Most Genuine Gay Actresses In The World

The entertainment industry features many talented women who have been open about their sexual orientation throughout their careers. These actresses provide essential representation for the LGBTQ+ community through their visibility in high profile projects. Many have spoken about the importance of being authentic to oneself while working in a demanding public field. Their professional successes continue to pave the way for future generations of queer performers in film and television. This list celebrates actresses who are known for their genuine approach to their personal and professional lives.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson is an award winning actress known for her frequent collaborations with Ryan Murphy on ‘American Horror Story’. She earned critical praise and an Emmy for her role in ‘American Crime Story’. Paulson has been public about her long term relationship with actress Holland Taylor since 2015. Her versatility allows her to play a wide range of characters from villains to heroes. She continues to be a leading voice for LGBTQ+ representation in the film industry.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart rose to international fame playing Bella Swan in the ‘Twilight’ film series. She has since transitioned into critically acclaimed roles in independent films like ‘Personal Shopper’ and ‘Clouds of Sils Maria’. Stewart has been vocal about her identity and her experiences as a queer woman in Hollywood. She became the first American actress to win a Cesar Award for her work in French cinema. Her public presence and film choices reflect a commitment to telling diverse and honest stories.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster began her career as a child actor before winning two Academy Awards for Best Actress. She is famous for her roles in ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ and ‘The Accused’. Foster publicly acknowledged her partner during a televised awards ceremony speech in 2013. She has also directed several films including ‘Little Man Tate’ and ‘The Beaver’. Her long career is marked by a high level of privacy and a focus on professional excellence.

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin is a legendary comedian and actress whose career spans over five decades. She is well known for her work on ‘Laugh-In’ and her starring role in ‘Grace and Franky’. Tomlin married her longtime partner Jane Wagner in 2013 after being together for forty-two years. She has received numerous honors including a Grammy and multiple Emmy Awards. Her comedy and acting have made her an enduring icon in American entertainment.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon gained worldwide fame for her role as Miranda Hobbes on the hit series ‘Sex and the City’. Beyond her acting career she has become a dedicated political activist and ran for Governor of New York. Nixon is openly queer and married her wife Christine Marinoni in 2012. She has used her platform to advocate for education and LGBTQ+ rights for many years. Her career remains active with roles in ‘The Gilded Age’ and the sequel series ‘And Just Like That’.

Jane Lynch

Jane Lynch is a versatile actress and comedian recognized for her role as Sue Sylvester on ‘Glee’. She has won several Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe for her comedic performances. Lynch has been open about her life as a lesbian throughout her time in the spotlight. She has also appeared in numerous films such as ‘Best in Show’ and ‘The 40-Year-Old Virgin’. Her distinct voice work and stage presence have made her a staple in modern comedy.

Holland Taylor

Holland Taylor is a distinguished actress of stage and screen with a career dating back to the 1960s. She is widely known for her role as Evelyn Harper on the sitcom ‘Two and a Half Men’. Taylor has been in a relationship with actress Sarah Paulson since 2015 and has spoken about her identity in interviews. She won an Emmy Award for her role in ‘The Practice’ and has received acclaim for her solo stage play ‘Ann’. Her longevity in the industry is a testament to her talent and professionalism.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes is a prominent stand up comedian and actress known for her sharp wit and social commentary. She came out publicly in 2008 during a rally for marriage equality in Las Vegas. Sykes has appeared in various television shows including ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ and ‘The Upshaws’. She has also provided voice work for animated films like ‘Over the Hedge’ and ‘Ice Age’. Her work often tackles important social issues through a comedic lens.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza became a household name for her role as April Ludgate on the sitcom ‘Parks and Recreation’. She has since starred in and produced several films including ‘Ingrid Goes West’ and ‘Emily the Criminal’. Plaza has discussed her sexual orientation in interviews and identifies as bisexual. Her deadpan delivery and unique acting style have made her a favorite among critics and fans. She continues to take on challenging roles in both independent and mainstream cinema.

