The Most Famous Lesbian and Bisexual Actresses

The landscape of Hollywood has transformed significantly as more actresses openly share their identities as lesbian or bisexual women. These performers have not only achieved critical acclaim and commercial success but have also paved the way for greater LGBTQ+ visibility in mainstream media. From Academy Award winners to television pioneers, their contributions span every genre of film and television. This list highlights some of the most influential and famous actresses who identify as part of the queer community.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster is a highly decorated actress and director who first gained acclaim as a child in ‘Taxi Driver’. She later won Academy Awards for her leading roles in ‘The Accused’ and ‘The Silence of the Lambs’. Foster confirmed her identity during a speech at the 2013 Golden Globes, referencing her long-term relationship with Cydney Bernard. She is currently married to photographer Alexandra Hedison and continues to star in major projects like ‘True Detective’.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart became a global superstar through her role in the ‘Twilight’ series before transitioning into acclaimed indie films. She received a César Award for ‘Clouds of Sils Maria’ and an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Princess Diana in ‘Spencer’. Stewart has been vocal about her fluid sexuality in numerous interviews, describing her identity as an open part of her life. She is currently working on various projects as both an actress and a director.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson is widely recognized for her versatile performances across multiple seasons of ‘American Horror Story’. She earned critical praise and an Emmy for her role in ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story’. Paulson has been in a relationship with actress Holland Taylor since 2015 and often discusses their partnership in the media. Her career includes significant roles in films such as ‘Ocean’s 8’ and ‘Carol’.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie is one of the most famous actresses in the world, known for films like ‘Girl, Interrupted’ and ‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider’. She has been open about her bisexual identity since the 1990s, often discussing her past relationship with model Jenny Shimizu. Beyond her acting career, Jolie is a dedicated humanitarian and has directed several feature films including ‘Unbroken’. She remains a prominent figure in global cinema and international advocacy.

Megan Fox

Megan Fox rose to prominence with her breakout role in the ‘Transformers’ franchise during the mid-2000s. She publicly identified as bisexual in a 2009 interview with ‘Esquire’ and has reaffirmed her identity several times since. Her filmography includes roles in ‘Jennifer’s Body’, which has become a cult classic within the LGBTQ+ community. Fox continues to work in both film and television while maintaining a high public profile.

Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore has been a staple of the film industry since her childhood role in ‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial’. She is the founder of Flower Films and has starred in hits like ‘Charlie’s Angels’ and ’50 First Dates’. Barrymore came out as bisexual in 2003, stating in interviews that she has always considered herself as such. Currently, she hosts ‘The Drew Barrymore Show’, where she frequently interviews other top celebrities.

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga is a multi-talented performer who has successfully transitioned from a global pop icon to an Academy Award-nominated actress. She won a Golden Globe for ‘American Horror Story: Hotel’ and received critical acclaim for ‘A Star Is Born’. Gaga has identified as bisexual since the beginning of her career and frequently incorporates LGBTQ+ themes into her work. Her performance in ‘House of Gucci’ further established her as a leading dramatic actress in Hollywood.

Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus gained early fame as the star of the Disney Channel series ‘Hannah Montana’. She has since built a diverse career as a singer and actress, appearing in films like ‘The Last Song’ and the series ‘Black Mirror’. Cyrus identifies as pansexual and has been a vocal advocate for queer youth through her Happy Hippie Foundation. She continues to be a prominent figure in both the music and entertainment industries.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon is best known for her role as Miranda Hobbes on the long-running series ‘Sex and the City’. She has won two Emmy Awards and a Tony Award, showcasing her range across television and theater. Nixon, who is married to Christine Marinoni, has been active in New York politics and LGBTQ+ advocacy for years. She currently stars in the ‘Sex and the City’ revival, ‘And Just Like That…’.

Holland Taylor

Holland Taylor is a veteran actress of stage and screen, well known for her role in ‘Two and a Half Men’. She won an Emmy for her work on ‘The Practice’ and received acclaim for her solo Broadway show ‘Ann’. Taylor has been in a high-profile relationship with actress Sarah Paulson since 2015. Her career spans decades, with recent notable roles in ‘Hollywood’ and ‘The Morning Show’.

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin is a comedy legend whose career began in the 1960s with ‘Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In’. She has starred in iconic films like ‘9 to 5’ and the long-running Netflix series ‘Grace and Frankie’. Tomlin has been with her partner, Jane Wagner, since 1971, and the couple officially married in 2013. She has received numerous accolades, including a Grammy, an Emmy, and a Tony Award.

