The Most Wholesome Gay Actresses of All Time

The landscape of Hollywood has transformed significantly as many talented women have shared their authentic selves with the world. These actresses have built successful careers across film and television while representing their communities with grace and professionalism. Their contributions range from award winning dramatic performances to beloved comedic roles that have defined generations of entertainment. This list highlights many of the most respected queer actresses who have made a lasting impact on the industry through their work and public presence. Their openness has helped pave the way for future generations of performers to live and work authentically.

Abbi Jacobson

Abbi Jacobson is the cocreator and star of the hit comedy series ‘Broad City’ which originated as a web series. She also voiced the lead character Princess Bean in the animated show ‘Disenchantment’ and appeared in the film ‘The Mitchells vs. the Machines’. Jacobson developed and starred in the television adaptation of ‘A League of Their Own’ which focused on queer themes in women’s baseball. She is engaged to actress Jodi Balfour and they frequently share their support for queer representation in media. Her work often highlights the nuances of female friendship and personal identity.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg first gained major attention for playing Rue in the first ‘The Hunger Games’ movie. They have since starred in significant films such as ‘The Hate U Give’ and the romantic drama ‘Everything Everything’. Stenberg is also known for their work in ‘The Acolyte’ where they played dual roles within the Star Wars universe. They identify as nonbinary and gay and have been a vocal advocate for intersectional feminism and social justice. Their career continues to evolve as they take on challenging roles in both mainstream and independent cinema.

Anna Paquin

Anna Paquin became the second youngest Oscar winner in history for her role in ‘The Piano’. She gained widespread recognition as Rogue in the ‘X-Men’ film franchise and as Sookie Stackhouse on the series ‘True Blood’. Paquin has been open about her bisexuality since 2010 and is a supporter of various charitable organizations. She has starred in numerous television projects including ‘Alias Grace’ and ‘Flack’ while maintaining a busy film schedule. The actress is married to her former costar Stephen Moyer and they have two children together.

Ariana DeBose

Ariana DeBose won an Academy Award for her performance as Anita in Steven Spielberg’s film adaptation of ‘West Side Story’. She began her career on Broadway with roles in ‘Hamilton’ and ‘Summer: The Donna Summer Musical’. DeBose also starred in the musical film ‘The Prom’ and the comedy series ‘Schmigadoon’. She is the first Afro Latina and openly queer woman to win an Oscar in an acting category. Her career continues to flourish with lead roles in major film productions and hosting appearances at the Tony Awards.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza gained fame for her role as April Ludgate on the sitcom ‘Parks and Recreation’. She has since starred in a variety of films including ‘Ingrid Goes West’ and ‘Emily the Criminal’. Plaza earned critical praise for her role in the second season of ‘The White Lotus’ and appeared in the series ‘Legion’. She has spoken about her bisexuality in interviews and is known for her dry wit and unique public persona. Her work often spans between dark comedy and intense drama across film and television.

Beanie Feldstein

Beanie Feldstein rose to stardom with her breakout roles in ‘Lady Bird’ and the comedy ‘Booksmart’. She made her Broadway debut in ‘Hello Dolly’ and later starred as Fanny Brice in the 2022 revival of ‘Funny Girl’. Feldstein also portrayed Monica Lewinsky in the anthology series ‘Impeachment: American Crime Story’. She married her long term partner Bonnie Chance Roberts in a summer ceremony in 2023. The actress is known for her vibrant personality and her work in coming of age stories that resonate with young audiences.

Bella Ramsey

Bella Ramsey gained initial fame for her scene stealing role as Lyanna Mormont on ‘Game of Thrones’. She achieved global stardom for her portrayal of Ellie in the television adaptation of the video game ‘The Last of Us’. Ramsey also starred in the film ‘Catherine Called Birdy’ and the series ‘The Worst Witch’. She identifies as nonbinary and has expressed that she does not mind which pronouns people use for her. Her acting has been praised for its maturity and emotional range at a young age.

Cara Delevingne

Cara Delevingne transitioned from a highly successful modeling career to acting with roles in ‘Paper Towns’ and ‘Suicide Squad’. She starred in the fantasy series ‘Carnival Row’ and appeared in the second season of ‘Only Murders in the Building’. Delevingne has been open about her fluid sexuality and has been linked to several high profile women in the industry. She is also a published author and a vocal advocate for mental health awareness. Her career continues to span across fashion acting and social activism.

