The Most Genuine LGBTQ+ Actors in the World

The entertainment industry has seen a significant shift toward visibility and authenticity as many male actors have chosen to live openly as members of the LGBTQ+ community. These performers have not only excelled in their craft but have also used their platforms to advocate for equality and representation in film, television, and theater. From seasoned veterans of the stage to rising stars on streaming platforms, these individuals have navigated the complexities of Hollywood while remaining true to their identities. Their contributions have paved the way for more diverse storytelling and have provided inspiration for audiences worldwide.

Ian McKellen

Sir Ian McKellen is a legendary British actor who publicly came out as gay in 1988 during a radio debate regarding Section 28. He is globally recognized for his iconic roles as Gandalf in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and Magneto in the ‘X-Men’ film series. Beyond his acting achievements, McKellen is a tireless advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and a co-founder of the charity Stonewall. His career spans decades, earning him numerous accolades including a Tony Award and multiple Olivier Awards.

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris is an American actor, singer, and producer who gained fame as the titular character in ‘Doogie Howser, M.D.’ He is perhaps most famous for his role as Barney Stinson on the sitcom ‘How I Met Your Mother’, a character that earned him multiple Emmy nominations. Harris publicly came out in 2006, expressing pride in being a content gay man. He has since become a prominent figure in the industry, hosting the Academy Awards and starring in the Netflix series ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’.

Andrew Scott

Andrew Scott is an Irish actor who achieved international acclaim for his portrayal of Jim Moriarty in the BBC series ‘Sherlock’. He further cemented his star status with his role as the Priest in the second season of ‘Fleabag’, which earned him a Golden Globe nomination. Scott has been open about his sexuality for many years, stating in interviews that he views it as a simple fact of his life. His recent work includes a critically acclaimed lead performance in the film ‘All of Us Strangers’.

Jonathan Bailey

Jonathan Bailey is a British actor known for his versatile work across stage and screen, most notably as Lord Anthony Bridgerton in the Netflix hit ‘Bridgerton’. He won a Laurence Olivier Award for his role in the 2018 West End revival of the musical ‘Company’. Bailey has spoken openly about his experiences as a gay man in the industry and the importance of authentic representation. He recently starred alongside Matt Bomer in the limited series ‘Fellow Travelers’, which explores a decades-long romance between two men.

Ben Whishaw

Ben Whishaw is a highly respected English actor known for his roles in both independent films and major blockbusters. He is the voice of the title character in the ‘Paddington’ films and portrays Q in the James Bond series, starting with ‘Skyfall’. Whishaw entered into a civil partnership in 2012 and has consistently advocated for privacy while remaining open about his identity. His performance in the BBC medical drama ‘This Is Going to Hurt’ received widespread critical praise.

Luke Evans

Luke Evans is a Welsh actor and singer who has starred in major Hollywood productions such as ‘Fast & Furious 6’ and ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy. He portrayed Gaston in the live-action adaptation of Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’, showcasing his background in musical theater. Evans has been open about his sexuality since early in his career, maintaining a balance between his personal life and his status as an action star. He often shares glimpses of his life and travels with his followers on social media.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer is an American actor known for his lead role as Neal Caffrey in the USA Network series ‘White Collar’. He received a Golden Globe Award for his performance in the television film ‘The Normal Heart’, which chronicles the early days of the HIV/AIDS crisis. Bomer publicly came out in 2012 during an acceptance speech for a humanitarian award. He has been married to publicist Simon Halls since 2011, and the couple has three children.

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto rose to prominence with his role as the villainous Sylar in the television series ‘Heroes’. He gained further international fame portraying Spock in the rebooted ‘Star Trek’ film franchise. Quinto came out as gay in 2011 following the suicide of a young teenager, citing the need for more visible adult role models. He has since been active in various Broadway productions, including the revival of ‘The Boys in the Band’.

Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons is best known for his portrayal of Sheldon Cooper on the long-running CBS sitcom ‘The Big Bang Theory’. His performance earned him four Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award. Parsons came out as gay in a 2012 interview with The New York Times, mentioning his long-term relationship at the time. He later starred in the film adaptation of ‘The Boys in the Band’ and the Netflix limited series ‘Hollywood’.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter is a multi-talented performer who has achieved “Triple Crown of Acting” status with Emmy, Tony, and Grammy wins. He gained widespread acclaim for his role as Pray Tell in the FX series ‘Pose’, which highlights the underground ballroom culture of the 1980s and 90s. Porter is known for his barrier-breaking fashion choices on red carpets and his vocal advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community. He also won a Tony Award for his performance as Lola in the Broadway musical ‘Kinky Boots’.

BD Wong

BD Wong is an American actor who has had a prolific career in television and film, including roles in ‘Jurassic Park’ and ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’. He won a Tony Award for his Broadway debut in ‘M. Butterfly’, becoming the only actor to win all five major New York theater awards for a single role. Wong has been open about his life as a gay man and his journey through fatherhood via surrogacy. He recently appeared in the critically acclaimed series ‘Mr. Robot’ and ‘Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens’.

George Takei

George Takei is best known for his role as Hikaru Sulu in the original ‘Star Trek’ television series and subsequent films. He became a prominent LGBTQ+ activist after coming out publicly in 2005 to protest a veto of same-sex marriage legislation. Takei has a massive social media presence where he shares political commentary and humor. He also starred in the Broadway musical ‘Allegiance’, which was inspired by his own family’s experience in Japanese American internment camps.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo is an acclaimed actor, playwright, and director who has gained significant recognition for his role as Victor Strand in ‘Fear the Walking Dead’. He won a Primetime Emmy Award for his guest role in the HBO series ‘Euphoria’. Domingo received an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of civil rights activist Bayard Rustin in the film ‘Rustin’. He has been open about his identity throughout his career and has been married to his husband since 2011.

Russell Tovey

Russell Tovey is a British actor known for his roles in the supernatural drama ‘Being Human’ and the HBO series ‘Looking’. He has been a visible figure in the LGBTQ+ community, often playing queer characters on screen. Tovey is also a passionate art collector and co-hosts the popular podcast ‘Talk Art’. His recent work includes the thriller series ‘The Sister’ and the anthology series ‘Feud: Capote vs. The Swans’.

Ben Platt

Ben Platt rose to stardom for his title role in the Broadway musical ‘Dear Evan Hansen’, for which he won a Tony Award. He also appeared in the ‘Pitch Perfect’ film series and starred in the Netflix show ‘The Politician’. Platt came out publicly through the music video for his song ‘Ease My Mind’ in 2019. He has been vocal about his identity and frequently performs music that reflects his personal experiences.

Lee Pace

Lee Pace is known for his roles as Joe MacMillan in ‘Halt and Catch Fire’ and Ned in the cult favorite series ‘Pushing Daisies’. He has also portrayed Thranduil the Elvenking in ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy and Ronan the Accuser in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Pace discussed his sexuality in a 2018 interview, confirming he is a member of the queer community. He is currently starring in the Apple TV+ sci-fi epic ‘Foundation’.

Elliot Page

Elliot Page is a Canadian actor and producer who publicly came out as a transgender man in December 2020. He received an Academy Award nomination for his breakthrough performance in the film ‘Juno’. Page currently stars as Viktor Hargreeves in the popular Netflix series ‘The Umbrella Academy’, a role that was adapted to reflect his transition. He has since released a memoir titled ‘Pageboy’ which details his experiences in the entertainment industry and his journey of self-discovery.

Harvey Guillén

Harvey Guillén is an American actor best known for his role as Guillermo de la Cruz in the FX series ‘What We Do in the Shadows’. His performance has been praised for bringing depth and vulnerability to the character of a vampire’s familiar. Guillén identifies as queer and has been an advocate for body positivity and Latinx representation in Hollywood. He has also lent his voice to various animated projects, including ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Jesse Tyler Ferguson is widely recognized for his role as Mitchell Pritchett on the long-running ABC sitcom ‘Modern Family’. His performance earned him five consecutive Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. Ferguson is an active advocate for marriage equality and co-founded the non-profit organization Tie The Knot. He recently won a Tony Award for his performance in the Broadway revival of the play ‘Take Me Out’.

