LGBTQ+ Actresses Who Influenced Audiences the Most

The landscape of global entertainment has been profoundly shaped by LGBTQ+ actresses who challenged industry norms and redefined representation. From the Golden Age of Hollywood to the modern streaming era, these performers have used their platforms to advocate for visibility and equality. Their work across film, television, and theater has provided audiences with complex, authentic portrayals of queer life. This list highlights fifty individuals whose careers and personal journeys have made a significant impact on the arts and social progress.

Marlene Dietrich

Marlene Dietrich became an international icon during the Golden Age of Hollywood through films like ‘Morocco’ and ‘Shanghai Express’. Known for her subversion of gender norms, she often wore men’s clothing both on and off the screen. Her bisexuality was well-documented in her private letters and biographies, making her a trailblazer for queer expression in early cinema. She maintained a long and successful career that spanned several decades, influencing fashion and performance styles.

Greta Garbo

Greta Garbo was a Swedish actress who rose to prominence during the silent and talkie eras of Hollywood. She is remembered for her performances in ‘Camille’ and ‘Ninotchka’, earning multiple Academy Award nominations. Garbo was famously private and never married, with her personal life being a subject of intense public interest. Biographies have extensively detailed her romantic relationships with women, contributing to her legacy as a queer icon of the silver screen.

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin is an acclaimed actress and comedian who rose to fame on the variety show ‘Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In’. She has starred in iconic films such as ‘9 to 5’ and the long-running series ‘Grace and Frankie’. Tomlin has been in a relationship with her partner Jane Wagner since 1971, and the couple married in 2013. Her career has garnered her numerous accolades, including a Tony Award, several Emmys, and a Grammy.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster began her career as a child actress and transitioned into a highly decorated adult career with roles in ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ and ‘The Accused’. She has won two Academy Awards for Best Actress and has also established herself as a successful director. Foster publicly acknowledged her long-term partner during a speech at the 2013 Golden Globes. Her presence in Hollywood as an out actress and director has provided a significant model for professional longevity in the industry.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon is best known for her portrayal of Miranda Hobbes in the series ‘Sex and the City’. Beyond her acting career, she has been an active political figure and ran for Governor of New York in 2018. Nixon identifies as queer and has been married to her wife, Christine Marinoni, since 2012. She frequently uses her public platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and public education funding.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson has become a staple of modern television through her versatile roles in the ‘American Horror Story’ anthology series. She won an Emmy Award for her portrayal of Marcia Clark in ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story’. Paulson has been open about her relationships with both men and women throughout her career. She has been in a long-term relationship with actress Holland Taylor since 2015.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox gained international recognition for her role as Sophia Burset on the series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She became the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in an acting category. Cox has produced documentaries like ‘The T-Word’ to highlight the experiences of transgender youth. Her work has significantly increased the visibility of transgender women of color in the mainstream media.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart achieved global stardom through the ‘Twilight’ film franchise before moving into critically acclaimed independent cinema. She became the first American actress to win a César Award for her role in ‘Clouds of Sils Maria’. Stewart has been open about her fluid sexuality in various interviews with major publications. She continues to be a prominent figure in fashion and film, often choosing roles that challenge traditional gender roles.

Holland Taylor

Holland Taylor is a veteran actress of stage and screen, known for her roles in ‘The Practice’ and ‘Two and a Half Men’. She won a Primetime Emmy Award for her portrayal of Judge Roberta Kittleson. Taylor wrote and starred in the one-woman play ‘Ann’, based on the life of Ann Richards. She has spoken publicly about her relationship with Sarah Paulson and her identity as a woman who has loved both men and women.

Jane Lynch

Jane Lynch is a versatile actress and comedian known for her Emmy-winning role as Sue Sylvester in ‘Glee’. She has appeared in numerous mockumentary films by Christopher Guest, including ‘Best in Show’. Lynch has been open about her lesbian identity throughout her mainstream career. She has also hosted ‘Hollywood Game Night’ and performed on Broadway in the revival of ‘Annie’.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes is a prominent stand-up comedian and actress who has appeared in ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ and ‘Black-ish’. She came out publicly at a rally in 2008 during the protests against Proposition 8 in California. Sykes has been recognized by GLAAD for her contributions to promoting equality and visibility. She continues to tour as a comedian while maintaining a steady career in television and voice acting.

Rosie O’Donnell

Rosie O’Donnell is a comedian, actress, and television host who became a household name with ‘The Rosie O’Donnell Show’. She came out as a lesbian in 2002 to bring attention to the issue of gay adoption. O’Donnell has starred in films such as ‘A League of Their Own’ and served as a moderator on ‘The View’. Her advocacy work has focused heavily on children’s rights and LGBTQ+ families.

