Celebs You Probably Didn’t Know Were LGBTQ+

Some stars talk about their personal lives all the time while others keep things low key, which means many fans miss it when a celebrity comes out or shares how they identify. This list rounds up well known names who have publicly identified somewhere under the LGBTQ+ umbrella even if it is not what most people know them for. You will see actors, musicians, and creators who have spoken about their identities in interviews, social posts, and speeches. Consider this a quick guide to who is out there living authentically while doing great work.

Victor Garber

Victor Garber quietly confirmed that he is gay in an interview and later married model and artist Rainer Andreesen. He is known for roles in ‘Alias’ and ‘Titanic’ along with a long stage career. Garber has said he prefers to let his work speak for itself while acknowledging his personal life when asked. He continues to act in film and television and appears at theater events.

Lee Pace

Lee Pace described himself as a member of the queer community after previously saying he dated both men and women. He later shared that he married fashion executive Matthew Foley. Pace is known for ‘Pushing Daisies’ and ‘The Hobbit’ films as well as acclaimed stage work. He keeps his private life mostly off social media while supporting LGBTQ causes.

Niecy Nash

Niecy Nash shared her marriage to singer Jessica Betts and later said she identifies as queer. She explained that her relationship was about love rather than labels when she first spoke about it. Nash is known for ‘Reno 911’ and ‘Claws’ along with hosting and reality work. She often appears with Betts at red carpet events and on music projects.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson has said she is attracted to men and women and is open about her sexuality. She has also spoken about wanting more inclusive representation in Hollywood. Thompson stars in ‘Thor’ films and ‘Westworld’ and has produced projects with diverse stories. She supports organizations that uplift women and LGBTQ communities in film.

Gillian Anderson

Gillian Anderson has shared that she has had relationships with women and does not identify as strictly straight. She first spoke about this while reflecting on past partners. Anderson is known for ‘The X Files’ and ‘The Crown’ and continues to work on television and stage. She discusses identity thoughtfully in interviews and essays.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza has said she falls in love with both men and women. She has been embraced as a bi icon by many fans and has acknowledged that support with gratitude. Plaza is known for ‘Parks and Recreation’ and indie films along with voice roles. She often participates in LGBTQ themed events and film panels.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe came out as pansexual and later shared that they are non binary. They use both she and they pronouns and have spoken about gender expansiveness in music and interviews. Monáe created the album and book projects set in their Dirty Computer universe with queer themes. They are active in voting initiatives and LGBTQ advocacy.

Bella Ramsey

Bella Ramsey has said they are non binary and use they pronouns. They have also discussed being gender fluid and how it relates to costume fittings and publicity. Ramsey gained a wide audience through ‘Game of Thrones’ and ‘The Last of Us’. They speak about mental health and identity with honesty in press conversations.

Jonathan Bailey

Jonathan Bailey is openly gay and has discussed navigating casting and public perception early in his career. He became widely known through ‘Bridgerton’ and West End theater roles. Bailey has spoken about wanting more nuanced queer characters on screen. He continues to split time between television and stage.

Charlie Carver

Charlie Carver came out in a series of personal essays and posts about authenticity. He is known for ‘Teen Wolf’ and ‘The Boys in the Band’ across stage and screen. Carver has produced projects centered on queer stories. He often mentors younger actors and speaks at industry events about visibility.

Luke Evans

Luke Evans has been openly gay for years and addressed it early in his career. He is known for ‘The Hobbit’ films and ‘Beauty and the Beast’ along with music releases. Evans posts about training and singing while keeping relationships fairly private. He supports charities focused on health and youth.

Colton Haynes

Colton Haynes came out publicly after years of speculation and later wrote about the journey in a memoir. He is known for ‘Arrow’ and ‘Teen Wolf’ and has modeled extensively. Haynes has discussed industry pressures and mental health with candor. He now appears in television and fashion campaigns while advocating for LGBTQ representation.

Andrew Scott

Andrew Scott is openly gay and often avoids labels for characters unless it serves the story. He rose to fame with ‘Sherlock’ and later starred in ‘Fleabag’ and major stage productions. Scott has supported queer focused theater and film projects throughout his career. He frequently participates in charity events that benefit youth services.

Holland Taylor

Holland Taylor has spoken openly about her long term relationship with Sarah Paulson. She is known for ‘Two and a Half Men’ and many stage roles and films. Taylor often praises intergenerational conversations within the community. She mentors young actors and supports arts education programs.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson identifies as queer and has discussed the fluidity of attraction. She is known for ‘American Horror Story’ and award winning limited series work. Paulson has been open about her relationship with Holland Taylor while guarding certain private details. She continues to champion inclusive casting and storytelling.