Cherry Jones

Cherry Jones is a highly respected stage actress who has won two Tony Awards for her work in ‘The Heiress’ and ‘Doubt’. On television she is best known for playing President Allison Taylor on the action series ’24’. Jones won an Emmy Award for that role and later received another for her guest appearance on ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. She has appeared in numerous films including ‘Signs’ and the drama ‘The Eyes of Tammy Faye’. Jones was in a long term relationship with actress Sarah Paulson before marrying filmmaker Sophie Huber in 2015.

Clea DuVall

Clea DuVall became a recognizable face in the late nineties with roles in films like ‘The Faculty’ and ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’. She transitioned into directing with the indie film ‘The Intervention’ and the holiday romantic comedy ‘Happiest Season’. DuVall has also appeared in major television series such as ‘Veep’ and ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. She has been an influential figure in queer cinema both in front of and behind the camera for many years. Her work often explores themes of identity and relationships within the community.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon is globally recognized for her role as Miranda Hobbes on the HBO series ‘Sex and the City’. She reprised the character for two feature films and the follow up series ‘And Just Like That’. Nixon is an accomplished stage performer with Tony Awards for her roles in ‘Rabbit Hole’ and ‘The Little Foxes’. In addition to her acting career she ran for Governor of New York in 2018 and remains an active political advocate. She married Christine Marinoni in 2012 and they live in New York City with their children.

Erika Linder

Erika Linder is a Swedish actress and model who gained international recognition for her work in fashion before transitioning to film. She starred in the romantic drama ‘Below Her Mouth’ which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. Linder is known for her androgynous look and has challenged traditional gender norms throughout her career. She has appeared in music videos for artists like Katy Perry and continues to work in both independent cinema and high fashion. Her presence in the industry highlights the importance of visibility for nonconforming individuals.

Evan Rachel Wood

Evan Rachel Wood began her career as a child actress and earned a Golden Globe nomination for her breakout role in ‘Thirteen’. She reached a wider audience as Dolores Abernathy in the science fiction series ‘Westworld’ on HBO. Wood is also a talented singer and performed in the musical film ‘Across the Universe’ and voiced Queen Iduna in ‘Frozen II’. She has been open about her bisexuality for many years and is a vocal advocate for domestic violence survivors. Her work continues to span a diverse range of genres and complex characters.

Fortune Feimster

Fortune Feimster is a stand up comedian and actress who first gained recognition on ‘Chelsea Lately’. She has starred in several Netflix comedy specials and played roles in shows like ‘The Mindy Project’ and ‘Fubar’. Feimster also voices characters in animated series such as ‘Bless the Harts’ and ‘Velma’. She married her partner Jax Smith in 2020 and often includes stories about their life together in her comedy routines. Her humor is known for being accessible and positive while touching on her experiences growing up in the South.

Heather Matarazzo

Heather Matarazzo gained critical acclaim for her debut role in the independent film ‘Welcome to the Dollhouse’. She is also widely known for playing Lilly Moscovitz in ‘The Princess Diaries’ films alongside Anne Hathaway. Matarazzo has appeared in various television shows and independent movies throughout her career. She has been open about her life as a lesbian actress in Hollywood for many years. She married Heather Turman in 2018 and continues to work in the industry while supporting independent cinema.

Holland Taylor

Holland Taylor is an accomplished stage and screen actress known for her sharp wit and sophisticated presence. She earned an Emmy Award for her portrayal of Judge Roberta Kittleson on the legal drama ‘The Practice’ and gained further fame on ‘Two and a Half Men’. Taylor has written and starred in the solo play ‘Ann’ which focused on the life of Texas Governor Ann Richards. She has been in a high profile relationship with fellow actress Sarah Paulson since 2015. Her extensive filmography includes roles in ‘Legally Blonde’ and ‘The Truman Show’ among many others.

Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer made her acting debut as Jules Vaughn on the acclaimed HBO series ‘Euphoria’. Before her acting career took off she was a successful fashion model working with major brands like Dior and Prada. Schafer cowrote and coproduced a special episode of ‘Euphoria’ that explored her character’s internal journey. She recently starred in the film ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ and the horror movie ‘Cuckoo’. Schafer is a prominent trans activist who has advocated for civil rights since her high school years.

Jane Lynch

Jane Lynch is widely recognized for her breakout role as Sue Sylvester on the musical comedy series ‘Glee’. Her performance earned her an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe for her portrayal of the competitive cheerleading coach. Lynch has a long history in character acting with notable appearances in Christopher Guest films like ‘Best in Show’ and ‘A Mighty Wind’. She has also hosted the game show ‘Hollywood Game Night’ and appeared on Broadway in ‘Annie’ and ‘Funny Girl’. Lynch continues to work steadily in both voice acting for animation and live action roles on television.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is an award winning musician and actress who made her film debut in ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Hidden Figures’. She has released several critically acclaimed albums including ‘The ArchAndroid’ and ‘Dirty Computer’. Monáe starred in the second season of ‘Homecoming’ and played a dual role in the mystery film ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’. She identifies as nonbinary and pansexual and often incorporates themes of liberation and identity into her artistic work. Her presence in both the music and film industries has made her a significant cultural icon.

Jasmin Savoy Brown

Jasmin Savoy Brown is known for her roles in the horror franchise ‘Scream’ and the survival drama series ‘Yellowjackets’. She played the character Taissa Turner in ‘Yellowjackets’ which features a prominent queer storyline. Brown has also appeared in the legal drama ‘For the People’ and voiced characters in video games like ‘Spider-Man: Miles Morales’. She is an advocate for queer and Black representation in the entertainment industry. The actress continues to take on roles that challenge stereotypes and highlight diverse experiences.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster began her career as a child actress before transitioning into an Academy Award winning lead with films like ‘The Accused’. She won a second Oscar for her iconic portrayal of Clarice Starling in the psychological thriller ‘The Silence of the Lambs’. Foster has also established herself as a director with projects such as ‘Little Man Tate’ and ‘Money Monster’. She received the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globes for her outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment. Foster married photographer Alexandra Hedison in 2014 and continues to take on prestigious acting roles.

Kate McKinnon

Kate McKinnon became a fan favorite on ‘Saturday Night Live’ for her impressions of figures like Hillary Clinton and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She won two Emmy Awards during her tenure on the sketch comedy show. McKinnon has appeared in major films such as the 2016 ‘Ghostbusters’ and the blockbuster ‘Barbie’. She was the first openly lesbian cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’ and has been a trailblazer for queer comedians in late night television. Her career continues to grow with various voice roles and live action projects.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart achieved international superstardom for her role as Bella Swan in the ‘Twilight’ film series. She has since focused on independent cinema and received an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Princess Diana in ‘Spencer’. Stewart won a César Award for her role in ‘Clouds of Sils Maria’ and has starred in action films like ‘Charlie’s Angels’. She has been open about her fluid sexuality and her high profile relationships with women in the industry. The actress is also a brand ambassador for Chanel and has begun exploring film directing.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox became a household name for her role as Sophia Burset on the Netflix 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 since appeared in films such as ‘Promising Young Woman’ and the series ‘Inventing Anna’. She is a dedicated activist who has produced documentaries like ‘Disclosure’ which examines the history of trans representation in Hollywood. Her work has paved the way for many other trans performers in the entertainment industry.

Lea DeLaria

Lea DeLaria is a comedian and actress who broke barriers as the first openly gay comic to appear on a late night talk show in 1993. She is best known for her role as Carrie ‘Big Boo’ Black on ‘Orange Is the New Black’. DeLaria has an extensive background in jazz music and Broadway theater including a role in ‘On the Town’. She has been a fixture in the New York queer scene for decades and frequently performs stand up comedy around the world. Her work often blends humor with political commentary and social activism.

Lena Waithe

Lena Waithe is a screenwriter and actress who won an Emmy for writing the ‘Thanksgiving’ episode of ‘Master of None’. She is the creator of the drama series ‘The Chi’ and the dark comedy ‘Twenties’. As an actress she has appeared in films like ‘Ready Player One’ and the series ‘Westworld’. Waithe is a vocal advocate for Black and queer voices in Hollywood and often uses her production company to mentor new talent. She has been recognized for her unique fashion sense and her commitment to authentic storytelling.