Kate McKinnon

Kate McKinnon was a long-time cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’, where she became known for her celebrity impressions and original characters. She was the first openly lesbian cast member to be hired by the show. McKinnon has won multiple Emmy Awards for her comedic performances on the program. She has also starred in major motion pictures such as ‘Ghostbusters’ and ‘Barbie’.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson has starred in major franchises including the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Valkyrie and the ‘Creed’ series. She has been open about her attraction to both men and women, describing her sexuality as fluid. Thompson has advocated for more LGBTQ+ representation within blockbuster superhero films. Her work also includes acclaimed roles in independent films like ‘Passing’ and ‘Dear White People’.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is a singer and actress who has starred in the Academy Award-winning film ‘Moonlight’ and the drama ‘Hidden Figures’. She identifies as non-binary and pansexual, often discussing these identities in her music and interviews. Monáe’s aesthetic often incorporates elements of afrofuturism and gender-neutral fashion. She has received multiple Grammy nominations for her studio albums and critical praise for her acting transitions.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza rose to fame as April Ludgate on the sitcom ‘Parks and Recreation’. She has since starred in and produced films such as ‘Ingrid Goes West’ and ‘Emily the Criminal’. Plaza came out as bisexual in a 2016 interview, stating that she falls in love with girls and guys. Her deadpan comedic style and unique screen presence have made her a cult favorite in the industry.

Ariana DeBose

Ariana DeBose won an Academy Award for her role as Anita in the 2021 remake of ‘West Side Story’. She is an accomplished stage performer who was part of the original cast of ‘Hamilton’. DeBose identifies as queer and has spoken about the importance of her identity as an Afro-Latina woman. She was the first openly queer woman of color to win an Oscar in an acting category.

Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer gained widespread fame for her role as Jules Vaughn in the series ‘Euphoria’. Before her acting career, she was a successful fashion model for brands like Prada and Dior. Schafer is a transgender woman and has been a vocal activist for LGBTQ+ rights since her youth. She co-wrote an episode of ‘Euphoria’ that focused on her character’s internal journey with identity.

Indya Moore

Indya Moore is known for their role as Angel Evangelista on the television series ‘Pose’. They are a non-binary and transgender actor and model who has worked with major fashion houses like Louis Vuitton. Moore has used their platform to advocate for the rights of marginalized groups within the LGBTQ+ community. They were named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2019.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez made history as the lead actress in the series ‘Pose’, which focused on New York’s ballroom culture. In 2022, she became the first transgender actress to win a Golden Globe Award. She has also performed on stage in productions like ‘Rent’. Rodriguez has been a prominent figure in the fight for transgender visibility and acceptance in mainstream media.

Dominique Jackson

Dominique Jackson is an actress and model best known for her role as Elektra Abundance on ‘Pose’. She authored an autobiography titled ‘The Transsexual from Tobago’ which details her personal journey. Jackson has walked runways for New York Fashion Week and served as a prominent voice for the Black transgender community. Her portrayal of the fierce house mother on ‘Pose’ earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated following.

Angelica Ross

Angelica Ross appeared in ‘Pose’ as Candy Ferocity and later joined the cast of ‘American Horror Story’. She is the founder of TransTech Social Enterprises, a company that provides employment opportunities for transgender people. Ross is a self-taught computer programmer and advocate for economic empowerment. Her work spans acting, business, and activism, focusing on the intersection of race and gender.

Portia de Rossi

Portia de Rossi is an Australian-American actress known for her roles in ‘Ally McBeal’ and ‘Arrested Development’. She starred as Lindsay Bluth Fünke in the latter, earning praise for her comedic timing. De Rossi came out publicly in 2005 and married Ellen DeGeneres in 2008. She has written a memoir titled ‘Unbearable Lightness’ that discusses her struggles with eating disorders and her journey to self-acceptance.

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres made television history in 1997 when she and her character on the sitcom ‘Ellen’ came out as gay. The event was a major cultural milestone that sparked widespread national conversation. Following the sitcom, she hosted ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’, which ran for nineteen seasons. She has received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her contributions to the arts and her advocacy.

Beanie Feldstein

Beanie Feldstein gained critical acclaim for her roles in ‘Lady Bird’ and ‘Booksmart’. She starred as Monica Lewinsky in the series ‘Impeachment: American Crime Story’ and headlined the Broadway revival of ‘Funny Girl’. Feldstein has been open about her relationship with her partner, Bonnie-Chance Roberts, whom she married in 2023. She frequently speaks about the importance of queer representation in coming-of-age stories.

