Most Genuine LGBTQ+ Actresses In The World

The entertainment industry has seen a significant shift toward authentic representation as many talented performers share their personal identities with the public. These actresses have navigated the complexities of Hollywood while remaining dedicated to their craft and their communities. Their visibility serves as a cornerstone for modern storytelling and helps pave the way for future generations of artists. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, these individuals continue to deliver powerful performances across film and television.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson has built an extensive career through her versatile performances in various television and film projects. She is widely recognized for her frequent collaborations with Ryan Murphy in the anthology series ‘American Horror Story’. Paulson won a Primetime Emmy Award for her portrayal of Marcia Clark in ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson’. She has been in a long-term relationship with actress Holland Taylor since 2015. Her work often explores complex characters in both dramatic and psychological thriller genres.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon rose to international fame for her portrayal of Miranda Hobbes in the series ‘Sex and the City’. Beyond her acting career she is a prominent political activist and even ran for Governor of New York in 2018. Nixon has won multiple Emmy Awards and Tony Awards for her work on screen and on the Broadway stage. she is married to Christine Marinoni and has been a vocal advocate for marriage equality and public education. Her career continues with the revival series ‘And Just Like That’.

Holland Taylor

Holland Taylor is a celebrated actress with a career spanning over five decades in theater and television. She is perhaps best known to modern audiences for her role as Evelyn Harper in the sitcom ‘Two and a Half Men’. Taylor won an Emmy Award for her role in ‘The Practice’ and received critical acclaim for her one-woman show ‘Ann’. She has been open about her identity and her relationship with Sarah Paulson for several years. Taylor remains a respected figure in the industry for her sharp comedic timing and dramatic depth.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster began her career as a child actor and transitioned into one of the most successful adult performers in Hollywood history. She has won two Academy Awards for Best Actress for her roles in ‘The Accused’ and ‘The Silence of the Lambs’. Foster came out publicly during a moving speech at the Golden Globe Awards in 2013. She has also found great success as a director and producer on projects like ‘Money Monster’. Foster is currently married to photographer Alexandra Hedison.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart became a global superstar through her leading role in the ‘Twilight’ film franchise. She later transitioned into independent cinema with acclaimed performances in films like ‘Clouds of Sils Maria’ and ‘Personal Shopper’. Stewart received an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Princess Diana in the biographical drama ‘Spencer’. She has been very open about her fluid identity and her engagement to screenwriter Dylan Meyer. Stewart continues to choose bold and unconventional roles that challenge her range as a performer.

Lily Gladstone

Lily Gladstone gained widespread recognition for her powerful performance in the historical drama ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’. She became the first Native American woman to win a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture Drama. Gladstone uses both she and they pronouns and has spoken about the non-binary traditions within her heritage. Her career includes notable roles in ‘Certain Women’ and the television series ‘Reservation Dogs’. She continues to advocate for authentic indigenous representation in the arts.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza is well known for her deadpan comedic style which she perfected in the sitcom ‘Parks and Recreation’. She has since expanded into more dramatic and intense roles in films such as ‘Emily the Criminal’ and ‘Black Bear’. Plaza publicly came out as bisexual in 2016 and has spoken about her attraction to both men and women. She recently joined the cast of the high-profile series ‘The White Lotus’ during its second season. Her unique screen presence has made her a favorite among critics and audiences alike.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson has become a major figure in both the Marvel Cinematic Universe and independent film. She portrays the character Valkyrie in the ‘Thor’ films and has starred in the ‘Creed’ trilogy. Thompson has discussed her attraction to both men and women and identifies as bisexual. She is also a co-founder of the production company Viva Maude which focuses on diverse storytelling. Her recent work includes the psychological thriller ‘Passing’ which explored themes of racial identity.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe initially gained fame as a Grammy-nominated singer before successfully transitioning into acting. She delivered breakout performances in the Academy Award-winning film ‘Moonlight’ and the biographical drama ‘Hidden Figures’. Monáe identifies as non-binary and pansexual and has incorporated these themes into her music and public persona. She recently starred in the mystery sequel ‘Glass Onion’ where she played a dual role. Her artistic output consistently focuses on Afrofuturism and social justice.

Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer made her acting debut with a starring role in the acclaimed drama series ‘Euphoria’. Before her acting career she worked as a professional fashion model for several high-profile luxury brands. Schafer is a trans woman and has been a vocal advocate for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. She co-wrote a special episode of ‘Euphoria’ that explored her character’s internal journey. Recently she has expanded into film with a leading role in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox became a household name for her role as Sophia Burset in the series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She was the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in an acting category. Cox has used her platform to produce documentaries like ‘Disclosure’ which examines the history of trans representation in Hollywood. She is a frequent guest on talk shows and a prominent speaker on civil rights issues. Her work has fundamentally changed the conversation around trans visibility in media.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez is best known for her lead role as Blanca Evangelista in the groundbreaking series ‘Pose’. She made history as the first transgender actress to win a Golden Globe Award for her work on the show. Rodriguez has also established a successful career in musical theater including a production of ‘Rent’. She continues to work in television with a starring role in the comedy series ‘Loot’. Her success represents a major milestone for trans performers in the entertainment industry.

Dominique Jackson

Dominique Jackson is a model and actress who gained fame for her role as Elektra Abundance in the series ‘Pose’. She has written an autobiography titled ‘The Transsexual from Tobago’ which details her personal journey. Jackson has walked the runway for various fashion designers and appeared in several high-fashion magazines. She is known for her commanding screen presence and her advocacy for trans women of color. Jackson also appeared in the fantasy series ‘American Gods’.

Indya Moore

Indya Moore is a non-binary actress and model who rose to prominence through their role in ‘Pose’. They have appeared in fashion campaigns for brands such as Louis Vuitton and Gucci. Moore was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2019 for their activism and artistry. They have appeared in films like ‘Escape Room: Tournament of Champions’ and provide voices for animated series. Moore remains dedicated to supporting marginalized youth and promoting environmental justice.

Hari Nef

Hari Nef is an actress and model who has broken barriers in both the fashion and film industries. She made her debut on the runway for New York Fashion Week and later transitioned into acting with a role in the series ‘Transparent’. Nef appeared as one of the Barbies in the global blockbuster ‘Barbie’ and had a role in the series ‘The Idol’. She frequently writes about culture and identity for major publications. Nef is recognized for her intellectual approach to her roles and her advocacy for trans inclusion.

Angelica Ross

Angelica Ross is a self-taught computer programmer and actress who appeared in ‘Pose’ and ‘American Horror Story’. She founded TransTech Social Enterprises which is a company that provides job training for gender non-conforming individuals. Ross made history by being the first trans woman to play a leading role on Broadway in the musical ‘Chicago’. She is a regular speaker at technology and human rights conferences. Her career demonstrates a commitment to both artistic excellence and community empowerment.

Trace Lysette

Trace Lysette gained recognition for her recurring role in the series ‘Transparent’ and her performance in the film ‘Hustlers’. She starred in the independent film ‘Monica’ which received a lengthy standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival. Lysette is a trans woman who has been a strong advocate for trans actors playing trans roles. She has worked consistently in television with guest spots on shows like ‘Drunk History’ and ‘Midnight, Texas’. Her lead performance in ‘Monica’ was praised by critics for its emotional depth and subtlety.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg first came to public attention as Rue in the blockbuster film ‘The Hunger Games’. Since then she has starred in films like ‘The Hate U Give’ and ‘Everything, Everything’. Stenberg identifies as non-binary and gay and has been a vocal activist for intersectional feminism. She was featured on the cover of Time magazine as a Next Generation Leader for her social advocacy. Her recent work includes a leading role in the Star Wars series ‘The Acolyte’.

Beanie Feldstein

Beanie Feldstein earned critical acclaim for her breakout roles in ‘Lady Bird’ and ‘Booksmart’. She received a Golden Globe nomination for her portrayal of a high school student in the latter film. Feldstein made her Broadway debut in ‘Hello, Dolly!’ and later starred as Fanny Brice in the revival of ‘Funny Girl’. She is openly queer and married her partner Bonnie-Chance Roberts in 2023. Her work often highlights themes of friendship and female empowerment.

Stephanie Beatriz

Stephanie Beatriz is widely known for playing Detective Rosa Diaz in the long-running sitcom ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. She also provided the voice for Mirabel Madrigal in the Academy Award-winning Disney film ‘Encanto’. Beatriz came out as bisexual in 2016 and has been an active supporter of LGBTQ+ organizations. She has starred in the musical film ‘In the Heights’ and several independent projects. Her voice work is extensive including roles in ‘BoJack Horseman’ and ‘Human Resources’.