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres made history in 1997 when she and her character on the sitcom ‘Ellen’ came out as gay. This moment was a significant milestone for LGBTQ+ representation on network television. She later hosted ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’ for nineteen seasons, becoming one of the most recognizable faces in daytime television. DeGeneres has been married to actress Portia de Rossi since 2008.

Portia de Rossi

Portia de Rossi is an Australian-American actress known for her roles in ‘Ally McBeal’ and ‘Arrested Development’. She also played a significant role in the political drama ‘Scandal’ as Elizabeth North. De Rossi came out publicly in 2005 and married Ellen DeGeneres three years later. Though she has stepped back from full-time acting, she remains a well-known figure in the entertainment world.

Jane Lynch

Jane Lynch achieved widespread fame for her Emmy-winning role as Sue Sylvester on the musical series ‘Glee’. She has appeared in numerous Christopher Guest mockumentaries, including ‘Best in Show’ and ‘A Mighty Wind’. Lynch has been openly lesbian throughout her mainstream career and is a frequent host of game shows like ‘Hollywood Game Night’. She also has a successful career on Broadway, appearing in ‘Annie’ and ‘Funny Girl’.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes is a prominent comedian and actress who has appeared in ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ and ‘The Upshaws’. She came out publicly at a rally in 2008 during the campaign against Proposition 8 in California. Sykes has been married to her wife, Alex Niedbalski, since 2008, and the couple has two children. She is widely respected for her sharp political commentary and observational humor.

Kate McKinnon

Kate McKinnon was a standout cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’ for over a decade, winning two Emmy Awards. She is known for her impressions and original characters, as well as roles in films like ‘Ghostbusters’ and ‘Barbie’. McKinnon was the first openly lesbian cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’. Her comedic work often highlights her unique timing and physical comedy skills.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza rose to fame as April Ludgate on the sitcom ‘Parks and Recreation’. She has since starred in films like ‘Ingrid Goes West’ and ‘Emily the Criminal’, as well as the series ‘The White Lotus’. Plaza identified as bisexual in a 2016 interview, mentioning that she falls in love with both girls and guys. She is known for her deadpan delivery and choice of unconventional, dark roles.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson is a versatile actress known for her roles in the ‘Creed’ franchise and the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’ as Valkyrie. She has also starred in critically acclaimed projects like ‘Passing’ and ‘Sorry to Bother You’. Thompson came out as bisexual in 2018, discussing her attraction to both men and women. She is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion within the film industry.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is a musician and actress who has appeared in Academy Award-winning films like ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Hidden Figures’. She also starred in the thriller ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’. Monáe has identified as both bisexual and pansexual, often discussing her identity in relation to her music and public persona. Her work frequently explores themes of identity, technology, and liberation.

Amber Heard

Amber Heard is known for her roles in films such as ‘Pineapple Express’ and as Mera in ‘Aquaman’. She publicly came out as bisexual in 2010 at a GLAAD event. Heard has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and domestic violence awareness over the years. Her career has been marked by high-profile roles in both action blockbusters and independent dramas.

Evan Rachel Wood

Evan Rachel Wood began her career as a child actor in films like ‘Thirteen’ and later starred in the HBO series ‘Westworld’. She has received multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for her work in television and film. Wood came out as bisexual on social media in 2011 and has been an active advocate for the community. She is also a prominent activist for survivors of domestic abuse.

Anna Paquin

Anna Paquin won an Academy Award at the age of 11 for ‘The Piano’ and later starred as Sookie Stackhouse in ‘True Blood’. She also played Rogue in the ‘X-Men’ film series. Paquin came out as bisexual in 2010 during a PSA for the ‘Give a Damn’ campaign. She is married to her ‘True Blood’ co-star Stephen Moyer and has continued to advocate for bisexual visibility.

Cara Delevingne

Cara Delevingne successfully transitioned from a high-fashion modeling career to acting in films like ‘Paper Towns’ and ‘Suicide Squad’. She also starred in the fantasy series ‘Carnival Row’ and the comedy-mystery ‘Only Murders in the Building’. Delevingne has identified as pansexual and has been open about her relationships with women. She is known for her distinct look and her candidness about mental health and identity.

Michelle Rodriguez

Michelle Rodriguez is a staple of the action genre, best known for her role as Letty Ortiz in the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise. She has also appeared in ‘Avatar’ and the television series ‘Lost’. Rodriguez confirmed her bisexuality in a 2013 interview, stating she has gone “both ways” in her personal life. She continues to be one of the most prominent Latinas in Hollywood’s action film sector.

