Emmy-winning turn in ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story’. Her film roles include ‘Carol’, ‘Ocean’s 8’, and ‘Run’. Paulson has been outspoken about LGBTQ+ inclusion and the value of authentic casting. She also performs on stage and supports arts education initiatives.

Holland Taylor

Holland Taylor is an Emmy winner recognized for ‘The Practice’ and ‘Two and a Half Men’. She has spoken publicly about her relationship with Sarah Paulson and her sexuality. Taylor is also a playwright, known for her solo show about Texas Governor Ann Richards. Her film and limited-series credits span decades, including appearances in ‘Legally Blonde’ and ‘Hollywood’.

Niecy Nash-Betts

Niecy Nash has identified as queer and married musician Jessica Betts in 2020. Her major roles include ‘Claws’, ‘Scream Queens’, and ‘Reno 911!’. Nash earned critical praise for ‘Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’, receiving awards recognition. She often discusses LGBTQ+ visibility and the importance of living authentically in interviews and public appearances.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon identifies as queer and has been a prominent LGBTQ+ rights advocate in New York. She is widely known for ‘Sex and the City’ and its sequel series ‘And Just Like That…’. Nixon’s stage work includes a Tony Award for ‘Rabbit Hole’. She has engaged in political activism, including a 2018 gubernatorial campaign focused on education and equality.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox is a trans woman whose breakout role in ‘Orange Is the New Black’ brought historic awards nominations for a transgender performer. She has produced documentaries such as ‘Disclosure’, highlighting transgender representation in media. Cox speaks frequently about trans rights, health care access, and workplace inclusion. She also hosts red-carpet coverage and appears in film and television projects across genres.

Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer, a trans woman, is known for her role in ‘Euphoria’. Before acting, she gained recognition as a fashion model and activist challenging anti-trans legislation. Schafer has screenwriting and co-story credits on ‘Euphoria’, reflecting creative input behind the camera. She continues to work in film, including projects in the thriller and fantasy spaces.

Samira Wiley

Samira Wiley is openly queer and known for ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’, earning an Emmy for the latter. She has narrated audiobooks and performed in theater productions. Wiley often participates in campaigns supporting LGBTQ+ youth and anti-bullying initiatives. She has discussed the importance of community and visibility in interviews.

Stephanie Beatriz

Stephanie Beatriz is a bisexual actress noted for playing Detective Rosa Diaz in ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’, where the character also came out as bisexual. She voices Mirabel in Disney’s ‘Encanto’ and has appeared in ‘In the Heights’. Beatriz supports LGBTQ+ and immigration-related causes, using social media to share resources. She has spoken about bi visibility and authentic storytelling in comedy and animation.

Kate McKinnon

Kate McKinnon is an openly gay actress and comedian best known for ‘Saturday Night Live’, where she portrayed a wide range of characters. Her film credits include ‘Ghostbusters’ and ‘Bombshell’. McKinnon has received multiple Emmys for her sketch work. She has participated in events that spotlight LGBTQ+ history and representation in comedy.

Jane Lynch

Jane Lynch, who is openly lesbian, gained widespread recognition for ‘Glee’, winning both Emmy and Golden Globe awards. She has hosted game shows and appeared in mockumentaries like ‘Best in Show’. Lynch performs in stage productions and concerts, including cabaret engagements. She supports LGBTQ+ organizations through fundraising and public advocacy.

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin is a lesbian actress and comedian whose career spans film, television, and Broadway. She co-starred in ‘Grace and Frankie’ and earned an Oscar nomination for ‘Nashville’. Tomlin has collaborated extensively with wife and writer Jane Wagner, including the stage hit ‘The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe’. She supports arts education and LGBTQ+ initiatives nationwide.

