The Best LGBTQ Asian Actresses of All Time

These trailblazing performers bring authentic representation to screens big and small and their work reaches across genres and countries. Many of them champion LGBTQ visibility through both their roles and advocacy. From breakout stars to multi hyphenate creators they continue to shape casting and storytelling. Here are twenty standouts whose impact is felt on and off set.

Margaret Cho

A Korean American multitalent, Margaret Cho has built a long career across stand up, TV, and film while openly identifying as queer and bisexual. She starred in the pioneering sitcom ‘All American Girl’ and later appeared in series like ’30 Rock’ and ‘Drop Dead Diva’. Cho frequently plays characters that push back against stereotypes and brings lived experience to LGBTQ storylines. She also uses touring and media platforms to support anti bullying campaigns and equality initiatives.

Stephanie Hsu

Stephanie Hsu is a Taiwanese American actress who identifies as queer and has earned acclaim across stage and screen. She broke through with ‘The Marvelous Mrs Maisel’ and made a global splash in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’. Hsu trained at NYU Tisch and has a strong theater background that includes new musical development. She supports inclusive casting and often collaborates with creators telling immigrant and LGBTQ stories.

Auliʻi Cravalho

Auli’i Cravalho is a Native Hawaiian and Chinese Puerto Rican performer who publicly came out as bisexual. She first rose to fame as the title voice in ‘Moana’ and then moved into live action projects like ‘All Together Now’ and ‘The Power’. Cravalho lends her platform to youth focused LGBTQ nonprofits and voter engagement. She continues to take roles that center young women finding their voice.

Patti Harrison

Patti Harrison is a Vietnamese American trans actress and comedian known for scene stealing turns on TV and in film. She gained widespread attention on ‘I Think You Should Leave’ and delivered a lead performance in ‘Together Together’. Harrison brings sharp improvisational skills to voice roles in animated features and series. She regularly speaks about trans representation in writers rooms and casting.

Ivory Aquino

Ivory Aquino is a Filipina American trans actress recognized for her portrayal of a real life activist in ‘When We Rise’. She has since taken roles in network television dramas and superhero projects. Aquino engages with advocacy groups that work on trans healthcare access and media literacy. She emphasizes collaboration with trans creatives behind the camera to improve authenticity.

Sherry Cola

Sherry Cola is a Chinese American queer actress and comedian who broke out on ‘Good Trouble’. She has hosted festivals and performed stand up that centers immigrant family dynamics and LGBTQ themes. Cola starred in the friendship comedy ‘Joy Ride’ and continues to book feature roles. She is active in community campaigns that support queer youth and Asian American visibility.

Rina Sawayama

Rina Sawayama is a Japanese British pansexual performer who added acting to a successful music career. She appeared in ‘John Wick Chapter 4’ and trained extensively for action scenes alongside her recording schedule. Sawayama uses interviews and concerts to discuss queer identity in Asian communities. She collaborates with fashion and film creatives who prioritize inclusive sets.

Anna Akana

Anna Akana is a Japanese Filipino American bisexual actress and creator who built an early audience through narrative shorts and web series. She has acted in projects like ‘Jupiter’s Legacy’ and ‘Go Back to China’ while continuing to produce original content. Akana writes and directs stories that feature queer characters in everyday settings. She supports mental health and LGBTQ youth organizations through public speaking and fundraising.

Erika Ishii

Erika Ishii is a Japanese American pansexual and genderfluid voice and on camera actress. She is known for major game and animation credits and for actual play series like ‘Critical Role’. Ishii advocates for inclusive casting in voiceover and performance capture. She mentors emerging queer and trans performers in interactive media.

Fawzia Mirza

Fawzia Mirza is a Pakistani Canadian American queer actress and writer whose work frequently explores diaspora and identity. She led the feature ‘Signature Move’ and develops South Asian LGBTQ narratives across film and theater. Mirza co founded initiatives that connect artists from Pakistan and the United States. Her projects often pair comedy with cultural specificity to widen representation.

Denise Ho

Denise Ho is a Hong Kong Canadian lesbian singer and actress who has appeared in films like ‘Life Without Principle’. She has used concerts and documentaries to discuss LGBTQ rights in Chinese speaking communities. Ho’s public coming out marked a milestone for Canto pop and regional media. She continues to take roles that align with her advocacy and artistic independence.

Jameela Jamil

Jameela Jamil is a British actress of Indian and Pakistani heritage who identifies as queer. She gained international attention on ‘The Good Place’ and later joined the superhero series ‘She Hulk Attorney at Law’. Jamil founded an online community focused on body neutrality and media literacy. She supports trans inclusive policies and speaks about responsible storytelling.

Tati Gabrielle

Tati Gabrielle is a Korean and African American actress who identifies as queer and has a growing footprint in genre projects. Audiences know her from ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ and ‘You’. She brings martial arts and movement training to action driven roles. Gabrielle partners with youth organizations that encourage creative careers for underrepresented students.

Josie Totah

Josie Totah is a Palestinian and Lebanese American trans actress who moved from child roles into leading teen comedies. She starred in the ‘Saved by the Bell’ revival and previously appeared in ‘Champions’. Totah writes and produces projects that reflect trans and Middle Eastern experiences in American schools. She often speaks about set environments that help young performers thrive.

Lilly Singh

Lilly Singh is an Indian Canadian bisexual entertainer who transitioned from digital sketches to acting and hosting. She fronted the late night series ‘A Little Late with Lilly Singh’ and acts in features and voice roles. Singh publishes books and produces scripted projects that feature South Asian and queer characters. She supports global education initiatives and LGBTQ inclusive storytelling.

BB Gandanghari

Bb Gandanghari is a Filipina trans actress and media personality with a decades long career in Philippine entertainment. She appeared in films and television before publicly transitioning and later returned to screen work. Gandanghari’s visibility helped spark broader conversations about gender identity in the region. She continues to pursue roles and speaking engagements that center trans lives.

Geena Rocero

Geena Rocero is a Filipina trans model and actress who has taken roles in scripted and documentary projects. She founded a media company that tells trans led stories and produced content with global reach. Rocero’s memoir and public talks document her journey from pageants to advocacy and film. She collaborates with directors who prioritize trans creatives in key positions.

Nisha Ganatra

Nisha Ganatra is an Indian Canadian lesbian filmmaker and actress who began with indie features and television. She directed ‘Late Night’ and ‘The High Note’ and has acting credits in several early projects. Ganatra develops writers rooms that include queer and South Asian voices. Her career demonstrates how creators can bridge directing producing and performance to expand representation.

Share your favorite performances and any names we should add in the comments.