Maria Bello

Maria Bello is an acclaimed actress known for her roles in ‘Coyote Ugly’, ‘A History of Violence’, and the series ‘ER’. She wrote a famous modern love essay for ‘The New York Times’ in 2013 about her relationship with a woman. Bello has been open about her fluid approach to labels and relationships throughout her career. She recently appeared in the hit Netflix series ‘Beef’.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg first gained national attention as Rue in ‘The Hunger Games’. Since then, they have starred in ‘The Hate U Give’ and the series ‘The Acolyte’. Stenberg came out as pansexual in 2016 and later as gay in 2018. They are recognized for their activism regarding race, gender, and identity within the entertainment industry.

Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer rose to international prominence for her role as Jules Vaughn in the HBO series ‘Euphoria’. She has also worked as a high-fashion model and appeared in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’. Schafer is a transgender woman who has discussed her fluid sexuality in various interviews. She is considered a fashion icon and a prominent voice for Gen Z LGBTQ+ individuals.

Ariana DeBose

Ariana DeBose won an Academy Award for her performance as Anita in Steven Spielberg’s ‘West Side Story’. She has a strong background in musical theater, including being a member of the original cast of ‘Hamilton’. DeBose identifies as queer and has been open about her identity since early in her career. She frequently hosts award shows and continues to star in major film and stage productions.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez made history as the first transgender woman to win a Golden Globe for her role in ‘Pose’. She has also appeared in ‘Loot’ and provided voices for animated projects like ‘Transformers: EarthSpark’. Rodriguez has been a trailblazer for trans and queer representation on television. Her work focuses on humanizing diverse experiences through powerful dramatic performances.

Stephanie Beatriz

Stephanie Beatriz is widely known for playing Detective Rosa Diaz on the comedy series ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. She also voiced the lead character Mirabel in the Disney film ‘Encanto’. Beatriz came out as bisexual on social media in 2016 and her character on ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ later came out as well. She is married to Brad Hoss and continues to work extensively in voice acting and live-action roles.

Abbi Jacobson

Abbi Jacobson is the co-creator and co-star of the acclaimed comedy series ‘Broad City’. She also created and starred in the television adaptation of ‘A League of Their Own’. Jacobson came out as bisexual in 2018, noting that she dates both men and women. She is currently engaged to actress Jodi Balfour and continues to produce content that highlights queer stories.

Niecy Nash-Betts

Niecy Nash-Betts is an Emmy-winning actress known for ‘Reno 911!’, ‘Claws’, and ‘Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’. She surprised fans in 2020 by announcing her marriage to singer Jessica Betts. Nash-Betts has described her relationship as a “going into myself” rather than a traditional coming out. She remains a popular figure in both comedy and drama, often hosting television specials.

Beanie Feldstein

Beanie Feldstein earned critical acclaim for her roles in ‘Lady Bird’ and ‘Booksmart’. She also portrayed Monica Lewinsky in ‘Impeachment: American Crime Story’ and starred on Broadway in ‘Funny Girl’. Feldstein is married to producer Bonnie-Chance Roberts and has been open about her relationship since 2018. She is recognized for her comedic timing and strong dramatic range.

Dove Cameron

Dove Cameron rose to fame on the Disney Channel in ‘Liv and Maddie’ and the ‘Descendants’ film series. She has since transitioned into a successful music career and more mature acting roles in projects like ‘Schmigadoon!’. Cameron came out as bisexual in 2020 during an Instagram Live and later clarified she identifies as queer. She is a prominent figure for younger audiences exploring their identities.

Bella Thorne

Bella Thorne gained early fame on the Disney Channel series ‘Shake It Up’. She has since appeared in numerous films such as ‘The Duff’ and ‘The Babysitter’. Thorne came out as bisexual in 2016 and later identified as pansexual in 2019. She is also a director and author, frequently using social media to connect with her millions of followers.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné became a household name as a child on ‘The Cosby Show’ and later starred in ‘That’s So Raven’. She has been a co-host on ‘The View’ and currently stars in the revival series ‘Raven’s Home’. She publicly acknowledged her sexual orientation in 2013 and married Miranda Maday in 2020. Throughout her career, she has remained one of the most recognizable faces in family entertainment.

Rosie O’Donnell

Rosie O’Donnell is a comedian, actress, and former talk show host who became a major star in the 1990s. She appeared in films like ‘A League of Their Own’ and ‘Sleepless in Seattle’ before hosting ‘The Rosie O’Donnell Show’. O’Donnell came out as a lesbian in 2002 to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ adoption rights. She remains an influential figure in television and a dedicated activist for various social causes.

