20 Times Actresses Took a Stand Against Homophobia

From landmark TV moments to tireless advocacy, many actresses have used their platforms to push back against homophobia and support LGBTQ+ equality. Their actions range from speaking at major rights organizations to taking roles that challenged stigma when it was risky to do so. These moments made headlines, shifted conversations, and sometimes even helped change laws. Here are twenty clear examples of actresses stepping up and making a difference.

Laura Dern

In 1997, Laura Dern guest-starred on the coming-out episode of the sitcom ‘Ellen’. The appearance was widely watched and is remembered for helping normalize LGBTQ+ storylines on primetime television. Dern later described how work dried up afterward, underscoring the professional risk she took at the time. Her decision to appear on the episode remains a touchstone in TV history for confronting homophobia.

Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway delivered a widely circulated speech for a major LGBTQ+ rights gala in which she condemned discrimination and called for equal dignity under the law. She has supported fundraising for organizations that provide legal aid and advocacy for LGBTQ+ people. Hathaway has also highlighted the importance of family acceptance in interviews and public remarks. Her visibility helped bring mainstream attention to the harm caused by homophobia.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington accepted a prominent media award recognizing her advocacy and used the stage to call out homophobia in entertainment and politics. She has partnered with nonprofits to produce public service messages that encourage safe schools and inclusive workplaces. Washington frequently amplifies resources for reporting harassment and finding support. Her consistent messaging has helped connect audiences with practical tools to counter discrimination.

Julianne Moore

Julianne Moore campaigned publicly for marriage equality in New York, participating in rallies and voter outreach during the successful push in 2011. She later portrayed a lead in ‘The Kids Are All Right’, helping mainstream a story about a same-sex family. Moore has supported groups that combat bullying and promote inclusive curricula in schools. Her advocacy connects policy change with cultural representation.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox has been a leading voice against homophobia and transphobia through campus talks, televised interviews, and documentary work. Her visibility on ‘Orange Is the New Black’ broadened conversations about LGBTQ+ characters on screen. She has championed anti-violence initiatives and legal reforms that protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination. Cox routinely directs audiences to hotlines, scholarships, and legal resources that offer immediate help.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson has spoken candidly about her life and used awards stages and interviews to denounce homophobia in Hollywood. She supports organizations that push for fair casting and safer sets. Paulson’s social posts often highlight mental health and legal support services for LGBTQ+ youth. By combining personal openness with resource sharing, she helps reduce stigma while pointing people to actionable help.

Cate Blanchett

Cate Blanchett has publicly backed marriage equality campaigns and highlighted the value of telling LGBTQ+ stories with depth and respect. Her role in ‘Carol’ brought international attention to the importance of nuanced representation. She has supported arts organizations that fund inclusive projects and mentorships. Blanchett consistently ties creative freedom to the broader fight against discrimination.

Emma Watson

Emma Watson has used interviews and social media to support LGBTQ+ rights and to push back on homophobia in schools and workplaces. She has promoted inclusive reading lists and educational materials that teachers can use in the classroom. Watson’s activism includes spotlighting helplines and legal guides for those facing harassment. Her approach centers on practical education and community support.

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres came out on her sitcom ‘Ellen’ and in real life in 1997, a turning point that challenged widespread homophobia on television. She later used her talk show platform to celebrate same-sex weddings and to feature LGBTQ+ guests and causes. DeGeneres has raised funds for crisis support services and youth shelters. Those efforts connected everyday viewers with concrete ways to help.

Portia de Rossi

Portia de Rossi has discussed the impact of homophobia on mental health and has supported campaigns that promote acceptance. She has appeared at events that fund services for LGBTQ+ youth, including housing and counseling. De Rossi also uses media appearances to highlight workplace inclusion policies that protect employees. Her advocacy emphasizes safety, dignity, and practical protections.

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron publicly stated that she would not marry until marriage equality was the law where she lived, linking personal choices to civil rights. She has supported charities that defend LGBTQ+ youths and that train educators to prevent bullying. Theron’s interviews regularly call out discriminatory legislation and encourage voter engagement. Her stance connected private life with public advocacy in a memorable way.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart has addressed homophobia in Hollywood and urged studios to back queer stories without stereotyping. She has used major platforms, including live television, to be open about her identity and to encourage others to be themselves. Stewart often points fans to LGBTQ+ film festivals and projects that need support. This visibility helps direct attention and funding toward inclusive storytelling.

Zendaya

Zendaya has called out homophobic remarks online and defended fans facing harassment on social platforms. She supports school-based programs that teach respect and provide safe reporting channels for bullying. Zendaya frequently spotlights LGBTQ+ artists and creators, helping broaden who gets seen and heard. Her approach mixes rapid responses to hate with steady community amplification.

Sophia Bush

Sophia Bush has campaigned with national organizations to promote marriage equality and anti-bullying policies. She has appeared in videos and live events that guide young people toward hotlines and legal aid. Bush also partners with brands to fund grants for educators who implement inclusive programs. Her activism centers on resources that schools can put to work immediately.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson has spoken about bisexual visibility and urged studios to support authentic LGBTQ+ characters. During press tours for superhero projects, she highlighted the importance of representation that counters homophobic tropes. Thompson engages with nonprofits that track hate incidents and offer community training. She consistently links pop-culture visibility to measurable safety and inclusion goals.

Ruby Rose

Ruby Rose used her breakout on ‘Orange Is the New Black’ to advocate for LGBTQ+ youth and to call out homophobic bullying. She has participated in benefit concerts and campaigns that fund counseling and suicide-prevention services. Rose shares information on shelters and legal hotlines for those facing family rejection. Her outreach focuses on immediate, real-world support.

Debra Messing

Debra Messing leveraged the success of ‘Will & Grace’ to argue that visibility can reduce homophobia and change attitudes. She has served as a host and speaker at events that raise funds for legal advocacy and media watchdog work. Messing frequently mobilizes followers to contact legislators regarding anti-discrimination protections. Her efforts tie cultural impact to policy action.

Megan Mullally

Megan Mullally has toured and spoken about the role ‘Will & Grace’ played in shifting public perceptions during prime time. She supports organizations that provide resources for educators and families navigating homophobia. Mullally has participated in telethons and benefits that finance crisis services for LGBTQ+ youth. She connects the show’s legacy with ongoing, practical community support.

Kristen Bell

Kristen Bell announced that she would delay marrying until same-sex couples had equal marriage rights where she lived, then celebrated publicly when the law changed. She has supported school initiatives that train staff to intervene in anti-LGBTQ+ bullying. Bell also donates to groups that provide emergency housing and counseling for youth. Her actions helped keep legal equality in the public conversation.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster has long backed projects that depict LGBTQ+ lives with complexity, including high-profile films and television work. She has used award stages and interviews to push back against homophobia and to celebrate inclusive storytelling. Foster supports institutions that fund grants for filmmakers from underrepresented communities. By championing production and financing, she helps ensure more accurate stories reach audiences.

Share the moments that resonated most with you in the comments and tell us which other actresses you think deserve a shout-out.