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin established herself as a comedic powerhouse on the variety show ‘Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In’ before moving into dramatic cinema. She received critical acclaim for her performance in the film ‘Nashville’ and won a Tony Award for her one woman show on Broadway. Tomlin married her long term partner Jane Wagner in 2013 after decades of creative and personal partnership. She starred in the hit comedy ‘Grace and Frankie’ which explored themes of aging and friendship for seven seasons. Her career spans over 50 years and includes numerous honors from the Kennedy Center.

Margaret Cho

Margaret Cho is a pioneer in stand up comedy known for her routines that address race and sexuality. She starred in the groundbreaking sitcom ‘All-American Girl’ which was the first of its kind to focus on an Asian American family. Cho has appeared in numerous television shows like ‘Drop Dead Diva’ and ’30 Rock’ and has been a frequent guest on variety shows. She identifies as bisexual and has been a lifelong advocate for LGBTQ rights and antiracism efforts. Her work has influenced a generation of comedians and performers.

Maria Bello

Maria Bello is an accomplished actress known for her roles in films like ‘Coyote Ugly’ and ‘A History of Violence’. She starred in the television series ‘ER’ and played a lead role in the drama ‘NCIS’ for several seasons. Bello wrote an essay for the New York Times in 2013 about her modern family and her relationship with a woman. She has been involved in various humanitarian efforts particularly in Haiti following the earthquake. Her career continues to evolve with roles in projects like the hit Netflix series ‘Beef’.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez made history as the first trans woman to win a Golden Globe for her lead role as Blanca Evangelista on ‘Pose’. She began her career in musical theater and won a Clive Barnes Award for her performance in the production of ‘Rent’. Rodriguez has released original music and appeared in films like ‘Tick Tick Boom’ directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda. She is a powerful voice for the trans community and frequently speaks about the importance of authentic storytelling. The actress continues to work in both television and music while advocating for social change.

Michelle Rodriguez

Michelle Rodriguez is a prominent action star known for her roles in the ‘Fast and Furious’ franchise and the film ‘Avatar’. She first gained critical attention for her breakout performance in the independent drama ‘Girlfight’. Rodriguez has appeared in major television series like ‘Lost’ and has voiced characters in various video games and animated projects. She has been open about her fluid sexuality and her preference for keeping her private life away from tabloid headlines. Her long career has made her one of the most recognizable Latinas in modern Hollywood.

Portia de Rossi

Portia de Rossi is an Australian American actress who gained fame for her role as Nelle Porter on the legal series ‘Ally McBeal’. She later starred as Lindsay Bluth Fünke on the critically acclaimed comedy ‘Arrested Development’ for five seasons. De Rossi also played a significant role in the political thriller ‘Scandal’ before retiring from full time acting to focus on business ventures. She married television host Ellen DeGeneres in 2008 and has been a public advocate for animal rights. Her memoir ‘Unbearable Lightness’ chronicles her personal struggles and professional journey in Hollywood.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné first gained fame as a child star on ‘The Cosby Show’ before starring in the Disney Channel hit ‘That’s So Raven’. She has had a long career in music and television including a stint as a cohost on the daytime talk show ‘The View’. The actress returned to her most famous role in the spinoff series ‘Raven’s Home’ which premiered in 2017. She married Miranda Maday in 2020 and often shares glimpses of their life together on social media. Raven-Symoné has been a prominent figure in youth programming for over three decades.

Ruby Rose

Ruby Rose gained international fame for her role as Stella Carlin on the third season of ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She is an Australian actress and model who has starred in action films such as ‘John Wick: Chapter 2’ and ‘The Meg’. Rose also played the title character in the first season of the television series ‘Batwoman’ within the Arrowverse. She identifies as genderfluid and has been a visible member of the LGBTQ community throughout her career. Her work often includes high intensity stunts and roles that challenge traditional gender expectations.