Bex Taylor Klaus

Bex Taylor Klaus came out as transgender non binary and has used they and he pronouns. They are known for ‘Scream’ on television and voice roles in animation. Bex has shared updates about transition and language preferences to help fans understand. They advocate for safer sets and better trans representation.

Keiynan Lonsdale

Keiynan Lonsdale came out to fans and has since embraced the label queer. He is known for ‘The Flash’ and the film ‘Love, Simon’ and he releases music as well. Lonsdale frequently uses fashion and performance to express identity. He speaks at pride events and youth programs about self acceptance.

Justice Smith

Justice Smith shared that he is queer in a message supporting Black LGBTQ lives. He is known for ‘The Get Down’ and ‘Detective Pikachu’ and works across film and television. Smith has talked about intersectionality and visibility in interviews. He often highlights organizations that serve queer youth of color.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg has identified as gay and later explained being non binary. They are known for ‘The Hate U Give’ and for activism around identity and representation. Stenberg has written essays and filmed videos discussing sexuality and gender. They collaborate with brands and campaigns that support inclusion.

Rebecca Sugar

Rebecca Sugar has described being non binary and bisexual. They created ‘Steven Universe’ which features groundbreaking queer storytelling in children’s animation. Sugar has spoken about consulting with advocacy groups to portray identities responsibly. They continue to work in music and animation while mentoring new creators.

Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato has identified as pansexual and later shared that they are non binary and use they pronouns while remaining comfortable with she as well. Lovato has discussed recovery and identity in documentaries and podcasts. Their music and tours often include messages of pride and empowerment. They collaborate with mental health and LGBTQ organizations.

Brendon Urie

Brendon Urie has said he is pansexual and has talked about attraction existing on a spectrum. He is the longtime voice behind Panic at the Disco and has performed on Broadway. Urie launched charity efforts that include support for LGBTQ youth. He speaks openly about self discovery and creative freedom.

Billie Joe Armstrong

Billie Joe Armstrong has identified as bisexual and spoke about it early in his career. He is the frontman of Green Day and remains active in touring and recording. Armstrong has encouraged fans to embrace who they are during live shows. He supports causes tied to youth and music education.

Alan Cumming

Alan Cumming is openly bisexual and has been a prominent LGBTQ advocate for decades. He is known for ‘The Good Wife’ and a long Broadway career along with cabaret performances. Cumming owns a nightlife space that hosts queer events and artists. He writes books and essays that touch on identity and activism.

David Hyde Pierce

David Hyde Pierce publicly acknowledged being gay and later confirmed his marriage to producer Brian Hargrove. He is best known for ‘Frasier’ and continues to work on stage and screen. Pierce has supported LGBTQ and health charities with fundraising and appearances. He keeps his private life low profile while remaining active in theater.

Ben Whishaw

Ben Whishaw has described being gay and has spoken about privacy in the industry. He is known for voicing Q in the James Bond films and starring in ‘A Very English Scandal’. Whishaw has appeared in major stage productions and independent films. He collaborates with directors who focus on character driven stories and continues to work in television and theater.

Wentworth Miller

Wentworth Miller came out as gay while declining an event invitation to protest anti LGBTQ laws. He is best known for ‘Prison Break’ and later wrote scripts for film and television. Miller has discussed mental health and representation in public talks. He stepped back from certain roles to focus on authentic storytelling.

Maria Bello

Maria Bello wrote about identifying as queer and later discussed it in interviews. She is known for ‘ER’ and ‘NCIS’ along with films and theater. Bello supports human rights work and gender equality initiatives. She has produced projects that center women and global health issues.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart has spoken openly about being queer and about fluidity in relationships. She broke out with ‘Twilight’ and later earned acclaim for ‘Personal Shopper’ and ‘Spencer’. Stewart directs short films and music videos in addition to acting. She often works with independent filmmakers and international productions.

Elliot Page

Elliot Page came out as transgender and uses he and they pronouns. He is known for ‘Juno’ and ‘The Umbrella Academy’ and has produced documentaries on LGBTQ topics. Page speaks about trans inclusion in sports and media. He released a memoir that covers identity, acting, and advocacy.

Cara Delevingne

Cara Delevingne has identified as queer and pansexual and has discussed gender fluidity. She transitioned from fashion to acting with roles in ‘Paper Towns’ and ‘Carnival Row’. Delevingne designs capsule collections and produces projects tied to wellness and equality. She supports youth focused mental health programs.

Bella Thorne

Bella Thorne has identified as pansexual and has shared her journey on social media. She is known for ‘Shake It Up’ and independent films along with music releases. Thorne directs and produces content while running brand partnerships. She speaks about online safety and creative ownership.