Niecy Nash-Betts

Niecy Nash-Betts is a celebrated actress known for her work in ‘Reno 911’ and ‘Claws’. She surprised fans in 2020 by announcing her marriage to singer Jessica Betts. Nash-Betts has been open about her journey and the love she shares with her wife. She won an Emmy for her powerful performance in ‘Dahmer’. Her career spans comedy and drama with a consistent focus on high quality storytelling.

Tig Notaro

Tig Notaro is a comedian and actress known for her dry humor and observational style. She gained significant attention for her honest stand up set about her cancer diagnosis. Notaro is married to actress Stephanie Allynne and they have two children together. She has starred in the series ‘One Mississippi’ and appeared in the film ‘Army of the Dead’. Her work often explores personal themes with a unique and calm delivery.

Portia de Rossi

Portia de Rossi is an Australian-American actress famous for her roles in ‘Ally McBeal’ and ‘Arrested Development’. She has been open about her life and her marriage to television host Ellen DeGeneres since 2008. De Rossi wrote a memoir titled ‘Unbearable Lightness’ detailing her personal struggles and professional journey. She retired from acting in 2018 to focus on her business ventures and philanthropy. Her presence on screen contributed to significant queer representation during the late nineties and early aughts.

Beanie Feldstein

Beanie Feldstein gained critical acclaim for her breakout roles in ‘Lady Bird’ and ‘Booksmart’. She has also appeared on Broadway in the revival of ‘Hello Dolly’ and starred as Monica Lewinsky in ‘Impeachment’. Feldstein is openly queer and frequently shares photos with her partner Bonnie-Chance Roberts. Her acting often highlights themes of friendship and personal growth. She remains a rising star with a focus on diverse and inclusive projects.

Fiona Shaw

Fiona Shaw is a celebrated Irish actress who has appeared in the ‘Harry Potter’ films as Aunt Petunia. She gained further recognition for her role as Carolyn Martens in the series ‘Killing Eve’. Shaw has been open about her identity and is married to economist Sonali Deraniyagala. She has received numerous accolades for her work on stage and screen throughout her career. Her performances are often noted for their intensity and intellectual depth.

Cherry Jones

Cherry Jones is a highly respected stage and screen actress with multiple Tony Awards to her name. She is well known to television audiences for her role as President Allison Taylor on ’24’. Jones was one of the first high profile actresses to be open about her lesbian identity in the theater world. She has also appeared in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ and ‘Succession’ in recent years. Her work is characterized by a commanding presence and great emotional range.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné began her career as a child star on ‘The Cosby Show’ before starring in ‘That’s So Raven’. she has been a prominent figure on the Disney Channel and a co-host on the talk show ‘The View’. She came out publicly in 2013 and married her wife Miranda Maday in 2020. Raven-Symoné continues to work in the industry as both an actress and producer. Her career longevity has made her a familiar face to multiple generations of viewers.

Stephanie Beatriz

Stephanie Beatriz is known for her role as Detective Rosa Diaz on the sitcom ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. Like her character on the show she identifies as bisexual and has been an advocate for queer visibility. She provided the voice for Mirabel Madrigal in the animated hit ‘Encanto’. Beatriz has also appeared in ‘In the Heights’ and various independent film projects. She continues to be a prominent representative for Latina and LGBTQ+ individuals in Hollywood.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson has starred in major film franchises including the ‘Thor’ movies and the ‘Creed’ series. She has been open about her attraction to both men and women in various interviews. Thompson is known for choosing roles that challenge traditional gender and racial stereotypes. She has also appeared in ‘Westworld’ and ‘Passing’ to critical acclaim. Her work as an actress and producer focuses on bringing marginalized voices to the forefront.

