LGBTQ+ Actresses Everyone Knows But Rarely Talks About Enough

Representation in Hollywood has evolved significantly over the years with more performers living openly. Many talented actresses identify as LGBTQ+ and continue to deliver compelling performances across film and television. These figures have established successful careers while embracing their authentic selves in the public eye. Their contributions to the entertainment industry span various genres and decades of cinematic history. The following list highlights recognizable actresses who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Jodie Foster

Foster has been a prominent figure in Hollywood for decades after starting her career as a child model. She gained critical acclaim for her role in ‘Taxi Driver’ before winning Academy Awards for ‘The Accused’ and ‘The Silence of the Lambs’. The actress publicly acknowledged her sexual orientation during a speech at the Golden Globe Awards in 2013. Her directing career includes titles like ‘Little Man Tate’ and episodes of ‘Black Mirror’. She continues to take on complex roles in both film and television projects.

Lily Tomlin

Tomlin began her career as a stand-up comedian and became a breakout star on the variety show ‘Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In’. She transitioned to film with an Oscar-nominated performance in ‘Nashville’ and starred in the workplace comedy ‘9 to 5’. The actress married her longtime partner Jane Wagner after several decades of collaboration. Her recent work includes a starring role in the popular sitcom ‘Grace and Frankie’. She remains a celebrated figure in the entertainment industry for her versatility.

Sarah Paulson

Paulson is widely recognized for her frequent collaborations with television producer Ryan Murphy. She has portrayed multiple distinct characters across various seasons of the anthology series ‘American Horror Story’. The actress won a Primetime Emmy Award for her portrayal of Marcia Clark in ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson’. Her film credits include substantial roles in ‘Carol’ and ‘Ocean’s 8’. She is in a long-term relationship with fellow actress Holland Taylor.

Holland Taylor

Taylor has enjoyed a prolific career in television and film for over four decades. She won a Primetime Emmy Award for her role as Judge Roberta Kittleson in the legal drama ‘The Practice’. The actress gained further recognition for playing the mother of Charlie Sheen’s character in ‘Two and a Half Men’. She writes and performs theatrical works including a solo play about Governor Ann Richards. Her relationship with Sarah Paulson has drawn significant media attention.

Cynthia Nixon

Nixon achieved international fame for her portrayal of Miranda Hobbes in the HBO series ‘Sex and the City’. She reprised this role in two feature films and the spin-off series ‘And Just Like That…’. The actress is also an accomplished stage performer with two Tony Awards to her name. She has been an active advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and public education funding. Nixon married education activist Christine Marinoni in 2012.

Jane Lynch

Lynch is best known for her role as the sharp-tongued cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester in the musical series ‘Glee’. She established herself as a comedic force in Christopher Guest mockumentaries like ‘Best in Show’ and ‘A Mighty Wind’. The actress hosts the game show ‘Weakest Link’ and has appeared in ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’. She has been open about her sexuality throughout her career in Hollywood. Lynch also lends her voice to various animated projects including ‘Wreck-It Ralph’.

Wanda Sykes

Sykes began her career as a writer for ‘The Chris Rock Show’ before establishing herself as a stand-up comedian. She is known for her roles in the sitcom ‘The New Adventures of Old Christine’ and the series ‘Black-ish’. The actress voices characters in animated franchises such as ‘Ice Age’ and plays a prominent role in ‘The Upshaws’. She married her wife Alex Niedbalski in 2008 and they have two children. Sykes actively advocates for equality and representation in media.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné started her career as a child actress on ‘The Cosby Show’ before starring in her own Disney Channel series ‘That’s So Raven’. She has worked as a host on the talk show ‘The View’ and released several music albums. The actress reprised her famous psychic role in the sequel series ‘Raven’s Home’. She married social media manager Miranda Maday in a private ceremony in 2020. Her career spans acting, singing, and television producing.

Kristen Stewart

Stewart gained global stardom for her leading role as Bella Swan in the ‘Twilight’ film saga. She later shifted toward independent cinema with acclaimed performances in films like ‘Clouds of Sils Maria’ and ‘Personal Shopper’. The actress received an Academy Award nomination for portraying Princess Diana in the biopic ‘Spencer’. She identifies as bisexual and has been engaged to screenwriter Dylan Meyer. Stewart continues to direct and star in diverse film projects.

Aubrey Plaza

Plaza became a household name playing the deadpan intern April Ludgate on the sitcom ‘Parks and Recreation’. She expanded her range with dramatic roles in films like ‘Black Bear’ and ‘Emily the Criminal’. The actress received critical praise for her performance in the second season of ‘The White Lotus’. She has stated publicly that she falls in love with girls and guys. Plaza often produces the independent films she stars in.

