Who Is The Hottest LGBTQ+ Actress In The World Right Now?

The landscape of Hollywood is shifting as more talented performers openly embrace their identities and advocate for authentic representation on screen. These actresses are not only captivating audiences with their incredible range and charisma but also breaking barriers in an industry that is slowly becoming more inclusive. From blockbuster action stars to critically acclaimed indie darlings, the women on this list have solidified their status as icons of talent and visibility. They continue to inspire fans globally by living their truth while delivering unforgettable performances in film and television.

Miriam Margolyes

Miriam Margolyes is a veteran British-Australian actress known for her scene-stealing roles and unapologetic personality. She gained widespread fame for her performance as Professor Sprout in the ‘Harry Potter’ film series and won a BAFTA for her role in ‘The Age of Innocence’. Margolyes has been openly gay for decades and remains a fierce advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Her recent voice work and documentary appearances continue to showcase her wit and candid nature.

Fiona Shaw

Fiona Shaw is a highly respected actress who has enjoyed a prolific career on stage and screen. She is well known to modern audiences for her role as Petunia Dursley in the ‘Harry Potter’ franchise and her gripping performance in ‘Killing Eve’. Shaw brings a powerful intensity to every character she embodies. She has been open about her sexuality and lives happily with her wife.

Jane Lynch

Jane Lynch became a household name with her portrayal of the sharp-tongued Sue Sylvester in the musical comedy series ‘Glee’. Her comedic timing and improvisational skills have made her a favorite in films like ‘Best in Show’ and ‘The 40-Year-Old Virgin’. Lynch has long been an open member of the LGBTQ+ community and uses her platform to support various charitable causes. She continues to host popular game shows and appear in major television productions.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes is a celebrated comedian and actress known for her distinct voice and biting social commentary. She has appeared in numerous sitcoms and films while maintaining a successful stand-up career. Sykes came out publicly during a rally for equal marriage rights and has since been a vocal activist. Her work in ‘The Upshaws’ and various voice-acting roles keeps her at the forefront of comedy entertainment.

Bex Taylor-Klaus

Bex Taylor-Klaus first gained attention for their role as the tough street kid Bullet in the crime drama ‘The Killing’. They have since appeared in popular series like ‘Arrow’ and the ‘Scream’ television adaptation. Taylor-Klaus identifies as non-binary and frequently discusses gender identity to raise awareness among fans. They bring a unique energy and intensity to action-oriented and dramatic roles alike.

Tig Notaro

Tig Notaro is a comedian and actress celebrated for her dry wit and deadpan delivery. She gained massive critical acclaim for her stand-up set regarding her cancer diagnosis and has since starred in ‘One Mississippi’ and ‘Star Trek: Discovery’. Notaro often incorporates her personal life and experiences as a lesbian mother into her material. Her action role in ‘Army of the Dead’ showcased her versatility beyond pure comedy.

Hannah Gadsby

Hannah Gadsby revolutionized the comedy landscape with their groundbreaking special ‘Nanette’ which deconstructed the nature of stand-up itself. They have since continued to tour globally and appear in various television projects. Gadsby uses their platform to address serious social issues while maintaining a sharp sense of humor. Their work often challenges audiences to think critically about trauma and representation.

Fortune Feimster

Fortune Feimster is a charismatic comedian and actress known for her southern charm and hilarious storytelling. She gained popularity on ‘The Mindy Project’ and has released successful stand-up specials on major streaming platforms. Feimster frequently discusses her journey of self-discovery and coming out later in life. Her infectious positivity makes her a beloved figure in the entertainment world.

Lea DeLaria

Lea DeLaria was the first openly gay comic to appear on a late-night talk show in America. She reached a massive new audience with her role as Big Boo in the hit series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. DeLaria is also an accomplished jazz singer and Broadway performer. She remains a bold and outspoken advocate for the lesbian community and queer visibility in media.

Cherry Jones

Cherry Jones is a titan of the theater world who has also made a significant impact in film and television. She won critical acclaim for her roles in ’24’ and ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ where she displayed her commanding screen presence. Jones has been out for the majority of her career and serves as a role model for aspiring actors. Her nuanced performances consistently earn her prestigious award nominations.

