The 25 Most Influential Gay Celebs of the Past 10 Years

Over the past decade, a wave of openly gay public figures has shaped culture, business, politics, sports, and entertainment in visible ways. Their leadership and success helped broaden representation, moved major institutions forward, and created new opportunities for the next generation. From chart-topping music and hit TV shows to boardrooms and cabinet offices, these celebrities made measurable impact while being open about who they are. Here are twenty five names whose work and advocacy resonated well beyond their own fields.

Tim Cook

As Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook has overseen the expansion of products and services that reach billions of users worldwide. He has spoken publicly about LGBTQ+ equality in workplaces and supported inclusive policies across Apple’s supply chain. Cook’s leadership put corporate nondiscrimination and benefits standards in the spotlight for global tech. His philanthropic efforts include donations to civil rights and human rights causes.

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres anchored a long running daytime talk show that featured celebrity interviews, audience giveaways, and viral moments. The platform regularly spotlighted LGBTQ+ guests and stories for mainstream audiences. She used her production company to develop scripted and unscripted projects with diverse casts. Her charitable segments and campaigns raised funds for schools, disaster relief, and wildlife conservation.

Elton John

Elton John continues to headline stadium tours while releasing collaborative music that reaches new listeners. His foundation funds HIV prevention, treatment, and advocacy in dozens of countries. He works with governments and NGOs to expand access to care and fight stigma. His life and catalog introduced LGBTQ+ history and artistry to younger audiences through film, books, and exhibitions.

Lil Nas X

Lil Nas X blended hip hop, country, and pop to produce record breaking singles and high profile performances. His music videos and social media presence center queer storytelling and imagery. He collaborates with major brands and nonprofits on youth outreach and mental health awareness. His releases helped open doors for more openly gay artists in mainstream rap and pop.

Sam Smith

Sam Smith’s albums and tours earned international awards and strong sales across multiple markets. Their songwriting addresses love, heartbreak, and identity with wide appeal. Smith partners with mental health and LGBTQ+ organizations on awareness campaigns. Their collaborations with artists across genres expanded visibility for queer voices in global pop.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart balanced acclaimed indie roles with major studio projects while being open about her sexuality. She used press tours to normalize same sex relationships and support queer filmmakers. Stewart’s production work helps champion emerging directors and female led stories. Her fashion partnerships increased LGBTQ+ visibility in luxury and red carpet spaces.

Pete Buttigieg

Pete Buttigieg became the first openly gay Senate confirmed cabinet member in United States history as Secretary of Transportation. His presidential campaign introduced an openly gay candidate to national debate stages and town halls. In office, he communicates on infrastructure, safety, and technology with broad media reach. His visibility bolstered LGBTQ+ participation in public service and policy careers.

Anderson Cooper

Anderson Cooper anchors a leading cable news program and produces investigative specials with wide viewership. He covers global crises, elections, and long form interviews with a steady on air presence. Cooper’s reporting often includes attention to human rights and humanitarian needs. His books and documentaries extend his influence beyond nightly news cycles.

Megan Rapinoe

Megan Rapinoe won major international soccer titles and individual awards while advocating for equal pay in sports. She used postmatch platforms to call for gender and LGBTQ+ inclusion in athletics. Rapinoe works with brands and nonprofits to support youth sports access and anti bullying programs. Her retirement farewell events highlighted her legacy as both champion and activist.

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris headlined Broadway productions, hosted major award shows, and led streaming and TV projects. He wrote books for both adults and children that reached bestseller lists. Harris’s work in family entertainment and theater normalized gay parenthood and partnership in popular media. His philanthropy supports arts education and LGBTQ+ youth services.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter earned awards for his role on ‘Pose’ and brought ballroom and queer history to mainstream television. He became a red carpet fixture whose fashion statements challenged gender norms. Porter records music, directs stage productions, and mentors young performers. He speaks publicly about HIV awareness and access to care, partnering with health organizations.

Ricky Martin

Ricky Martin’s tours and residencies draw international audiences while his Spanish and English releases chart across regions. His foundation focuses on child protection, education, and anti trafficking initiatives. Martin frequently features LGBTQ+ themes and talent in videos and performances. He collaborates with Latin music leaders to elevate queer representation in the industry.

