LGBTQ+ Actresses Who Came Out and Soared

The landscape of the entertainment industry has shifted dramatically regarding how openness about sexuality impacts a career in the limelight. Many talented performers have chosen to live their truth publicly while continuing to achieve critical acclaim and massive box office success. These women prove that authenticity can actually enhance their connection with global audiences rather than hinder it. The following list highlights twenty actresses who embraced their identities and watched their careers reach new heights of influence and creativity.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster delivered a memorable speech at the Golden Globe Awards in 2013 where she publicly acknowledged her sexuality for the first time. The celebrated actress had already established a legendary career with films like ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ and ‘Taxi Driver’ before this poignant moment. She continued to work consistently in the industry as both a director and a performer in highly acclaimed projects. Her role in ‘The Mauritanian’ earned her another Golden Globe to add to her impressive collection. Foster remains a powerful figure in Hollywood who commands respect for her immense talent and her dedication to privacy.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart became a global superstar through the ‘Twilight’ franchise but she found critical success after pivoting to independent cinema and living openly. She garnered her first Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Princess Diana in the film ‘Spencer’. Stewart has spoken candidly about the freedom she felt in her career after deciding to stop hiding her relationships. She continues to challenge herself with diverse roles in films such as ‘Love Lies Bleeding’ and ‘Crimes of the Future’. Her journey illustrates how shedding public expectations can lead to profound artistic growth.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson has become a television powerhouse known for her versatile performances in various Ryan Murphy productions. She won a Primetime Emmy Award for her portrayal of Marcia Clark in ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson’. Paulson has been in a high-profile relationship with fellow actress Holland Taylor since 2015 and speaks about it with refreshing openness. Her career momentum has only accelerated with leading roles in shows like ‘Ratched’ and ‘American Horror Story’. She consistently receives praise for her ability to disappear into complex and often terrifying characters.

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin stands as a comedy legend whose career spans decades of film and television excellence. She formally married her partner Jane Wagner in 2013 after being together for over forty years. Tomlin experienced a massive career resurgence with the hit Netflix series ‘Grace and Frankie’ alongside Jane Fonda. Her work demonstrates that longevity in Hollywood is possible while maintaining a private but authentic personal life. She remains a beloved figure who bridges the gap between classic comedy and modern storytelling.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon is best known for her portrayal of Miranda Hobbes in the iconic series ‘Sex and the City’. She began dating her wife Christine Marinoni in 2004 and has since become a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Nixon successfully transitioned from acting to political activism and back again while reprising her famous role in ‘And Just Like That’. She utilizes her platform to discuss social issues while continuing to perform on stage and screen. Her career path highlights the intersection of celebrity influence and meaningful civic engagement.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes came out publicly at a rally in 2008 and has since become one of the most recognizable voices in comedy. She continues to tour with successful standup specials while acting in popular sitcoms like ‘The Upshaws’. Her distinctive voice work appears in numerous animated franchises including ‘Ice Age’ and original television series. Sykes frequently incorporates stories about her wife and family into her routines with great comedic effect. She has solidified her status as a comedy icon who navigates the industry on her own terms.

Jane Lynch

Jane Lynch achieved massive mainstream success with her breakout role as Sue Sylvester in the musical comedy series ‘Glee’. She has been open about her sexuality for decades and serves as a role model for character actors in the industry. Lynch hosts the popular game show ‘Weakest Link’ and appears regularly in films and television guest spots. Her ability to deliver dry wit and commanding performances keeps her in high demand for comedic projects. She proves that character actors can become household names while living authentically.

Kate McKinnon

Kate McKinnon made history as the first openly lesbian cast member on the long-running sketch show ‘Saturday Night Live’. She won multiple Emmy Awards for her hilarious impressions and original characters during her tenure on the program. McKinnon transitioned to film success with roles in movies such as ‘Ghostbusters’ and the blockbuster hit ‘Barbie’. She brings a unique energy to every project and often steals scenes with her physical comedy. Her success paved the way for more diverse representation in the world of sketch comedy.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson has discussed being attracted to both men and women while navigating a blockbuster film career. She portrays the warrior Valkyrie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe beginning with ‘Thor: Ragnarok’. Her filmography includes critically acclaimed hits like ‘Creed’ and the cerebral science fiction series ‘Westworld’. Thompson consistently chooses roles that challenge gender norms and expand representation in major franchises. She balances big budget studio films with smaller independent projects that showcase her dramatic range.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné grew up on television screens before coming out in a tweet celebrating the legalization of same-sex marriage. She returned to her Disney roots to produce and star in the sequel series ‘Raven’s Home’. The actress and host has been a panelist on ‘The View’ where she shared her perspectives with a national audience. She married Miranda Maday in 2020 and frequently shares glimpses of their life together on social media. Her transition from child star to adult mogul demonstrates incredible resilience and adaptability.