Hari Nef

Hari Nef is an actress and model who has appeared in the series ‘Transparent’ and the film ‘Barbie’. She was the first openly transgender woman to be signed to IMG Models. Nef has written extensively on trans issues for publications like Vogue and Vice. Her career bridge between the high fashion world and mainstream acting has made her a prominent figure in contemporary culture.

Evan Rachel Wood

Evan Rachel Wood is known for her roles in the film ‘Thirteen’ and the HBO series ‘Westworld’. She came out as bisexual in 2011 and has been a vocal advocate for bisexual visibility and awareness. Wood has testified before Congress regarding the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights. Her career includes a wide range of roles in film, television, and theater, often focusing on complex female characters.

Alia Shawkat

Alia Shawkat is best known for her role as Maeby Fünke on the sitcom ‘Arrested Development’. She also starred in and produced the dark comedy series ‘Search Party’. Shawkat came out as bisexual in 2017 during an interview with Out Magazine. She is also a visual artist and has exhibited her work in various galleries across the country.

Clea DuVall

Clea DuVall has had a long career in film and television, with notable roles in ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’ and ‘Girl, Interrupted’. She made her directorial debut with ‘The Intervention’ and later directed the queer holiday film ‘Happiest Season’. DuVall has been open about her identity as a lesbian and her desire to tell authentic LGBTQ+ stories. She has also had recurring roles in series like ‘Veep’ and ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’.

Natasha Lyonne

Natasha Lyonne began her career as a child actress and later starred in the cult classic ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’. She gained renewed fame for her roles in ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and ‘Russian Doll’, the latter of which she co-created. While Lyonne has discussed her fluid approach to identity, she is widely embraced as a queer icon for her roles and advocacy. She continues to produce and direct television through her production company.

Stephanie Beatriz

Stephanie Beatriz is best known for playing Detective Rosa Diaz on the sitcom ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. Her character’s coming out as bisexual mirrored Beatriz’s own public coming out in 2016. She provided the voice for the lead character Mirabel in the Disney film ‘Encanto’. Beatriz has spoken extensively about the importance of bisexual representation that does not rely on stereotypes.

Bella Ramsey

Bella Ramsey gained international fame for their roles in ‘Game of Thrones’ and as Ellie in ‘The Last of Us’. Ramsey identifies as non-binary and has expressed a preference for they/them pronouns, while remaining open to others. Their performance in ‘The Last of Us’ received critical acclaim for its emotional depth and loyalty to the source material. Ramsey continues to be a prominent young voice in the industry advocating for gender fluidity.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah is a multifaceted performer who started as a rapper before transitioning into an Oscar-nominated actress. She starred in films such as ‘Chicago’, ‘Set It Off’, and ‘Hairspray’. While she kept her private life confidential for many years, she acknowledged her partner and child during an awards acceptance speech in 2021. She has been a consistent force in the entertainment industry for over three decades.

Niecy Nash-Betts

Niecy Nash-Betts is known for her work in ‘Reno 911!’, ‘Claws’, and the miniseries ‘Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’. She surprised fans in 2020 by announcing her marriage to singer Jessica Betts. Nash-Betts has described her journey as not being about coming out, but rather about going into herself. She has won multiple awards, including a Daytime Emmy and an image award from the NAACP.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné became a child star on ‘The Cosby Show’ and later headlined her own Disney Channel series ‘That’s So Raven’. She came out publicly in 2013 via social media following the legalization of same-sex marriage in more states. Since then, she has been a co-host on ‘The View’ and returned to her famous role in the spinoff ‘Raven’s Home’. She married her wife, Miranda Maday, in 2020.

Kelly McGillis

Kelly McGillis was a major film star in the 1980s, appearing in ‘Top Gun’, ‘Witness’, and ‘The Accused’. She came out as a lesbian in 2009 during an interview with SheWired. McGillis has worked in theater and independent films in recent years while also focusing on her personal life. Her public coming out was noted as a significant moment for actresses from her era of Hollywood stardom.

Maria Bello

Maria Bello has appeared in films such as ‘Coyote Ugly’, ‘The Cooler’, and ‘A History of Violence’. She wrote a column for The New York Times in 2013 titled “Coming Out as a Modern Family” about her relationship with a woman. Bello has been an advocate for a more fluid understanding of labels and identity. She has also had a successful television career with roles in ‘ER’ and ‘NCIS’.