Megan Fox

Megan Fox has publicly identified as bisexual in interviews. Her film work includes ‘Jennifer’s Body’, ‘Transformers’, and ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’. Fox has produced and starred in independent thrillers and action projects. She discusses industry expectations and personal identity in media profiles and public appearances.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson has discussed attraction to multiple genders and identifies as queer. She is known for roles in ‘Creed’, ‘Thor: Ragnarok’, and ‘Sorry to Bother You’. Thompson serves as a producer on select projects, supporting emerging voices. She has participated in campaigns promoting voter engagement and inclusive storytelling.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg identifies as gay and non-binary and uses she/they pronouns. Her screen work includes ‘The Hate U Give’ and the series ‘The Acolyte’. Stenberg frequently addresses intersectionality, youth activism, and creative autonomy in interviews and essays. She has also worked as a musician and publishes original songs.

Evan Rachel Wood

Evan Rachel Wood is a bisexual actress known for ‘Westworld’ and ‘Thirteen’. She has testified publicly about domestic-violence legislation and co-founded an advocacy organization supporting survivors. Wood performs as a singer and appears in film, television, and stage productions. She has discussed bi visibility and industry change in panels and press.

Cara Delevingne

Cara Delevingne identifies as queer and has discussed relationships with multiple genders. She transitioned from modeling to acting, with roles in ‘Paper Towns’, ‘Carnival Row’, and ‘Only Murders in the Building’. Delevingne advocates for mental-health awareness and LGBTQ+ support services. She continues to work across fashion, music, and screen projects.

Ruby Rose

Ruby Rose is genderfluid and has acted in series and films including ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and ‘Batwoman’. She gained early prominence as a MTV VJ and model before moving into acting and DJ work. Rose has spoken widely about gender identity and LGBTQ+ youth support. She participates in campaigns addressing bullying and mental-health resources.

Lily Gladstone

Lily Gladstone uses she/they pronouns and has discussed being bisexual and connected to Two-Spirit traditions. She earned major awards recognition for ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ and appears in independent features and television. Gladstone frequently highlights Native representation and language preservation in interviews. She also supports initiatives for Indigenous storytelling and community arts programs.

Portia de Rossi

Portia de Rossi is openly gay and has spoken about her marriage to Ellen DeGeneres and the importance of LGBTQ+ visibility. She starred in ‘Arrested Development’ and ‘Ally McBeal’, earning praise for comedic and dramatic work. De Rossi founded an art company focused on 3D-printed sculptures and supports animal welfare causes. She has discussed industry pressures and personal health in candid interviews.

Gillian Anderson

Gillian Anderson has said she has had relationships with women and identifies as bisexual. She is known globally for ‘The X-Files’ and earned major awards for ‘The Crown’. Anderson’s film work includes ‘The House of Mirth’ and ‘The Last King of Scotland’. She supports charities addressing women’s rights, mental health, and LGBTQ+ inclusion.

Anna Paquin

Anna Paquin is an openly bisexual actress who won an Academy Award at a young age. She led ‘True Blood’ and appeared in ‘The Piano’ and the ‘X-Men’ franchise. Paquin has participated in campaigns supporting bisexual visibility and anti-bullying efforts. She produces independent projects with long-time collaborators.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza identifies as bisexual and has discussed her orientation in interviews. She is known for ‘Parks and Recreation’ and films like ‘Ingrid Goes West’ and ‘Emily the Criminal’. Plaza has produced projects and frequently appears in genre fare, including horror and thriller titles. She supports LGBTQ+ organizations and participates in film festival initiatives that uplift emerging voices.

Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore has described herself as having been in relationships with women and identifies as bisexual. Her acting career spans ‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial’, ‘The Wedding Singer’, and ‘Charlie’s Angels’. Barrymore hosts a daytime talk show and runs a beauty brand. She has supported LGBTQ+ youth charities and anti-bullying campaigns.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe identifies as non-binary and pansexual and has discussed her identity in multiple interviews. On screen, she has starred in ‘Hidden Figures’, ‘Moonlight’, and ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’. Monáe is also an acclaimed musician and author, using albums and performances to center queer narratives. She supports voting-rights groups and LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations.

Auliʻi Cravalho

Auliʻi Cravalho is openly bisexual and has discussed representation for young audiences. She voiced the title character in ‘Moana’ and starred in the series ‘The Power’. Cravalho engages with charities focused on girls’ education and Indigenous communities. She continues to work across voiceover, television, and film.