Cheyenne Jackson

Cheyenne Jackson is a versatile actor and singer who has appeared in multiple seasons of ‘American Horror Story’. He has had a successful career on Broadway, starring in productions like ‘All Shook Up’ and ‘Xanadu’. Jackson is openly gay and lives with his husband and their two children. He currently stars in the FOX sitcom ‘Call Me Kat’ alongside Mayim Bialik.

Tituss Burgess

Tituss Burgess is best known for his role as Titus Andromedon in the Netflix comedy series ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’. His energetic performance earned him five Emmy nominations and made him a fan favorite. Burgess began his career on Broadway, appearing in shows like ‘The Little Mermaid’ and ‘Guys and Dolls’. He is openly gay and often uses his platform to support LGBTQ+ causes and the arts.

Colton Haynes

Colton Haynes gained fame for his roles in the television series ‘Teen Wolf’ and ‘Arrow’. He publicly came out as gay in 2016 during an interview with Entertainment Weekly after years of speculation. Haynes has been candid about his struggles with mental health and the pressures of being a young actor in Hollywood. He released a memoir titled ‘Miss Memory Lane’ in 2022, detailing his personal and professional life.

Andrew Rannells

Andrew Rannells is a Broadway star who earned a Tony nomination for his role in ‘The Book of Mormon’. He also gained television fame as Elijah Krantz in the HBO series ‘Girls’. Rannells has been open about his sexuality since he was a teenager and often incorporates his experiences into his writing. He recently starred in the film adaptation of ‘The Boys in the Band’ and the series ‘Black Monday’.

Victor Garber

Victor Garber is a veteran actor of stage and screen, known for his roles in ‘Alias’, ‘Titanic’, and ‘Argo’. He has received multiple Emmy and Tony nominations throughout his distinguished career. Garber publicly confirmed he was gay in 2013 and has been in a long-term relationship with artist Rainer Andreesen for over twenty years. He is also recognized for his role as Professor Martin Stein in the Arrowverse television shows.

Wilson Cruz

Wilson Cruz made history in the 1990s by playing Rickie Vasquez on ‘My So-Called Life’, one of the first openly gay teenagers on American television. He has continued to be a trailblazer, currently starring as Dr. Hugh Culber in ‘Star Trek: Discovery’. Cruz has worked extensively with GLAAD and other organizations to promote LGBTQ+ visibility in media. He is a passionate advocate for queer youth and diverse representation in storytelling.

Alan Cumming

Alan Cumming is a Scottish-American actor known for his eccentric and versatile performances in projects like ‘Cabaret’ and ‘The Good Wife’. He won a Tony Award for his portrayal of the Emcee in ‘Cabaret’ and has received numerous other accolades. Cumming identifies as bisexual and has been a prominent activist for LGBTQ+ rights for decades. He frequently hosts events and uses his voice to support various social justice initiatives.

Rupert Everett

Rupert Everett is a British actor who became a major star in the 1990s with roles in ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’ and ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’. He was one of the first high-profile actors in Hollywood to be openly gay, a decision he has discussed extensively in his memoirs. Everett has written several successful books and has directed films such as ‘The Happy Prince’. He remains a respected figure in the industry for his talent and candor.

Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry is a renowned British actor, writer, and comedian known for his intelligence and wit. He has starred in numerous television shows, including ‘Jeeves and Wooster’ and the long-running quiz show ‘QI’. Fry has been open about his life as a gay man and his struggles with bipolar disorder, often using his platform to raise awareness for mental health. He is a prolific author and is highly regarded for his contributions to British culture.

Nathan Lane

Nathan Lane is a celebrated actor of stage and screen, best known for his roles in ‘The Birdcage’ and the musical ‘The Producers’. He has won three Tony Awards and an Emmy Award for his guest role in ‘Only Murders in the Building’. Lane came out publicly in 1999 following the death of Matthew Shepard, citing a need to be more visible. He is recognized for his comedic timing and his ability to bring depth to complex characters.

Richard Gadd

Richard Gadd is a Scottish writer and actor who gained international fame for his breakout Netflix series ‘Baby Reindeer’. The show is based on his real-life experiences and explores themes of stalking and sexual identity. Gadd has been open about his bisexuality and the challenges he faced while navigating his career. His work has been praised for its raw honesty and its willingness to tackle difficult subject matter.