Samira Wiley

Samira Wiley rose to fame as Poussey Washington on the Netflix series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She earned an Emmy Award for her portrayal of Moira Strand in the dystopian drama ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. Wiley has also appeared in films like ‘Nerve’ and ‘Detroit’ and voiced a character in the video game ‘The Walking Dead: Michonne’. She married writer Lauren Morelli in 2017 after meeting on the set of her first major television show. Wiley remains a prominent figure in the LGBTQ community and continues to advocate for social justice.

Sara Ramirez

Sara Ramirez is best known for their role as Dr. Callie Torres on the long running medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. They won a Tony Award for their performance as the Lady of the Lake in the Broadway musical ‘Spamalot’. Ramirez also played the character Che Diaz in the ‘Sex and the City’ revival ‘And Just Like That’. They identify as nonbinary and bisexual and have been a leading advocate for LGBTQ youth and human rights. Their career spans across stage television and voice acting with a focus on diverse representation.

Sarah Catherine Hook

Sarah Catherine Hook is a rising star known for her lead role in the Netflix supernatural series ‘First Kill’. She played Juliette Fairmont a teenage vampire who falls in love with a monster hunter. Hook also appeared in ‘The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It’ and the series ‘American Crime Story’. She has been open about her identity as a queer woman and the importance of playing authentic characters. Her performance in ‘First Kill’ gained her a significant following among viewers who appreciated the representation.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson has become a staple of modern television through her frequent collaborations with creator Ryan Murphy on ‘American Horror Story’. She won an Emmy Award for her transformation into Marcia Clark for ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story’. Paulson has also appeared in major motion pictures such as ‘Ocean’s 8′ and ’12 Years a Slave’ during her prolific career. She is frequently recognized for her versatility and commitment to complex characters in both horror and drama genres. The actress remains a vocal supporter of LGBTQ rights and often shares insights into her life with partner Holland Taylor.

Sophie Turner

Sophie Turner achieved global stardom for her role as Sansa Stark on the hit fantasy series ‘Game of Thrones’. She also portrayed the character Jean Grey in the ‘X-Men’ film franchise including the lead role in ‘Dark Phoenix’. Turner has been open about her fluid sexuality in various interviews and has expressed that she loves a soul rather than a specific gender. She has starred in other projects such as the series ‘The Staircase’ and the film ‘Do Revenge’. Turner continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry while advocating for mental health awareness.

Stephanie Beatriz

Stephanie Beatriz is best known for playing the tough and stoic Detective Rosa Diaz on the sitcom ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. She showcased her musical talents by voicing the lead character Mirabel Madrigal in the Disney animated film ‘Encanto’. Beatriz also appeared in the film adaptation of the musical ‘In the Heights’ as Carla. She identifies as bisexual and has been open about the importance of representation for queer Latinx individuals in media. The actress continues to work on various voice projects and live action television series while raising her daughter.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson is a versatile actress known for her roles in independent films like ‘Dear White People’ and blockbusters like ‘Thor: Ragnarok’. She plays the character Valkyrie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe who is confirmed to be the first queer superhero in the franchise. Thompson has also starred in the ‘Creed’ trilogy and the science fiction series ‘Westworld’. She has been open about her attraction to both men and women and frequently supports the Time’s Up movement and racial equity in Hollywood. Her performances have garnered critical praise for their depth and charisma.

Tig Notaro

Tig Notaro is a stand up comedian and actress known for her deadpan delivery and observational humor. She gained widespread attention for her 2012 comedy set where she discussed her recent cancer diagnosis on stage. Notaro wrote and starred in the semiautobiographical series ‘One Mississippi’ and appeared in the science fiction show ‘Star Trek: Discovery’. She married actress Stephanie Allynne in 2015 and they have twin sons together. Notaro continues to tour as a comedian and hosts the popular podcast ‘Don’t Ask Tig’.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes is a comedian and actress who rose to prominence as a writer on ‘The Chris Rock Show’. She became a household name through her stand up specials and her role as Barb on the sitcom ‘The New Adventures of Old Christine’. Sykes also provided the voice for several characters in animated films like ‘Ice Age: Continental Drift’ and ‘Over the Hedge’. She came out publicly in 2008 during a rally against Proposition 8 in California. Sykes resides with her wife Alex Niedbalski and their two children while continuing to produce and star in the series ‘The Upshaws’.

Please share which of these talented actresses has inspired you most in the comments.