Sara Ramirez

Sara Ramirez is a Tony Award-winning performer known for their role as Dr. Callie Torres on the medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. They identified as bisexual in 2016 and later came out as non-binary in 2020. Ramirez joined the cast of the ‘Sex and the City’ revival ‘And Just Like That’ as the character Che Diaz. Their career began on Broadway with a notable role in the musical ‘Spamalot’. They continue to use their public platform to advocate for queer and trans rights.

Tig Notaro

Tig Notaro is a comedian and actress known for her deadpan delivery and observational humor. She gained massive recognition for a legendary stand-up set where she discussed her cancer diagnosis. Notaro has starred in her own semi-autobiographical series ‘One Mississippi’ and appeared in the film ‘Army of the Dead’. She is married to actress Stephanie Allynne and they have two children together. Her work often blends dark comedy with deeply personal storytelling.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes is an established comedian and actress with a career that includes stand-up specials and sitcom roles. She won a Primetime Emmy Award for her writing on ‘The Chris Rock Show’. Sykes came out publicly in 2008 during a rally against Proposition 8 in California. She has appeared in shows like ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ and stars in the sitcom ‘The Upshaws’. Sykes is known for her sharp political commentary and her advocacy for social justice.

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin is a legendary figure in comedy and acting with a career that spans over six decades. She has received numerous accolades including an Emmy, a Grammy, and a Tony Award. Tomlin is well known for her sketch comedy on ‘Laugh-In’ and her starring role in the film ‘9 to 5’. She has been in a relationship with writer Jane Wagner since 1971 and they married in 2013. More recently she starred in the long-running series ‘Grace and Frankie’ alongside Jane Fonda.

Jane Lynch

Jane Lynch gained widespread popularity for her role as Sue Sylvester in the musical series ‘Glee’. She has won multiple Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe for her work in television. Lynch has a long history in comedic films including collaborations with director Christopher Guest in ‘Best in Show’. She is also a prolific voice actress and the host of the game show ‘Hollywood Game Night’. Lynch has been open about her identity for her entire professional career.

Rosie O’Donnell

Rosie O’Donnell started her career in stand-up comedy before becoming a major talk show host and actress. She won multiple Daytime Emmy Awards for ‘The Rosie O’Donnell Show’ and appeared in films like ‘A League of Their Own’. O’Donnell came out as a lesbian in 2002 to advocate for gay adoption rights. She has been a frequent guest star on shows like ‘SMILF’ and ‘The Fosters’. Her public life has been marked by significant philanthropic efforts and political activism.

Clea DuVall

Clea DuVall has been a consistent presence in independent and mainstream cinema since the 1990s. She is known for her roles in films such as ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’ and ‘Girl, Interrupted’. DuVall wrote and directed the holiday romantic comedy ‘Happiest Season’ which features a lesbian couple. She had a recurring role in the critically acclaimed series ‘Veep’ and appeared in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. Her work often focuses on telling authentic queer stories from behind the camera.

Natasha Lyonne

Natasha Lyonne began her career as a child actor before finding major success in films like ‘American Pie’ and ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’. She experienced a career resurgence with her role as Nicky Nichols in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. Lyonne is the co-creator and star of the series ‘Russian Doll’ and the mystery series ‘Poker Face’. While she has not applied a specific label to her identity she has been a long-time ally and icon within the queer community. Her unique gravelly voice and comedic timing have made her a distinctive talent.

Portia de Rossi

Portia de Rossi is an Australian-American actress who gained fame for her roles in ‘Ally McBeal’ and ‘Arrested Development’. She also starred in the sitcom ‘Better Off Ted’ and the political thriller ‘Scandal’. De Rossi married television host Ellen DeGeneres in 2008 after the California Supreme Court overturned the ban on same-sex marriage. She published a memoir titled ‘Unbearable Lightness’ about her struggles with health and identity. Though she retired from acting in 2018 she remains a public figure in the entertainment world.