Murray Bartlett

Murray Bartlett is an Australian actor who received widespread acclaim for his role as Armond in the first season of ‘The White Lotus’. His performance earned him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor. Bartlett also starred in the HBO series ‘Looking’, which followed a group of gay friends in San Francisco. He recently appeared in the hit series ‘The Last of Us’, delivering a memorable performance in a high-profile guest role.

Haaz Sleiman

Haaz Sleiman is a Lebanese-American actor known for his roles in ‘The Visitor’ and the series ‘Nurse Jackie’. He made history by portraying Ben, the husband of Phastos, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film ‘Eternals’. Sleiman came out as gay in 2017 via a social media video to address the risks faced by LGBTQ+ people in the Middle East. He continues to be a vocal advocate for queer representation, especially for those from immigrant backgrounds.

Wentworth Miller

Wentworth Miller rose to fame as Michael Scofield in the hit television series ‘Prison Break’. He came out as gay in 2013 in a letter to the St. Petersburg International Film Festival, citing his opposition to the Russian government’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws. Miller has since been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, sharing his own experiences with depression. He has also appeared as Leonard Snart, also known as Captain Cold, in the Arrowverse franchise.

Robin de Jesús

Robin de Jesús is a three-time Tony Award-nominated actor known for his work in theater and film. He starred in the Broadway production of ‘The Boys in the Band’ and reprised his role in the 2020 film adaptation. De Jesús also received praise for his performance in the musical film ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’ alongside Andrew Garfield. He identifies as gay and has been active in promoting Latinx and LGBTQ+ visibility in the arts.

Michael Urie

Michael Urie is best known for his role as Marc St. James on the ABC dramedy series ‘Ugly Betty’. He has had a successful career in theater, both as an actor and a director, appearing in shows like ‘Buyer & Cellar’. Urie identifies as “queer” and has been in a long-term relationship with partner Ryan Spahn. He recently starred in the Netflix holiday romantic comedy ‘Single All the Way’, which featured a predominantly LGBTQ+ cast.

Tuc Watkins

Tuc Watkins is an American actor known for his long-running role as David Vickers on the soap opera ‘One Life to Live’. He also gained recognition for playing Bob Hunter on the ABC series ‘Desperate Housewives’. Watkins came out as gay in 2013 during an interview on ‘Marie’ with Marie Osmond. He is currently in a relationship with fellow actor Andrew Rannells, with whom he has worked on various projects.

Brandon Flynn

Brandon Flynn is an American actor who became a household name for his role as Justin Foley in the Netflix series ’13 Reasons Why’. He has also appeared in the series ‘Ratched’ and the 2022 reboot of ‘Hellraiser’. Flynn came out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community in 2017 via an Instagram post supporting the “Yes” vote for marriage equality in Australia. He is known for his advocacy and for using his social media platforms to support queer youth.

Justice Smith

Justice Smith is a rising star known for his roles in ‘Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom’ and ‘Pokémon Detective Pikachu’. He publicly came out as queer in 2020 during a protest for Black Lives Matter, emphasizing the importance of including Black queer and trans stories. Smith starred in the HBO Max series ‘Generation’, which explored the lives of modern high school students. He continues to take on diverse roles in both blockbuster films and independent projects.

Kit Connor

Kit Connor is a British actor who gained massive popularity for his role as Nick Nelson in the Netflix series ‘Heartstopper’. He has been acting since childhood, appearing in films like ‘Rocketman’ where he played a young Elton John. Connor came out as bisexual in 2022, following significant public pressure and speculation regarding his personal life. He has since been a vocal supporter of privacy for young actors while embracing his role as a representative for queer youth.

Joe Locke

Joe Locke is an Isle of Man-born actor who made his professional debut as Charlie Spring in the Netflix series ‘Heartstopper’. His performance as a gay teenager navigating high school life has made him a global star and an LGBTQ+ icon. Locke has been open about his identity and has used his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in his home country. He is set to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the upcoming series ‘Agatha All Along’.