Halsey

Halsey has identified as bisexual and later explained using she and they pronouns. She is known for hit albums and visual concepts that highlight identity and autonomy. Halsey supports reproductive health initiatives and LGBTQ youth organizations. She collaborates with artists across pop and alternative music.

Frank Ocean

Frank Ocean has shared that he loved a man and has discussed queerness in his songwriting. He is known for ‘Channel Orange’ and ‘Blonde’ and for limited public appearances. Ocean works across music, art, and fashion with a focus on creative control. He often releases projects without traditional marketing.

Sam Smith

Sam Smith has identified as non binary and uses they pronouns. They are known for chart topping singles and collaborations across pop and dance music. Smith discusses body image and identity in interviews and performances. They support charities for mental health and LGBTQ rights.

Lil Nas X

Lil Nas X came out as gay at the height of his early chart success. He blends country, rap, and pop and is known for bold visual storytelling in videos. He uses fashion and live shows to highlight queer themes. Lil Nas X partners with youth organizations and creative tech programs.

Troye Sivan

Troye Sivan is openly gay and began as a content creator before launching a music career. He is known for pop albums and roles in ‘The Idol’ and ‘Boy Erased’. Sivan collaborates with designers and filmmakers for multimedia releases. He supports LGBTQ youth housing and community spaces.

Hayley Kiyoko

Hayley Kiyoko identifies as gay and is often called a pop figure for queer visibility. She starred in ‘Jem and the Holograms’ and built a music career with self directed videos. Kiyoko tours globally and releases interactive fan content. She works with organizations that uplift queer women and non binary artists.

Dan Levy

Dan Levy is openly gay and is known for co creating and starring in ‘Schitt’s Creek’. He has launched production deals to develop inclusive stories. Levy hosts and appears in unscripted projects tied to food and culture. He supports grants for emerging creators in television.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon has identified as queer and has been active in politics and education advocacy. She is known for ‘Sex and the City’ and a wide range of stage roles. Nixon works with public school and civil rights groups. She continues to act while participating in policy discussions.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster publicly acknowledged her sexuality while accepting an award and later discussed her family life. She is known for ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ and ‘Contact’ and has directed multiple projects. Foster mentors young filmmakers and serves on festival juries. She supports organizations focused on film preservation and civil liberties.

Emma Corrin

Emma Corrin identifies as non binary and uses they pronouns. They are known for ‘The Crown’ and have performed in acclaimed stage productions. Corrin models for fashion houses while advocating for gender inclusive design. They speak about safe wardrobe practices and representation on set.

Kit Connor

Kit Connor shared that he is bisexual after public speculation around a role. He is known for ‘Heartstopper’ and has worked in film and theater since childhood. Connor focuses on character driven projects and voice work. He participates in campaigns that address online harassment and privacy for young actors.

Ncuti Gatwa

Ncuti Gatwa has described himself as queer and has discussed intersectional experiences in the industry. He is known for ‘Sex Education’ and took on the lead in ‘Doctor Who’. Gatwa collaborates with fashion brands and global charities. He supports training initiatives for actors from underrepresented backgrounds.

Luke Macfarlane

Luke Macfarlane is openly gay and has starred in romantic comedies and dramas. He is known for ‘Brothers and Sisters’ and independent film projects. Macfarlane trained as a classical cellist and often incorporates music into his work. He balances television movies with stage appearances.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer is openly gay and has discussed family and career balance in interviews. He is known for ‘White Collar’ and ‘The Normal Heart’ and continues to work in film and television. Bomer supports LGBTQ health and arts education programs. He often participates in readings and benefits for theater companies.

Sara Ramirez

Sara Ramirez identifies as non binary and bisexual and uses they pronouns. They are known for ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘And Just Like That’. Ramirez advocates for bi and trans inclusive healthcare and media. They collaborate with nonprofits on policy and outreach.

Raven Symoné

Raven Symoné has said she does not feel the need for specific labels while acknowledging same sex relationships. She is known for ‘That’s So Raven’ and ‘The View’ and continues to produce and direct. Raven runs a media company with projects for digital platforms. She supports arts education and youth mentorship.

T.R. Knight

T.R. Knight came out as gay during his time on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. He has since focused on theater while appearing in television and streaming series. Knight supports organizations that provide training for young performers. He remains active in regional and Broadway productions.

Megan Rapinoe

Megan Rapinoe is openly gay and has long advocated for equal pay and LGBTQ rights in sports. She is a World Cup and Olympic champion and collaborates with brands on social impact campaigns. Rapinoe co authored a book and speaks at universities and conferences. She works with foundations that support youth sports access and inclusion.

Share which names surprised you most and who else belongs on this list in the comments.