Holland Taylor

Holland Taylor is an Emmy-winning actress with a career spanning several decades in theater and television. She is widely recognized for her role in ‘Two and a Half Men’ and her portrayal of Ellen Kincaid in the miniseries ‘Hollywood’. Taylor made headlines for her relationship with fellow actress Sarah Paulson. She continues to deliver elegant and witty performances that delight audiences of all ages.

Leisha Hailey

Leisha Hailey is best known for her role as Alice Pieszecki in ‘The L Word’ franchise. Before acting, she was a musician in the band The Murmurs and continues to have a strong connection to the music scene. Hailey brings a vibrant and chaotic energy to her roles that provides both comic relief and emotional depth. She remains a prominent figure in LGBTQ+ pop culture.

Jamie Clayton

Jamie Clayton gained global recognition for her role as Nomi Marks in the sci-fi series ‘Sense8’. She recently took on the iconic villain role of Pinhead in the reboot of ‘Hellraiser’. Clayton is a trans woman who actively advocates for trans actors to be cast in cisgender and transgender roles alike. Her performances are marked by a fierce intelligence and emotional vulnerability.

Indya Moore

Indya Moore broke ground with their portrayal of Angel Evangelista in the ballroom drama series ‘Pose’. They began their career as a model before transitioning into acting and becoming a powerful voice for trans and non-binary rights. Moore was named one of the most influential people in the world for their activism. They continue to select roles that challenge societal norms and uplift marginalized voices.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez made history as the first trans woman to win a Golden Globe for her leading role in ‘Pose’. She possesses a powerful singing voice and has taken on stage roles such as Audrey in ‘Little Shop of Horrors’. Rodriguez brings a warmth and resilience to her characters that anchors the stories she tells. Her success signals a major shift in how trans women are recognized during awards season.

Dominique Jackson

Dominique Jackson is an actress and model best known for her commanding role as Elektra Abundance in ‘Pose’. She is a veteran of the ballroom scene and brought authentic experience to the series. Jackson wrote an autobiography detailing her struggles and triumphs as a trans woman. Her on-screen presence is defined by an undeniable confidence and regal stature.

Asia Kate Dillon

Asia Kate Dillon made history as one of the first non-binary actors to play a non-binary character on mainstream television in ‘Billions’. They also appeared as the Adjudicator in the action film ‘John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum’. Dillon advocates for the removal of gendered categories in acting awards. Their performances are characterized by a precise and intense delivery.

Jasmin Savoy Brown

Jasmin Savoy Brown has quickly become a star through her roles in the critically acclaimed drama ‘Yellowjackets’ and the recent ‘Scream’ films. She plays characters who are often queer and complex without their sexuality being the sole plot point. Brown is a gamer and musician who connects with a younger generation of fans. Her career momentum suggests she will be a leading talent for years to come.

Liv Hewson

Liv Hewson is an Australian actor known for their roles in ‘Santa Clarita Diet’ and ‘Yellowjackets’. They identify as non-binary and have been vocal about the need for better gender representation in scripts. Hewson brings a grounded and often dry humor to their performances. They have also worked in Korean dramas and various theatrical productions.

Alexandra Shipp

Alexandra Shipp gained fame for playing Storm in the ‘X-Men’ prequel films. She also starred in the pivotal LGBTQ+ teen romance ‘Love, Simon’ and the musical ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’. Shipp publicly came out in an emotional social media post and has since spoken about the freedom of living authentically. Her range allows her to tackle everything from superhero blockbusters to intimate dramas.

Kiersey Clemons

Kiersey Clemons has built a diverse filmography with roles in ‘Dope’ and ‘Hearts Beat Loud’. She played Iris West in ‘The Flash’ and has lent her voice to several animated projects. Clemons identifies as queer and often gravitates towards artistic and independent films. Her natural charisma and musical talent add a unique layer to her acting work.

Ella Hunt

Ella Hunt charmed audiences as the titular character in the musical zombie film ‘Anna and the Apocalypse’. She gained further recognition for her role as Sue Gilbert in the series ‘Dickinson’. Hunt brings a poetic and delicate sensibility to her performances. She is also a singer-songwriter who uses her music to explore personal themes.

Caitlin Stasey

Caitlin Stasey is an Australian actress known for her role in the horror film ‘Smile’ and the comedy series ‘Please Like Me’. She has been open about her fluid sexuality and creates content that challenges censorship and social norms. Stasey often plays characters with a rebellious streak or a hidden dark side. Her intensity on screen makes her a memorable presence in any genre.