Ruby Rose

Ruby Rose is an Australian model and actress who gained international attention for her role in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She has since starred in action films such as ‘John Wick: Chapter 2’ and ‘The Meg’. Rose made history as the first openly LGBTQ+ lead in a superhero series when she was cast as ‘Batwoman’. She identifies as genderfluid and has been open about her identity since the age of twelve. Her career continues to span music, fashion, and screen acting.

Bella Ramsey

Bella Ramsey rose to prominence for her breakout role as Lyanna Mormont in ‘Game of Thrones’. She achieved further international acclaim for her starring role as Ellie in the series ‘The Last of Us’. Ramsey identifies as non-binary and has expressed that they are comfortable with any pronouns. Their performance in ‘The Last of Us’ earned them a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award. They continue to take on challenging roles in both television and film.

Emma Corrin

Emma Corrin gained widespread recognition for their portrayal of Princess Diana in the fourth season of ‘The Crown’. They won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress for this performance. Corrin identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns. They have starred in the film ‘My Policeman’ and the limited series ‘A Murder at the End of the World’. Corrin is known for their fashion choices and their commitment to playing diverse characters.

Ariana DeBose

Ariana DeBose is a multi-talented performer who won an Academy Award for her role as Anita in ‘West Side Story’. She became the first Afro-Latina and openly queer woman to win an Oscar for acting. DeBose started her career on Broadway with roles in ‘Hamilton’ and ‘Summer: The Donna Summer Musical’. She has hosted the Tony Awards twice and continues to work in major film productions like ‘Argylle’. Her background in dance and musical theater heavily influences her screen performances.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné began her career as a child star on ‘The Cosby Show’ before starring in her own Disney Channel series ‘That’s So Raven’. She has worked consistently as an actress, singer, and television host on ‘The View’. Raven came out publicly in 2013 and married her partner Miranda Maday in 2020. She currently stars in and executive produces the spin-off series ‘Raven’s Home’. Her long career has made her a familiar face to multiple generations of viewers.

Niecy Nash-Betts

Niecy Nash-Betts is a versatile actress known for her comedic roles in ‘Reno 911!’ and her dramatic work in ‘When They See Us’. She won an Emmy Award for her portrayal of Glenda Cleveland in the series ‘Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’. Nash-Betts surprised fans by announcing her marriage to singer Jessica Betts in 2020. She has since been open about her journey and her loving relationship. Her career continues to flourish with leading roles in ‘The Rookie: Feds’.

Jen Richards

Jen Richards is an actress, writer, and producer who has been a prominent advocate for trans representation. She co-created and starred in the web series ‘Her Story’ which was nominated for an Emmy. Richards has appeared in television shows such as ‘Better Things’, ‘Nashville’, and ‘Mrs. Fletcher’. She was a featured consultant for the documentary ‘Disclosure’ regarding the history of trans people on screen. Her work focuses on creating more nuanced and humanizing portrayals of the trans community.

Jamie Clayton

Jamie Clayton is best known for her role as Nomi Marks in the science fiction series ‘Sense8’. She gained further recognition for her portrayal of the Pinhead character in the 2022 reboot of ‘Hellraiser’. Clayton is a trans woman who has spoken about the importance of authentic casting in the horror and sci-fi genres. She has a recurring role in the series ‘The L Word: Generation Q’ and provides voices for video games. Her presence in mainstream media has been a significant step for trans visibility.

Daniela Vega

Daniela Vega is a Chilean actress and singer who gained international fame for her lead role in ‘A Fantastic Woman’. The film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2018. Vega made history as the first openly transgender person to be a presenter at the Oscars. She has received numerous awards for her performance which brought global attention to trans rights in South America. Vega continues to work in international film and television projects.

Leyna Bloom

Leyna Bloom is an actress and model who made history as the first trans woman of color to lead a film at the Cannes Film Festival. She starred in the independent film ‘Port Authority’ which focuses on the ballroom culture in New York City. Bloom was also the first trans woman of color to be featured on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. She is an active member of the ballroom community and a vocal advocate for trans rights. Her career blends high fashion with impactful storytelling.

Josie Totah

Josie Totah is a young actress who began her career in comedic roles on ‘Glee’ and ‘Jessie’. She came out as a trans woman in a powerful essay for Time magazine in 2018. Since then she has starred in the revival of the sitcom ‘Saved by the Bell’ where she also served as a producer. Totah has appeared in films like ‘Other People’ and the series ‘The Buccaneers’. She is recognized as a leading voice for the new generation of trans actors in Hollywood.