Evan Rachel Wood

Evan Rachel Wood began her career as a child actress and gained fame for her role in the film ‘Thirteen’. She starred as Dolores Abernathy in the series ‘Westworld’ for several seasons. Wood has been open about her identity as a bisexual woman and her experiences in the industry. She is also a vocal advocate for survivors of domestic abuse and helped pass legislation in California. Her career is marked by a willingness to take on complex and often dark roles.

Alia Shawkat

Alia Shawkat is best known for her role as Maeby Fünke on the comedy series ‘Arrested Development’. She also starred in and produced the critically acclaimed series ‘Search Party’. Shawkat has spoken about her queer identity and her experiences as an actress of Middle Eastern descent. She is also an artist and musician who frequently incorporates her creative interests into her work. Her career continues to evolve with a focus on independent and avant-garde projects.

Maria Bello

Maria Bello is a versatile actress known for her roles in ‘Coyote Ugly’ and ‘The History of Violence’. She has also appeared in television series such as ‘ER’ and ‘NCIS’. Bello wrote a book titled ‘Whatever Love Is Love’ which explores her modern family and her relationship with a woman. She has been an advocate for human rights and women’s empowerment throughout her career. Her acting work is celebrated for its authenticity and emotional depth.

Ruby Rose

Ruby Rose gained international attention for her role in the third season of ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She is an Australian actress and model who identifies as a lesbian and genderfluid. Rose has starred in action films like ‘John Wick Chapter 2’ and ‘The Meg’. She was also cast as the lead in the ‘Batwoman’ television series before departing after the first season. Her public presence has contributed significantly to the conversation around gender identity and expression.

Samira Wiley

Samira Wiley is famous for her portrayal of Poussey Washington on the series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She won an Emmy Award for her role as Moira in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. Wiley is married to writer Lauren Morelli whom she met while working on the set of her breakout show. She has become a prominent face for LGBTQ+ representation and often speaks at advocacy events. Her career continues to flourish with a mix of dramatic and comedic roles.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez made history as the first trans woman to win a Golden Globe for Best Actress. She is best known for her role as Blanca Evangelista on the series ‘Pose’. Rodriguez has been a powerful advocate for the trans community and the importance of authentic casting. She has also appeared in the series ‘Loot’ and provided voice work for ‘Transformers’. Her success marks a significant milestone for representation in mainstream television.

Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer gained worldwide recognition for her role as Jules Vaughn in the series ‘Euphoria’. Before her acting career she worked as a successful model for high fashion brands. Schafer is a trans woman and has used her platform to speak about LGBTQ+ rights and healthcare. She also co-wrote and co-produced a special episode of her hit show. Her artistic talents extend to illustration and design which she often shares with her fans.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah is a multitalented performer who transitioned from a successful music career to acting in films like ‘Chicago’. She received an Academy Award nomination for her role in the musical film. Latifah has been in a long term relationship and acknowledged her partner during a public acceptance speech. She continues to produce and star in the television series ‘The Equalizer’. Her career remains a testament to her versatility as a rapper and actress.

Kelly McGillis

Kelly McGillis was a major film star in the 1980s with lead roles in ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Witness’. She has worked extensively in theater and has appeared in various independent films later in her career. McGillis came out as a lesbian in 2009 and has spoken about her personal journey in interviews. She has also spent time working in the field of addiction recovery. Her early career success made her one of the most recognizable faces of her era.

Rosie O’Donnell

Rosie O’Donnell is a comedian and television host who became a household name with ‘The Rosie O’Donnell Show’. She has also appeared in films like ‘A League of Their Own’ and ‘Sleepless in Seattle’. O’Donnell came out publicly in 2002 and has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ adoption rights. She has been involved in numerous charitable organizations and Broadway productions. Her public life has been marked by a commitment to social activism and entertainment.