Evan Rachel Wood

Wood began acting as a child and earned a Golden Globe nomination for the teen drama ‘Thirteen’. She starred as the sentient android Dolores Abernathy in the science fiction western series ‘Westworld’. The actress voiced Queen Iduna in the massive Disney hit ‘Frozen II’. She came out as bisexual in 2011 and has been a vocal advocate for domestic violence survivors. Her career includes roles in ‘The Wrestler’ and ‘Across the Universe’.

Megan Fox

Fox became an international sex symbol following her role in the blockbuster action film ‘Transformers’. She starred in the horror comedy ‘Jennifer’s Body’ which has since gained a cult following. The actress has been open about her bisexuality throughout her time in the spotlight. She joined the cast of the sitcom ‘New Girl’ for a recurring arc. Fox continues to act in action and thriller films.

Drew Barrymore

Barrymore comes from a legendary acting dynasty and captivated audiences as a child in ‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial’. She successfully transitioned to adult roles in hits like ‘Charlie’s Angels’ and ’50 First Dates’. The actress hosts her own daytime talk show called ‘The Drew Barrymore Show’. She has publicly identified as bisexual and discussed her dating history openly. Barrymore also produces films and television through her production company Flower Films.

Angelina Jolie

Jolie is an Academy Award-winning actress known for dramas like ‘Girl, Interrupted’ and action films like ‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider’. She has directed several films including ‘Unbroken’ and ‘First They Killed My Father’. The actress has been open about her bisexual relationships in the past. She devotes significant time to humanitarian work with the United Nations. Her recent acting credits include the Marvel film ‘Eternals’.

Michelle Rodriguez

Rodriguez broke into Hollywood with her debut performance in the independent film ‘Girlfight’. She is best known for playing Letty Ortiz in the massive ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise. The actress portrayed a tough pilot in James Cameron’s ‘Avatar’ and a soldier in ‘Battle: Los Angeles’. She confirmed her bisexuality in an interview in 2013. Rodriguez often takes on roles that require intense physical training and stunt work.

Anna Paquin

Paquin won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress at age 11 for her role in ‘The Piano’. She starred as the mutant Rogue in the ‘X-Men’ film franchise. The actress led the cast of the vampire drama series ‘True Blood’ as Sookie Stackhouse. She came out as bisexual in a public service announcement video in 2010. Paquin continues to work in television series like ‘Flack’ and ‘The Affair’.

Gillian Anderson

Anderson became a cultural icon playing FBI Agent Dana Scully in the sci-fi series ‘The X-Files’. She received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in the historical drama ‘The Crown’. The actress plays a sex therapist in the popular teen comedy drama ‘Sex Education’. She has spoken in interviews about having relationships with both men and women. Anderson works extensively in both American and British television productions.

Thandiwe Newton

Newton delivered a BAFTA-winning performance in the ensemble drama ‘Crash’. She garnered widespread praise for playing the android Maeve Millay in the HBO series ‘Westworld’. The actress appeared in major films like ‘Mission: Impossible 2’ and ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’. She has discussed her attraction to people of all genders in various interviews. Newton received an OBE for her services to film and charity.

Tessa Thompson

Thompson gained recognition for her role in the drama ‘Dear White People’ before joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Valkyrie. She starred in the ‘Creed’ film series alongside Michael B. Jordan. The actress played a central role in the science fiction series ‘Westworld’. She has stated that she is attracted to men and women but avoids strict labeling. Thompson is also a producer and involved in various activism efforts.

Cara Delevingne

Delevingne transitioned from a highly successful modeling career to acting with roles in ‘Paper Towns’ and ‘Suicide Squad’. She starred in the fantasy series ‘Carnival Row’ opposite Orlando Bloom. The actress played a key role in the mystery comedy series ‘Only Murders in the Building’. She identifies as pansexual and speaks frequently about LGBTQ+ issues. Her career includes work in music and fashion design.

Rebel Wilson

Wilson broke out internationally as the comedic character Fat Amy in the ‘Pitch Perfect’ film trilogy. She has starred in comedies such as ‘Bridesmaids’ and ‘Jojo Rabbit’. The actress released a memoir detailing her personal life and career journey. She announced her relationship with fashion designer Ramona Agruma in 2022. Wilson continues to produce and star in comedy films.

Queen Latifah

Latifah began as a hip-hop artist before becoming a successful actress with an Oscar nomination for ‘Chicago’. She starred in the popular sitcom ‘Living Single’ and hit films like ‘Girls Trip’. The actress currently leads the cast of the crime drama series ‘The Equalizer’. She acknowledged her partner publicly during a Lifetime Achievement Award acceptance speech. Latifah produces numerous projects through her company Flavor Unit Entertainment.