Omar Ayuso

Omar Ayuso is a Spanish actor who rose to international fame for his role as Omar Shanaa in the Netflix series ‘Elite’. His character’s relationship with another male student was a central and groundbreaking part of the show’s early seasons. Ayuso is openly gay and often shares artistic and personal content on social media that challenges traditional gender norms. He has become a prominent figure in the Spanish entertainment industry and a fashion influencer.

Manu Ríos

Manu Ríos is a Spanish actor, singer, and model who joined the cast of ‘Elite’ in its fourth season as Patrick Blanco. Before his breakout role, he was already well-known as a social media influencer and for his appearances in musical theater. Ríos is open about his sexuality and has been praised for his portrayal of complex queer characters. He also appeared in the Pedro Almodóvar short film ‘Strange Way of Life’ alongside Ethan Hawke and Pedro Pascal.

Hunter Doohan

Hunter Doohan is an American actor known for his role as Tyler Galpin in the hit Netflix series ‘Wednesday’. He also appeared alongside Bryan Cranston in the legal drama series ‘Your Honor’. Doohan is openly gay and married his husband, Fielder Jewett, in 2022. He has spoken in interviews about the importance of being out and visible as an actor in Hollywood today.

Noah Galvin

Noah Galvin is an actor and singer who took over the lead role in the Broadway musical ‘Dear Evan Hansen’. He also gained television fame for his role as Kenny O’Neal on the ABC sitcom ‘The O’Neals’. Galvin is openly gay and has been candid about the challenges of being an out actor in the industry. He currently stars as Dr. Asher Wolke in the medical drama series ‘The Good Doctor’.

Lukas Gage

Lukas Gage is an American actor who has appeared in several high-profile series including ‘The White Lotus’, ‘You’, and ‘Euphoria’. He became the subject of a viral video when a director made derogatory comments about his apartment during a Zoom audition, which Gage handled with grace. Gage identifies as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and has played various queer roles throughout his career. He is known for his bold personality and his willingness to take on unconventional characters.

Brian J. Smith

Brian J. Smith is an American actor best known for his role as Will Gorski in the Netflix original series ‘Sense8’. He also starred in the series ‘Stargate Universe’ and has a successful career on Broadway, receiving a Tony nomination for ‘The Glass Menagerie’. Smith came out as gay in a 2019 interview with Attitude magazine, discussing his experience growing up in rural Texas. He continues to be a respected performer in both television and theater.

Ncuti Gatwa

Ncuti Gatwa is a Rwandan-Scottish actor who achieved stardom for his role as Eric Effiong in the Netflix series ‘Sex Education’. His performance earned him multiple BAFTA nominations and won him a BAFTA Scotland Award. Gatwa was recently cast as the Fifteenth Doctor in the long-running British sci-fi series ‘Doctor Who’. He has spoken openly about his queer identity and the importance of representation for Black LGBTQ+ individuals.

Conrad Ricamora

Conrad Ricamora is an American actor and singer known for his role as Oliver Hampton on the ABC legal drama ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. He has also had a significant career in theater, starring in the musical ‘Soft Power’ and the revival of ‘The King and I’. Ricamora is openly gay and has been an advocate for Asian American and LGBTQ+ visibility. He also appeared in the film ‘Fire Island’, which features an entirely LGBTQ+ main cast.

Jeremy Pope

Jeremy Pope is a trailblazing actor and singer who made history as the first person to be nominated for two Tony Awards in different categories in the same year. He received acclaim for his roles in the Netflix series ‘Hollywood’ and the film ‘The Inspection’. Pope is openly gay and often explores themes of identity and Black queerness in his work. He continues to be a rising force in both the theater world and the film industry.

Troye Sivan

Troye Sivan is an Australian singer, songwriter, and actor who first gained a following on YouTube. He has appeared in films such as ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’ and received critical praise for his role in ‘Boy Erased’. Sivan publicly came out as gay in a 2013 YouTube video, which became a significant moment for his young fanbase. He recently starred in the HBO series ‘The Idol’ and continues to be a major figure in queer pop culture.

Please share your thoughts on these talented actors and their contributions to the industry in the comments.