Heather Matarazzo

Heather Matarazzo is known for her breakout role in the film ‘Welcome to the Dollhouse’. She has also appeared in ‘The Princess Diaries’ and its sequel as the character Lilly Moscovitz. Matarazzo has been open about her identity as a lesbian for many years in the industry. She continues to work in film and television while also speaking at various university events. Her career often focuses on roles that highlight the experiences of outsiders and unique individuals.

Clea DuVall

Clea DuVall has been a staple in independent and mainstream cinema since the 1990s. She is known for her roles in ‘But I am a Cheerleader’ and ‘Girl Interrupted’. DuVall made her directorial debut with the film ‘The Intervention’ and also directed ‘Happiest Season’. She has been open about her queer identity and the importance of telling LGBTQ+ stories. Her work continues to provide meaningful representation for the community on both sides of the camera.

Abbi Jacobson

Abbi Jacobson is the co-creator and star of the comedy series ‘Broad City’. She also developed and starred in the television adaptation of ‘A League of Their Own’. Jacobson is queer and married her wife actress Jodi Balfour in 2024. She is a talented writer and illustrator who has published several books. Her work often celebrates female friendship and the complexities of modern life.

Carrie Brownstein

Carrie Brownstein is a musician and actress known for being a founding member of the band Sleater-Kinney. She co-created and starred in the sketch comedy series ‘Portlandia’. Brownstein has been open about her identity and has written a memoir titled ‘Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl’. She has also directed episodes of various television shows and appeared in films like ‘Carol’. Her career spans the worlds of independent rock and mainstream comedy.

Lea DeLaria

Lea DeLaria is a comedian and actress who gained wide fame for her role as Big Boo on ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She was the first openly gay comic to appear on a late night talk show in the early 1990s. DeLaria is also a talented jazz singer and has released several albums throughout her career. She has performed on Broadway and in numerous stage productions across the world. Her bold presence has made her a pioneer for queer representation in entertainment.

Kate McKinnon

Kate McKinnon was a long time cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’ where she won multiple Emmy Awards. She is known for her celebrity impressions and original characters on the sketch show. McKinnon is openly gay and has often incorporated queer themes into her comedic work. She has also starred in films like ‘Ghostbusters’ and the ‘Barbie’ movie. Her comedic talent and public visibility have made her one of the most popular performers of her generation.

Lily-Rose Depp

Lily-Rose Depp is an actress and model who began her career in the film ‘Tusk’. She is the daughter of Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis and has worked frequently with the fashion house Chanel. Depp has spoken about her fluid identity and her attraction to people regardless of gender. She has appeared in several French and American films including ‘The King’ and ‘The Idol’. Her career is marked by a focus on artistic and provocative projects.

Cara Delevingne

Cara Delevingne is a world famous model who transitioned into a successful acting career. She has starred in films like ‘Paper Towns’ and ‘Suicide Squad’. Delevingne identifies as queer and pansexual and has been open about her relationships in the media. She has also appeared in the series ‘Carnival Row’ and ‘Only Murders in the Building’. Her public platform allows her to advocate for mental health and LGBTQ+ awareness.

Bella Thorne

Bella Thorne rose to fame as a child star on the Disney Channel series ‘Shake It Up’. She has since appeared in numerous films and has become a prominent social media figure. Thorne came out as bisexual and later pansexual to her fans. She has also directed and produced various projects including independent films and music videos. her career is characterized by a rebellious and independent spirit.

Sarah Catherine Hook

Sarah Catherine Hook is an actress known for her role in the series ‘First Kill’. She portrays a vampire who falls in love with a monster hunter in the supernatural drama. Hook has spoken about her personal identity and how it relates to the queer characters she portrays. She also appeared in the film ‘The Conjuring The Devil Made Me Do It’ as part of the popular horror franchise. Her rising career focuses on bringing authentic representation to genre storytelling.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is a celebrated singer and actress known for her roles in ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘Moonlight’. She has received critical acclaim for both her musical albums and her performances in film. Monáe identifies as non-binary and queer and often uses her art to explore these themes. She starred in the film ‘Glass Onion’ and the series ‘Homecoming’. Her work is known for its visionary style and commitment to social justice.