Niecy Nash-Betts

Nash-Betts gained fame hosting the home makeover show ‘Clean House’ and starring in ‘Reno 911!’. She earned critical acclaim for her dramatic performance in the miniseries ‘When They See Us’. The actress stars in the crime comedy drama ‘Claws’ and ‘The Rookie: Feds’. She married singer Jessica Betts in 2020. Her recent work includes a role in ‘Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’.

Portia de Rossi

De Rossi is widely known for her role as lawyer Nelle Porter on ‘Ally McBeal’. She played Lindsay Bluth Fünke in the acclaimed sitcom ‘Arrested Development’. The actress appeared in the political thriller series ‘Scandal’ as Elizabeth North. She has been married to comedian Ellen DeGeneres since 2008. De Rossi has largely retired from acting to focus on business ventures.

Samira Wiley

Wiley became a fan favorite playing Poussey Washington in the Netflix series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She won a Primetime Emmy Award for her role as Moira in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. The actress has appeared in films like ‘Detroit’ and ‘Breaking News in Yuba County’. She is married to writer Lauren Morelli whom she met on the set of her first major show. Wiley continues to work in both television and theater.

Laverne Cox

Cox made history as the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy in an acting category. She is best known for playing Sophia Burset in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. The actress had a prominent role in the thriller ‘Promising Young Woman’. She hosts a podcast and frequently appears as a television host on red carpets. Cox is a leading advocate for transgender rights and visibility.

Hunter Schafer

Schafer made her acting debut as Jules Vaughn in the hit HBO teen drama ‘Euphoria’. She co-wrote a special episode of the series that explored her character’s internal life. The actress starred in the prequel film ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’. She began her career as a high-profile fashion model before transitioning to acting. Schafer is a trans woman and an activist for LGBTQ+ rights.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

Rodriguez became the first transgender woman to win a Golden Globe Award for her performance in ‘Pose’. She played the house mother Blanca Evangelista in the groundbreaking drama about ball culture. The actress stars in the comedy series ‘Loot’ alongside Maya Rudolph. She began her career in theater productions like ‘Rent’. Rodriguez is also pursuing a music career.

Jamie Clayton

Clayton gained a dedicated following for her role as Nomi Marks in the sci-fi series ‘Sense8’. She played the iconic villain Pinhead in the 2022 reboot of ‘Hellraiser’. The actress had a recurring role on the political drama ‘Designated Survivor’. She appeared in ‘The L Word: Generation Q’ as Tess. Clayton is a trans woman who advocates for authentic casting.

Fiona Shaw

Shaw is a celebrated stage and screen actress known for playing Petunia Dursley in the ‘Harry Potter’ franchise. She gained a new legion of fans as Carolyn Martens in the spy thriller series ‘Killing Eve’. The actress appeared in the ‘Star Wars’ series ‘Andor’ as Maarva Andor. She has been married to economist Sonali Deraniyagala since 2018. Shaw has received multiple Olivier Awards for her theater work.

Miriam Margolyes

Margolyes is a veteran character actress known for her role as Professor Sprout in the ‘Harry Potter’ films. She won a BAFTA Award for her performance in ‘The Age of Innocence’. The actress is famous for her candid storytelling on talk shows. She has been with her partner Heather Sutherland for over 50 years. Margolyes continues to work in television documentaries and voice acting.

Cherry Jones

Jones is a highly respected theater actress who has won two Tony Awards. She is known to television audiences for her role as President Allison Taylor in ’24’. The actress played the media matriarch Nan Pierce in the drama series ‘Succession’. She has been married to filmmaker Sophie Huber since 2015. Jones consistently delivers acclaimed performances in supporting roles.

Clea DuVall

DuVall became a cult icon for her role in the satirical comedy ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’. She has appeared in films like ‘The Faculty’ and ‘Girl, Interrupted’. The actress directed and co-wrote the holiday romantic comedy ‘Happiest Season’. She creates television shows and directs episodes for various series. DuVall has been out as a lesbian for many years.

Stephanie Beatriz

Beatriz is best known for playing the tough detective Rosa Diaz in the sitcom ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. She voiced the lead character Mirabel Madrigal in the Disney animated film ‘Encanto’. The actress appeared in the film adaptation of the musical ‘In the Heights’. She identifies as bisexual and has incorporated this into her character Rosa Diaz. Beatriz works frequently as a voice actress.

Kate McKinnon

McKinnon was a breakout star on ‘Saturday Night Live’ where she won two Emmy Awards. She starred in the 2016 reboot of ‘Ghostbusters’ and the comedy ‘The Spy Who Dumped Me’. The actress played a key role in the massive hit movie ‘Barbie’. She is the first open lesbian cast member in the history of ‘SNL’. McKinnon is known for her character work and celebrity impressions.