Nicole Maines

Nicole Maines gained national attention for her legal battle over bathroom access in her school which went to the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. She later transitioned into acting and became the first person to play a trans superhero on television in ‘Supergirl’. Maines portrayed the character Nia Nal also known as Dreamer. She has also appeared in the horror film ‘Bit’ and the series ‘Yellowjackets’. Maines continues to write and advocate for trans inclusion in all forms of media.

Patti Harrison

Patti Harrison is a comedian and actress known for her surreal humor and sharp wit. She has starred in the independent film ‘Together Together’ and appeared in series like ‘I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson’. Harrison is a trans woman who often incorporates her identity into her comedy in unconventional ways. She has provided voices for animated projects such as ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’. Her rising career highlights her unique comedic voice and versatility.

Alex Newell

Alex Newell is a non-binary actor and singer who first gained fame through ‘The Glee Project’ and ‘Glee’. They made history by winning a Tony Award for their performance in the musical ‘Shucked’. Newell has also starred in the musical dramedy series ‘Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist’. They are known for their powerful singing voice and their advocacy for gender-neutral categories in award shows. Newell continues to be a trailblazer in both the theater and television industries.

Maya Hawke

Maya Hawke is an actress and singer-songwriter who rose to fame as Robin Buckley in ‘Stranger Things’. Her character on the show was revealed to be a lesbian in a widely praised coming-out scene. Hawke has appeared in films like ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ and ‘Do Revenge’. She is the daughter of actors Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke and has carved out her own successful career path. Her work in both music and acting has garnered a dedicated following among young audiences.

Margaret Cho

Margaret Cho is a groundbreaking comedian and actress who has been a voice for the LGBTQ+ community for decades. She starred in the first sitcom to feature an Asian American family titled ‘All-American Girl’. Cho identifies as bisexual and has frequently used her stand-up specials to discuss queer identity and racial issues. She has appeared in shows like ‘Drop Dead Diva’ and the film ‘Fire Island’. Her activism has earned her numerous awards from human rights organizations.

Lea DeLaria

Lea DeLaria is a comedian and actress who was the first openly gay comic to appear on a late-night talk show. She is best known for her role as Carrie Big Boo Black in the series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. DeLaria has a long history in musical theater and has performed in several Broadway productions. She is also a jazz musician with several albums to her credit. Her bold and unapologetic presence has made her an icon within the LGBTQ+ community.

Cherry Jones

Cherry Jones is a highly respected stage and screen actress with an extensive list of credits. She has won two Tony Awards and three Emmy Awards for her diverse performances. Jones is known for her roles in ’24’, ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’, and ‘Succession’. She has been open about her identity for many years and was in a long-term relationship with Sarah Paulson. Her career is characterized by powerful dramatic performances in both classical and contemporary works.

Fiona Shaw

Fiona Shaw is an Irish actress known for her work with the Royal Shakespeare Company and her film roles. She portrayed Petunia Dursley in the ‘Harry Potter’ franchise and starred in the series ‘Killing Eve’. Shaw won a BAFTA for her role as Carolyn Martens in ‘Killing Eve’. She is married to economist Sonali Deraniyagala and has spoken about her personal life in interviews. Her work spans across theater, television, and film with critical acclaim in each field.

Alia Shawkat

Alia Shawkat is best known for her role as Maeby Fünke in the cult classic sitcom ‘Arrested Development’. She also starred in and executive produced the dark comedy series ‘Search Party’. Shawkat came out as bisexual in 2017 and has been vocal about the importance of diversity in Hollywood. She is also an artist and musician who frequently collaborates on independent projects. Her career is marked by a preference for quirky and intellectually stimulating roles.

Jasmin Savoy Brown

Jasmin Savoy Brown is a rising star known for her roles in the horror franchise ‘Scream’ and the series ‘Yellowjackets’. She portrays queer characters in both projects and has spoken about the importance of that representation. Brown identifies as queer and is an advocate for the community in both her personal and professional life. She has also appeared in the series ‘The Leftovers’ and ‘For the People’. Her performances have been praised for their charisma and emotional authenticity.

Please share your thoughts on these talented performers and their impact on the industry in the comments.