Cara Delevingne

Cara Delevingne transitioned from a supermodel to a successful actress while being open about her pansexuality. She starred in major films such as ‘Suicide Squad’ and the adaptation of John Green’s ‘Paper Towns’. Delevingne received praise for her role in the mystery series ‘Only Murders in the Building’. She uses her massive social media platform to advocate for mental health and LGBTQ+ acceptance. Her career evolution shows that it is possible to conquer multiple facets of the entertainment industry simultaneously.

Ariana DeBose

Ariana DeBose made history as the first openly queer woman of color to win an Academy Award for acting. Her dynamic performance as Anita in Steven Spielberg’s ‘West Side Story’ captivated audiences and critics alike. She started her career on Broadway in the original ensemble of ‘Hamilton’ before moving to film and television. DeBose hosted the Tony Awards and continues to book high profile roles in Hollywood productions. Her rapid ascent to stardom serves as an inspiration for theater performers transitioning to the screen.

Evan Rachel Wood

Evan Rachel Wood has been a visible advocate for the bisexual community throughout her dynamic acting career. She earned critical acclaim for her complex performance as Dolores Abernathy in the HBO series ‘Westworld’. Wood began acting at a young age and successfully transitioned into mature dramatic roles in films like ‘Thirteen’ and ‘The Wrestler’. She uses her public platform to fight for domestic violence survivors and legislative changes. Her artistic choices often reflect a desire to explore deep psychological themes and resilient characters.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza garnered a cult following for her deadpan delivery as April Ludgate in ‘Parks and Recreation’. She publicly stated that she falls in love with girls and guys during an interview in 2016. Plaza earned rave reviews and award nominations for her work in the second season of ‘The White Lotus’. She continues to produce and star in films that push boundaries like ‘Emily the Criminal’. Her unique comedic sensibility has made her a highly sought after talent in both indie and studio films.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox broke barriers as the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in an acting category. She rose to fame playing Sophia Burset on the hit Netflix series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. Cox has become a leading figure in the transgender rights movement and frequently speaks at universities and events. She continues to act in films like ‘Promising Young Woman’ and various television series. Her visibility has played a crucial role in increasing transgender representation in mainstream media.

Stephanie Beatriz

Stephanie Beatriz is best known for playing the tough detective Rosa Diaz on the comedy ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. Her character notably came out as bisexual on the show mirroring Beatriz’s own real life revelation. She showcased her vocal talents as the lead character Mirabel in the Disney animated phenomenon ‘Encanto’. Beatriz continues to work steadily in both live action and voice acting roles across different genres. She successfully integrates her personal identity into her work to create more authentic on screen representation.

Rebel Wilson

Rebel Wilson announced her relationship with Ramona Agruma in 2022 by stating she had found her Disney Princess. The Australian actress is famous for her comedic roles in the ‘Pitch Perfect’ franchise and ‘Bridesmaids’. She recently directed her first feature film and continues to star in comedies that utilize her improvisational skills. Wilson has also written a memoir detailing her journey through Hollywood and her personal life changes. Her coming out moment was met with widespread support from fans and peers globally.

Natasha Lyonne

Natasha Lyonne revived her career with the hit Netflix series ‘Russian Doll’ which she co-created and starred in. She has been open about her past struggles and her fluid sexuality throughout her time in the public eye. Lyonne became a household name initially through the ‘American Pie’ series and ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’. She now directs and produces projects that feature eccentric characters and dark humor. Her distinct voice and style have cemented her status as a beloved indie icon.

Holland Taylor

Holland Taylor has enjoyed a prolific career in theater and television for several decades. She confirmed her relationship with Sarah Paulson in 2015 and spoke about her attraction to women. Taylor won an Emmy for ‘The Practice’ and gained legions of fans for her role in ‘Two and a Half Men’. She continues to deliver sharp performances in series such as ‘The Morning Show’ and ‘Billions’. Her vitality and ongoing work demonstrate that romance and career success have no age limit.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg burst onto the scene as Rue in ‘The Hunger Games’ and has since become a voice for a new generation. She came out as gay in 2018 and has consistently taken on roles that explore identity and social justice. Stenberg starred in ‘The Hate U Give’ and the Star Wars series ‘The Acolyte’. She is known for her thoughtful articulation of intersectional identity in interviews and public appearances. Her career trajectory highlights the power of young actors who refuse to compromise their values.

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