Amandla Stenberg

Stenberg first gained attention as Rue in ‘The Hunger Games’. She received critical acclaim for her lead performance in ‘The Hate U Give’. The actress starred in the ‘Star Wars’ series ‘The Acolyte’. She identifies as gay and non-binary but uses she/her pronouns professionally. Stenberg is also a musician and has released her own music.

Ariana DeBose

DeBose won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Anita in ‘West Side Story’. She was a cast member of the original Broadway production of ‘Hamilton’. The actress voiced the lead character in the Disney animated film ‘Wish’. She hosted the Tony Awards multiple times. DeBose identifies as queer and advocates for diversity in theater.

Dove Cameron

Cameron rose to fame playing dual roles in the Disney Channel series ‘Liv and Maddie’. She starred as Mal in the ‘Descendants’ film franchise. The actress garnered praise for her role in the musical comedy series ‘Schmigadoon!’. She has publicly identified as queer. Cameron also has a successful career as a pop singer.

Keke Palmer

Palmer has been a star since her childhood role in ‘Akeelah and the Bee’. She delivered a critically acclaimed performance in Jordan Peele’s horror film ‘Nope’. The actress hosts the game show ‘Password’ and runs her own digital network. She has stated that she does not label her sexuality but is open to romance with anyone. Palmer is also a singer and author.

Beanie Feldstein

Feldstein received a Golden Globe nomination for her starring role in the high school comedy ‘Booksmart’. She played Monica Lewinsky in the anthology series ‘Impeachment: American Crime Story’. The actress starred in the Broadway revival of ‘Funny Girl’. She married producer Bonnie-Chance Roberts in 2023. Feldstein is the younger sister of actor Jonah Hill.

Kiersey Clemons

Clemons had her breakout role in the coming-of-age film ‘Dope’. She played Iris West in the superhero film ‘The Flash’. The actress starred in the romantic drama ‘Hearts Beat Loud’. She identifies as queer. Clemons also performs as a musician.

Maria Bello

Bello is known for her roles in films like ‘A History of Violence’ and ‘The Cooler’. She starred as Jack Sloane in the long-running procedural ‘NCIS’. The actress wrote a book about her modern family and relationships. She is engaged to chef Dominique Crenn. Bello produces films and advocates for women in Haiti.

Kelly McGillis

McGillis starred in iconic 1980s films such as ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Witness’. She played a defense attorney in the acclaimed film ‘The Accused’. The actress came out as a lesbian in 2009. She works as an acting teacher and counselor. McGillis has stepped back from major Hollywood productions in recent years.

Meredith Baxter

Baxter is best known for playing the matriarch Elyse Keaton on the sitcom ‘Family Ties’. She has starred in numerous television movies and made guest appearances on various shows. The actress came out as a lesbian later in life in 2009. She wrote a memoir detailing her career and personal journey. Baxter continues to act in theater and television.

Sandra Bernhard

Bernhard is a comedian and actress known for her role in ‘The King of Comedy’. She played Nancy Bartlett in the sitcom ‘Roseanne’. The actress appeared as a nurse in the drama series ‘Pose’. She has been with her partner Sara Switzer for decades. Bernhard hosts a popular radio show on SiriusXM.

Rosie O’Donnell

O’Donnell hosted her own popular daytime talk show and starred in ‘A League of Their Own’. She has been a co-host on ‘The View’ during multiple seasons. The actress appeared in the series ‘SMILF’ and ‘Russian Doll’. She has been a prominent LGBTQ+ activist for many years. O’Donnell is also known for her philanthropic work with children.

Lea DeLaria

DeLaria is a comedian and jazz singer who found mainstream acting success as Big Boo in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She was the first openly gay comic to appear on a late-night talk show in America. The actress performs extensively in musical theater. She voiced a character in the Pixar film ‘Cars 3’. DeLaria actively tours as a singer and stand-up comic.

Tig Notaro

Notaro is a deadpan comedian known for her stand-up specials and the series ‘One Mississippi’. She played an engineer in ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ and a pilot in ‘Army of the Dead’. The actress replaced an actor in ‘Army of the Dead’ using green screen technology during reshoots. She hosts a popular advice podcast. Notaro is married to fellow actress Stephanie Allynne.

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor

Ellis-Taylor received an Academy Award nomination for her role as Oracene Price in ‘King Richard’. She starred in the critically acclaimed miniseries ‘When They See Us’ and ‘Lovecraft Country’. The actress appeared in the musical adaptation ‘The Color Purple’. She came out as bisexual in 2022. Ellis-Taylor has a long career in both independent and studio films.

Alia Shawkat

Shawkat is best known for playing Maeby Fünke in the cult sitcom ‘Arrested Development’. She starred in the mystery comedy series ‘Search Party’ for five seasons. The actress played prominent roles in ‘The Old Man’ and ‘Drift’. She identifies as bisexual. Shawkat is also a visual artist and displays her work in galleries.

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