Hayley Kiyoko

Hayley Kiyoko built a devoted fan base with pop songs and videos that center lesbian romance. She directs many of her videos, creating consistent storytelling from music to visuals. Kiyoko’s tours and fan events provide safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth. Her partnerships with beauty and fashion brands highlight inclusive casting and marketing.

Troye Sivan

Troye Sivan moved from YouTube to mainstream pop with albums praised for sleek production and candid lyrics. His videos and stage design present queer aesthetics without compromise. Sivan collaborates with fashion houses and filmmakers, spreading his influence across creative sectors. He supports LGBTQ+ organizations through benefit concerts and limited edition merchandise drops.

Luke Evans

Luke Evans starred in blockbuster franchises and prestige dramas while being open about his private life. He brings queer visibility to international press tours and genre films. Evans records music and supports arts charities in the UK and Europe. His roles across action, musical, and period pieces broadened perceptions of casting for gay actors.

RuPaul

RuPaul’s competition series expanded into global editions and live shows that fuel a growing drag industry. The brand supports touring careers for hundreds of performers and creative teams. RuPaul’s music, books, and podcast extend the franchise into multiple media formats. The show’s alumni collaborate with charities on voting, HIV testing, and youth services.

Bowen Yang

Bowen Yang became a breakout cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’ with widely shared sketches and characters. He co hosts a popular comedy podcast that spotlights queer humor and culture. Yang appears in films and series that feature diverse ensembles and creators. His presence in late night comedy increased Asian and LGBTQ+ representation simultaneously.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo earned awards attention for film roles while maintaining a strong theater and television portfolio. He writes and directs, creating opportunities for stories centered on communities of color. Domingo mentors young artists through workshops and residencies. His public conversations about identity and craft reach film festivals and university audiences.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes tours as a stand up headliner and appears in films and series across comedy and animation. She writes and produces specials that address politics, family, and equality. Sykes supports LGBTQ+ rights groups through benefits and advocacy appearances. Her voice roles and family friendly projects make her work accessible to wide audiences.

Karine Jean-Pierre

Karine Jean-Pierre serves as White House Press Secretary, the first Black and openly gay person in the role. She previously worked on national campaigns and advocacy organizations. Her daily briefings and media interviews reach national and international audiences. Jean-Pierre speaks at universities and conferences about democracy, public service, and inclusion.

Carl Nassib

Carl Nassib became the first active NFL player to come out publicly as gay, drawing support across the league. He launched a matching donation to a suicide prevention nonprofit that serves LGBTQ+ youth. Nassib’s announcement encouraged conversations about inclusion in men’s professional sports. He continues to engage with community groups and youth programs.

Tom Daley

Tom Daley won global medals in diving while documenting training and family life on digital platforms. He advocates for LGBTQ+ rights in sports federations and at international events. Daley’s foundation supports young athletes and anti bullying initiatives. His books and documentaries speak to resilience, parenting, and high performance sport.

Trixie Mattel

Trixie Mattel built a multifaceted career spanning drag performance, comedy tours, country pop albums, and a beauty brand. Her YouTube series and podcast reach large audiences with consistent queer centered content. She invests in hospitality and design projects that employ LGBTQ+ creatives. Her philanthropy includes fundraising for housing and health services.

Ryan Murphy

Ryan Murphy produced hit series that launched new stars and centered LGBTQ+ characters and storylines. He runs overall deals that create jobs for diverse writers, directors, and crews. Murphy funds mentorship programs and directs resources toward arts education. His limited series and anthologies often revisit queer history for mainstream audiences.

Jonathan Bailey

Jonathan Bailey gained worldwide recognition through ‘Bridgerton’ and followed with major stage and film roles. He speaks openly about casting, representation, and workplace inclusion in entertainment. Bailey participates in charity events that support LGBTQ+ youth services and health care. His international press tours provide visible advocacy alongside commercial success.

Share who you think has made the biggest impact in the past decade in the comments.