Margaret Cho

Margaret Cho is a stand-up comedian and actress known for her groundbreaking sitcom ‘All-American Girl’. She has appeared in ‘Drop Dead Diva’ and the film ‘Fire Island’. Cho has long identified as bisexual and frequently incorporates themes of sexuality and race into her comedy. She is a pioneer for Asian American performers in the entertainment industry.

Fortune Feimster

Fortune Feimster is a stand-up comedian and actress who gained recognition on ‘Chelsea Lately’. She has starred in the series ‘The Mindy Project’ and the action-comedy ‘FUBAR’ alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger. Feimster often discusses her journey of coming out as a lesbian in her comedy specials. She married her partner Jacquelyn Smith in 2020 and continues to tour internationally.

Clea DuVall

Clea DuVall is an actress and director who became a cult favorite in the 1990s with films like ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’. She has appeared in ‘Argo’, ‘Veep’, and ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. DuVall came out publicly in 2016 and has since directed projects like ‘Happiest Season’, a queer-themed holiday film. She is a prominent advocate for authentic LGBTQ+ storytelling in Hollywood.

Cherry Jones

Cherry Jones is a highly respected theater and television actress who has won multiple Tony and Emmy Awards. She is well known for her role as President Allison Taylor on the action series ’24’. Jones was in a long-term relationship with Sarah Paulson for several years before marrying filmmaker Sophie Huber in 2015. Her work continues to span prestigious stage productions and television dramas.

Fiona Shaw

Fiona Shaw is an Irish actress known for her roles in the ‘Harry Potter’ film series and ‘Killing Eve’. She has won several Olivier Awards and has been nominated for multiple Emmys. Shaw has been open about her past relationships with women and is married to economist Sonali Deraniyagala. She is regarded as one of the finest classical actresses of her generation.

Saffron Burrows

Saffron Burrows is a British-American actress known for her work in ‘Deep Blue Sea’ and the series ‘Boston Legal’. She also starred in the Amazon series ‘Mozart in the Jungle’. Burrows came out as bisexual early in her career and later married writer Alison Balian. She has been vocal about the importance of not being restricted by labels regarding her personal life.

Kelly McGillis

Kelly McGillis was a major film star in the 1980s, appearing in hits like ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Witness’. She came out as a lesbian in 2009 during an interview with ‘SheWired’. Since then, she has worked primarily in independent films and stage productions. McGillis has been open about her personal journey and her transition away from the Hollywood spotlight.

Heather Matarazzo

Heather Matarazzo is best known for her breakout role in ‘Welcome to the Dollhouse’ and her part in ‘The Princess Diaries’. She has been a consistent presence in film and television for decades, including the ‘Scream’ franchise. Matarazzo has been openly lesbian for much of her career and is an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. She frequently speaks about the challenges and progress of queer actors in the industry.

Samira Wiley

Samira Wiley gained fame for her role as Poussey Washington in the Netflix series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She later won an Emmy for her performance as Moira in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. Wiley is married to Lauren Morelli, a writer she met on the set of ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She continues to take on significant roles that highlight social and personal struggles.

Jameela Jamil

Jameela Jamil is a British actress and activist who starred as Tahani Al-Jamil on ‘The Good Place’. She is also known for her work as a judge on the ballroom competition series ‘Legendary’. Jamil came out as queer in 2020 following public discussion about her involvement in LGBTQ+ projects. She is a vocal advocate for body neutrality and inclusivity across media platforms.

Ruby Rose

Ruby Rose is an Australian actress and model who gained international attention in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She also starred in the lead role of the ‘Batwoman’ television series. Rose identifies as a lesbian and genderfluid, having come out at the age of 12. Her career includes roles in major action films like ‘John Wick: Chapter 2’ and ‘The Meg’.

Lily-Rose Depp

Lily-Rose Depp is an actress and model known for her roles in ‘The King’ and the series ‘The Idol’. She is the daughter of Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis and has been a frequent collaborator with fashion brands like Chanel. Depp has been open about her fluid sexuality, participating in projects that celebrate the LGBTQ+ spectrum. She continues to build a distinct career in both independent and mainstream cinema.

Reneé Rapp

Reneé Rapp first gained attention on Broadway in ‘Mean Girls’ before starring in the series ‘The Sex Lives of College Girls’. She has also launched a highly successful music career with her debut album ‘Snow Angel’. Rapp identifies as a lesbian and frequently discusses her identity in her lyrics and interviews. She played the role of Regina George in the 2024 film adaptation of ‘Mean Girls’.

Please share your favorite performances by these incredible actresses in the comments.