Fiona Shaw

Fiona Shaw is a highly respected Irish actress known for her work with the Royal Shakespeare Company and her role in the ‘Harry Potter’ series. She gained new audiences for her performance as Carolyn Martens in ‘Killing Eve’. Shaw is openly gay and was previously in a relationship with actress Saffron Burrows. She is currently married to memoirist Sonali Deraniyagala and continues to work extensively in theater and film.

Miriam Margolyes

Miriam Margolyes is a British-Australian actress known for her role as Professor Sprout in the ‘Harry Potter’ films. She won a BAFTA for her performance in ‘The Age of Innocence’. Margolyes has been open about her lesbian identity since the 1960s, a time when it was much less common in the industry. She is also known for her candid storytelling and appearances on talk shows.

Saffron Burrows

Saffron Burrows is a British-American actress known for ‘Deep Blue Sea’ and the series ‘Boston Legal’. She has appeared in the series ‘Mozart in the Jungle’ and ‘You’. Burrows has spoken about her long-term relationships with both men and women, including a relationship with actress Fiona Shaw. She married her wife, Alison Balian, in 2011 and has two children.

Anna Paquin

Anna Paquin won an Academy Award at the age of 11 for ‘The Piano’ and later starred in the ‘X-Men’ franchise. She is also well known for her lead role as Sookie Stackhouse in the series ‘True Blood’. Paquin came out as bisexual in 2010 as part of a public service announcement for the Give a Damn campaign. She has been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and frequently addresses misconceptions about bisexuality.

Abbi Jacobson

Abbi Jacobson is the co-creator and co-star of the critically acclaimed series ‘Broad City’. She also developed and starred in the television adaptation of ‘A League of Their Own’. Jacobson came out as bisexual or queer in 2018 during a press interview. Her work often incorporates queer themes and characters, aiming for authentic representation in comedy.

Ruby Rose

Ruby Rose is an Australian actress and model who gained international fame for her role in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She identified as gender fluid and was one of the first openly LGBTQ+ actors to play a lead superhero role in ‘Batwoman’. Rose has been a prominent figure in the conversation regarding gender expression in the media. She continues to work in action films and has a large social media following.

Emma Corrin

Emma Corrin rose to prominence for their portrayal of Princess Diana in the fourth season of ‘The Crown’. They won a Golden Globe Award for the performance and were praised for their nuanced acting. Corrin identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns. They have starred in films like ‘My Policeman’ and ‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover’, continuing to challenge traditional casting.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg first gained attention as Rue in ‘The Hunger Games’ and later starred in ‘The Hate U Give’. Stenberg identifies as gay and non-binary, having previously come out as bisexual and pansexual. They have been recognized as a “Next Generation Leader” by Time magazine for their activism. Stenberg often uses their platform to discuss intersectional feminism and social justice issues.

Cherry Jones

Cherry Jones is a celebrated stage actress who has won five Tony Award nominations and two wins. She is also known for her television roles in ’24’ and ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’, for which she won an Emmy. Jones was one of the first high-profile actresses to be open about her lesbian identity in the theater world. She has been a consistent advocate for queer performers throughout her long career.

Tig Notaro

Tig Notaro is a stand-up comedian and actress known for her deadpan delivery and her semi-autobiographical show ‘One Mississippi’. She gained widespread attention for a 2012 stand-up set where she announced her cancer diagnosis. Notaro is openly gay and often includes stories about her wife, Stephanie Allynne, and their children in her work. She has appeared in major projects such as ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ and ‘Army of the Dead’.

Carrie Brownstein

Carrie Brownstein is a musician and actress who co-created and starred in the sketch comedy series ‘Portlandia’. She is also a founding member of the influential rock band Sleater-Kinney. Brownstein is openly bisexual and has written a memoir, ‘Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl’, about her life and career. Her work in both music and television has had a significant impact on indie culture and queer representation.

Roberta Colindrez

Roberta Colindrez is known for her role in the Broadway musical ‘Fun Home’ and the television series ‘Vida’. She has also appeared in ‘I Love Dick’ and the ‘A League of Their Own’ series. Colindrez identifies as queer and has been praised for bringing butch visibility to the screen. Her performances often focus on the complexities of queer Latinx identity.

Jen Richards

Jen Richards is an actress, writer, and producer who co-created the web series ‘Her Story’. She has appeared in ‘Tales of the City’ and ‘Clarice’, making her a prominent trans voice in the industry. Richards has been an active consultant for media projects to ensure accurate and respectful transgender representation. She was the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy for a short-form series.

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