Rowan Blanchard

Rowan Blanchard identifies as queer and has spoken about activism and intersectional feminism. She gained recognition in ‘Girl Meets World’ and appeared in ‘Snowpiercer’. Blanchard writes essays and participates in panels on youth advocacy. She uses social platforms to highlight LGBTQ+ resources and community work.

Beanie Feldstein

Beanie Feldstein is openly queer and has starred in ‘Booksmart’ and ‘Lady Bird’. She earned a Tony nomination for ‘Funny Girl’ on Broadway. Feldstein supports mental-health and LGBTQ+ organizations through fundraising and public appearances. She collaborates frequently with women writers and directors on character-driven projects.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné is a lesbian actress known for ‘That’s So Raven’ and ‘Raven’s Home’. She has worked as a producer on family programming and reality projects. Raven advocates for LGBTQ+ youth and arts education. She discusses creative ownership and representation in interviews and live events.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah has acknowledged her long-term partner publicly and has supported LGBTQ+ causes throughout her career. She has starred in ‘Set It Off’, ‘Chicago’, and ‘The Equalizer’. Latifah is also a Grammy-winning musician and producer backing diverse storytellers. She contributes to community programs focused on health equity and education.

Tilda Swinton

Tilda Swinton has described herself in interviews as queer and open about fluidity in identity. She is known for ‘Michael Clayton’, ‘We Need to Talk About Kevin’, and ‘Doctor Strange’. Swinton collaborates with international auteurs and supports experimental film. She participates in arts education initiatives and festival programming.

Bella Thorne

Bella Thorne identifies as pansexual and has discussed her orientation across social platforms and interviews. She appeared in ‘The DUFF’, ‘Blended’, and various independent thrillers. Thorne writes and directs short-form projects and produces music. She supports organizations focused on mental health and LGBTQ+ youth resources.

Kiersey Clemons

Kiersey Clemons identifies as queer and is known for ‘Dope’, ‘Hearts Beat Loud’, and ‘The Flash’. She works in both studio and independent features, often taking music-forward roles. Clemons advocates for inclusive casting and access for underrepresented creators. She has participated in campaigns supporting LGBTQ+ youth shelters and arts programs.

Michelle Rodriguez

Michelle Rodriguez has publicly identified as bisexual. She is known for the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise, ‘Girlfight’, and ‘Avatar’. Rodriguez supports wildlife and environmental causes and speaks about authenticity in action roles. She has produced documentaries and indie projects highlighting travel and culture.

Rosario Dawson

Rosario Dawson has identified as part of the LGBTQ+ community and discussed past same-sex relationships. She has starred in ‘Rent’, ‘Sin City’, and ‘Ahsoka’. Dawson co-founded Voto Latino and supports housing and youth-focused charities. She produces projects centered on social impact and representation.

Indya Moore

Indya Moore is a trans and non-binary actor recognized for ‘Pose’. They are an advocate for trans rights, anti-violence initiatives, and economic access for marginalized communities. Moore models for major fashion houses and produces short-form storytelling. They speak often about safety, media accountability, and inclusive hiring.

Asia Kate Dillon

Asia Kate Dillon is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, known for roles in ‘Billions’ and ‘Orange Is the New Black’. They helped push awards bodies to examine gendered acting categories through open letters and interviews. Dillon supports organizations focused on LGBTQ+ equality and arts education. They also work as a director and producer on stage and screen.

Alexandra Shipp

Alexandra Shipp has come out publicly as part of the LGBTQ+ community. She is known for ‘Love, Simon’, ‘tick, tick… BOOM!’, and playing Storm in the ‘X-Men’ films. Shipp supports initiatives for young artists and mental-health awareness. She records music and collaborates on projects that center inclusive stories.

Sara Ramirez

Sara Ramirez is non-binary and bisexual, known for ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘And Just Like That…’. They have been active in fundraising and advocacy for LGBTQ+ youth, immigrants, and survivors of violence. Ramirez releases music that explores identity and empowerment. They speak frequently about representation and equitable workplaces in entertainment.

Share your picks in the comments and tell us who else you’d add to the list!