Josie Totah

Josie Totah is an actress who began her career as a child star on various Disney and Nickelodeon shows. She came out as a trans woman in a public essay in 2018. Totah starred in and produced the revival of ‘Saved by the Bell’. She has been a leading voice for trans youth and the importance of diverse casting in Hollywood. Her career continues to grow with roles in both television and film.

Sara Ramirez

Sara Ramirez is well known for playing Dr. Callie Torres on the long running medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. They have won a Tony Award for their performance in the musical ‘Spamalot’. Ramirez identifies as non-binary and queer and has been a major advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. They also appeared as Che Diaz in the series ‘And Just Like That’. Their career is marked by a commitment to activism and the representation of multifaceted queer characters.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg gained early fame for her role as Rue in ‘The Hunger Games’. She has since starred in films like ‘The Hate U Give’ and ‘Everything Everything’. Stenberg identifies as gay and has been a prominent voice for her generation regarding race and gender. She also appeared in the series ‘The Acolyte’ within the Star Wars universe. Her work often focuses on social issues and the empowerment of young people.

Dot-Marie Jones

Dot-Marie Jones is an actress and former athlete known for her role as Coach Beiste on ‘Glee’. She received multiple Emmy nominations for her performance on the musical series. Jones has been open about her life as a lesbian and is married to Bridgett Casteen. She has appeared in many television shows including ‘Modern Family’ and ‘American Horror Story’. Her career highlights the importance of character actors in creating memorable and impactful roles.

Fortune Feimster

Fortune Feimster is a stand up comedian and actress who gained fame on ‘Chelsea Lately’. She has starred in her own Netflix comedy specials and appeared in ‘The Mindy Project’. Feimster is openly gay and often incorporates stories about her life and family into her comedy. She married her partner Jax Smith in 2020 and frequently shares their life together with her audience. Her humor is known for being relatable and joyful.

Hannah Gadsby

Hannah Gadsby is an Australian comedian and writer who gained global fame for her special ‘Nanette’. The show explored her experiences as a queer woman and the trauma she faced. Gadsby has since released other successful specials and written a memoir titled ‘Ten Steps to Nanette’. She has been a vocal critic of the comedy industry and an advocate for neurodivergent individuals. Her work has changed the landscape of modern stand up comedy.

Patti Harrison

Patti Harrison is a comedian and actress known for her unique and often surreal humor. She has appeared in the series ‘Shrill’ and ‘I Think You Should Leave’. Harrison is a trans woman and has been open about her identity while building a successful career in comedy. She starred in the film ‘Together Together’ which received critical acclaim. Her work continues to push boundaries in both independent film and television.

Roberta Colindrez

Roberta Colindrez is an actress and writer known for her work in the musical ‘Fun Home’. She has also appeared in television series such as ‘I Love Dick’ and ‘Vida’. Colindrez identifies as queer and has often played roles that reflect her identity and heritage. She also starred in the series ‘A League of Their Own’ as Lupe Galina. Her performances are often praised for their grounded and naturalistic quality.

Jasika Nicole

Jasika Nicole is best known for her role as Astrid Farnsworth on the science fiction series ‘Fringe’. She has also appeared in ‘The Good Doctor’ and provided voices for various animated projects. Nicole has been open about her queer identity and her marriage to her longtime partner. she is an avid crafter and often shares her sewing and design projects with her fans. Her career spans various genres including drama and speculative fiction.

Adèle Haenel

Adèle Haenel is a highly acclaimed French actress known for her roles in ‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’ and ‘Water Lilies’. She has won two César Awards for her performances in French cinema. Haenel has been open about her identity and has been a prominent figure in the French Me Too movement. She recently announced her departure from the film industry to focus on political activism and theater. Her work is celebrated for its intense emotional power and social relevance.

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