Sasha Calle

Sasha Calle made a massive splash by being cast as Supergirl in ‘The Flash’. Before her superhero debut, she starred in the soap opera ‘The Young and the Restless’. Calle brings a physicality and emotional weight to her roles that impressed audiences immediately. She is one of the few Latinx actresses to portray a major DC superhero.

Lily Gladstone

Lily Gladstone received universal acclaim and an Oscar nomination for her role in ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’. She identifies as Two-Spirit and uses she/they pronouns. Gladstone has a quiet but devastatingly powerful screen presence that conveys deep emotion with minimal dialogue. Her breakthrough has brought much-needed visibility to Indigenous performers in Hollywood.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster is a Hollywood legend with two Academy Awards for Best Actress. After decades in the spotlight, she publicly acknowledged her sexuality during a Golden Globes speech. Foster recently starred in ‘Nyad’ and the fourth season of ‘True Detective’. She continues to direct and produce while remaining one of the most respected actors in the industry.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg burst onto the scene as Rue in ‘The Hunger Games’ and has since become a voice for her generation. She starred in ‘The Hate U Give’ and the recent ‘Star Wars’ series ‘The Acolyte’. Stenberg identifies as gay and non-binary and frequently discusses intersectionality. Her choices in roles often reflect a desire to tell socially relevant and progressive stories.

Lily-Rose Depp

Lily-Rose Depp has carved out her own path in the industry with bold choices in films like ‘The King’ and the series ‘The Idol’. She is a fixture in the fashion world as well as the film industry. Depp has spoken about the fluidity of sexuality and prefers not to label herself rigidly. Her acting style is often described as ethereal and mysterious.

Dove Cameron

Dove Cameron transitioned from a Disney Channel child star to a successful actress and pop singer. She won an Emmy for her dual role in ‘Liv and Maddie’ and starred in the musical comedy ‘Schmigadoon!’. Cameron has been open about her queer identity and infuses her music with themes of self-discovery. She brings a theatrical flair and impressive vocal ability to her projects.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer is a multi-talented force who has been acting since childhood in films like ‘Akeelah and the Bee’. She recently starred in Jordan Peele’s ‘Nope’ and delivered a charismatic and energetic performance. Palmer is known for her candid humor and internet savvy presence. She has discussed her sexual fluidity publicly and refuses to be boxed into traditional categories.

Halsey

Halsey is primarily known as a global pop superstar but has successfully transitioned into acting. She appeared in the film ‘Americana’ and the slasher ‘MaXXXine’ where she showcased her dramatic chops. Halsey uses she/they pronouns and is a prominent bisexual advocate. Her acting roles often mirror the grit and raw emotion found in her music.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is a visionary artist who excels in both music and acting. She delivered a standout performance in ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’ and the biographical drama ‘Hidden Figures’. Monáe identifies as non-binary and pansexual and constantly challenges gender norms through fashion and art. Her screen presence is magnetic and intelligent.

Evan Rachel Wood

Evan Rachel Wood is known for her complex roles in ‘thirteen’ and the sci-fi series ‘Westworld’. She is a fierce advocate for bisexual awareness and survivors of domestic abuse. Wood brings a steely resolve and emotional depth to characters who often navigate traumatic situations. She is also a talented singer who performs in a band.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson is a powerhouse actress known for her frequent collaborations with Ryan Murphy on ‘American Horror Story’. She has won an Emmy for her portrayal of Marcia Clark in ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson’. Paulson is celebrated for her ability to vanish into eccentric and difficult roles. She is one of the most visible lesbian actresses working in high-profile television today.

Kate McKinnon

Kate McKinnon was a breakout star on ‘Saturday Night Live’ where she won multiple Emmys for her sketch work. She starred in the ‘Ghostbusters’ reboot and played Weird Barbie in the massive hit ‘Barbie’. McKinnon is the first openly lesbian cast member of SNL and is beloved for her bizarre and delightful character creations. She brings a chaotic and joyful energy to every scene.

Natasha Lyonne

Natasha Lyonne experienced a major career resurgence with the hit series ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and ‘Russian Doll’. She writes, directs, and produces much of her own work which features her distinctive raspy voice and New York attitude. Lyonne’s characters are often survivors who use humor as a defense mechanism. She has become a cult icon for her unique style and wit.

Stephanie Beatriz

Stephanie Beatriz is best known for playing the tough detective Rosa Diaz in ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. She also voiced the lead character Mirabel in Disney’s ‘Encanto’. Beatriz is bisexual and her personal identity was written into her character on ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. She is a versatile performer capable of deadpan comedy and heartfelt drama.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo is a Tony, Grammy, and Emmy winner who is close to achieving EGOT status. She starred as Harriet Tubman in ‘Harriet’ and plays Elphaba in the ‘Wicked’ film adaptation. Erivo is openly queer and brings a stunning vocal power and physical discipline to her roles. Her performances are often marked by a sense of dignity and immense strength.

Ariana DeBose

Ariana DeBose won an Academy Award for her role as Anita in Steven Spielberg’s ‘West Side Story’. She made history as the first openly queer woman of color to win an acting Oscar. DeBose began her career on Broadway and is known for her incredible dancing ability. She continues to take on leading roles in action films and musicals.

Maya Hawke

Maya Hawke gained instant popularity as Robin Buckley in the sci-fi phenomenon ‘Stranger Things’. She has also appeared in ‘Do Revenge’ and ‘Asteroid City’. Hawke is a talented musician who releases folk-rock albums in between acting projects. Her character Robin became a lesbian icon for a new generation of viewers.

Bella Ramsey

Bella Ramsey delivered a critically acclaimed performance as Ellie in the video game adaptation ‘The Last of Us’. They identify as non-binary and have chosen to use she/her pronouns for certain professional contexts while remaining gender-fluid. Ramsey first caught the world’s attention as Lyanna Mormont in ‘Game of Thrones’. Their acting is characterized by a maturity and ferocity beyond their years.

Emma Corrin

Emma Corrin won a Golden Globe for their portrayal of Princess Diana in ‘The Crown’. They identify as non-binary and have starred in ‘My Policeman’ and the miniseries ‘A Murder at the End of the World’. Corrin is known for their avant-garde fashion choices and willingness to take risks. They bring a delicate vulnerability and sharp intelligence to period and modern roles alike.

Reneé Rapp

Reneé Rapp has exploded in popularity thanks to her role as Regina George in the musical film version of ‘Mean Girls’. She also starred in the comedy series ‘The Sex Lives of College Girls’. Rapp is a powerful vocalist who has openly discussed her lesbian identity in her music and interviews. Her candid and confident public persona has garnered a massive and dedicated fanbase.

Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer became a global fashion and acting icon with her debut role as Jules in ‘Euphoria’. She recently starred in the ‘Hunger Games’ prequel ‘The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’. Schafer is a trans woman who advocates for trans rights and artistic expression. Her ethereal beauty and raw acting talent have made her one of the most sought-after young stars.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza is famous for her deadpan style in ‘Parks and Recreation’ and her dramatic turn in ‘The White Lotus’. She has starred in films like ‘Emily the Criminal’ and ‘Happiest Season’. Plaza is bisexual and often plays characters that are unpredictable and morally ambiguous. Her unique energy makes her a standout in both indie films and major studio productions.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson has appeared in major franchises like ‘Thor: Ragnarok’, ‘Creed’, and ‘Westworld’. She is openly bisexual and advocates for diverse representation in the superhero genre. Thompson brings a regal and commanding presence to the screen. She runs her own production company dedicated to telling underrepresented stories.

Cara Delevingne

Cara Delevingne transitioned from being a supermodel to a successful actress with roles in ‘Paper Towns’ and ‘Suicide Squad’. She recently starred in the fantasy series ‘Carnival Row’ and appeared in ‘Only Murders in the Building’. Delevingne identifies as pansexual and is known for her edgy and tomboyish style. She remains a major fixture in pop culture and fashion.

Megan Fox

Megan Fox became an international sex symbol with ‘Transformers’ but has recently reclaimed her narrative with roles in ‘Jennifer’s Body’ and ‘Expend4bles’. She came out as bisexual early in her career and has been vocal about the mistreatment of women in Hollywood. Fox possesses a sharp wit and has become a cult figure for horror fans. She continues to be one of the most photographed women in the world.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart is perhaps the most famous openly queer actress working today. After the massive success of ‘Twilight’, she pivoted to acclaimed indie films like ‘Spencer’ and ‘Love Lies Bleeding’. Stewart received an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Princess Diana. Her fearless approach to acting and her refusal to conform to Hollywood standards have made her a definitive icon of her generation.

Share your favorite actress from this list and any performances you think we missed in the comments.