LGBT Actresses Who Win You Over Every Time They Are on Screen

The entertainment industry has seen a significant increase in visibility for LGBTQ actresses who have made profound impacts on film and television. These performers have garnered critical acclaim through their diverse roles in independent cinema and major blockbusters. Many of these individuals use their platforms to advocate for greater representation and social change. Their contributions continue to shape the landscape of modern media across all genres.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson is widely recognized for her extensive work in the anthology series ‘American Horror Story’. She has received a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Marcia Clark in ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson American Crime Story’. Her film credits include notable roles in ‘Ocean’s 8′ and ’12 Years a Slave’. She frequently collaborates with director Ryan Murphy on various television projects.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster began her acting career as a child before winning two Academy Awards for Best Actress. She is known for her iconic performances in ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ and ‘The Accused’. Foster has also established herself as a successful director with films like ‘Little Man Tate’ and ‘Money Monster’. She received the Cecil B. DeMille Award for her outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart rose to international fame for her role in the ‘Twilight’ film series. She became the first American actress to win a César Award for her performance in ‘Clouds of Sils Maria’. Her recent work includes an Academy Award nomination for portraying Princess Diana in the biographical drama ‘Spencer’. She has transitioned into directing with the short film ‘Come Swim’.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon is best known for playing the character Miranda Hobbes in the series ‘Sex and the City’. She has won two Emmy Awards and two Tony Awards for her work on television and the Broadway stage. Nixon is a prominent political activist who ran for Governor of New York in 2018. She currently stars in the revival series ‘And Just Like That’ as well as the period drama ‘The Gilded Age’.

Holland Taylor

Holland Taylor has enjoyed a prolific career in theater and television for over six decades. She won a Primetime Emmy Award for her role as Judge Roberta Kittleson on ‘The Practice’. Her stage work includes writing and starring in the one woman play ‘Ann’ about Texas Governor Ann Richards. She currently appears in the drama series ‘The Morning Show’.

Tig Notaro

Tig Notaro is a comedian and actress known for her deadpan delivery and observational humor. She received critical praise for her semi autobiographical series ‘One Mississippi’ on Amazon Prime Video. Her acting credits include roles in ‘Star Trek Discovery’ and the action film ‘Army of the Dead’. She frequently performs stand up specials that explore her personal life experiences.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza gained popularity for her role as April Ludgate on the sitcom ‘Parks and Recreation’. she has since starred in several independent films including ‘Ingrid Goes West’ and ‘Emily the Criminal’. Her performance in the second season of ‘The White Lotus’ earned her an Emmy nomination. She is also an accomplished voice actress and producer.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is a singer and actress who has starred in several Academy Award nominated films. She played significant roles in ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Hidden Figures’ which showcased her range as a performer. Her lead role in the mystery film ‘Glass Onion A Knives Out Mystery’ received widespread praise. She is known for her unique fashion sense and her advocacy for non binary visibility.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson has become a major figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the character Valkyrie. She has earned critical acclaim for her roles in independent films like ‘Dear White People’ and ‘Passing’. Her television work includes a leading role in the science fiction series ‘Westworld’. She co founded a production company to promote diversity in Hollywood.

Evan Rachel Wood

Evan Rachel Wood began her career as a child actress in films such as ‘Thirteen’. She starred as Dolores Abernathy in the HBO series ‘Westworld’ for which she received several award nominations. Her filmography includes ‘The Ides of March’ and ‘Across the Universe’. She is a vocal advocate for survivors of domestic violence and worked to pass the Phoenix Act.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg first gained attention for playing Rue in ‘The Hunger Games’. She has taken on leading roles in films such as ‘The Hate U Give’ and ‘Everything Everything’. Her work often focuses on identity and social justice themes in contemporary society. She appears in the Star Wars series ‘The Acolyte’ playing multiple characters.

Kate McKinnon

Kate McKinnon was a long time cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’ where she won two Emmy Awards. She is famous for her impressions of political figures and various comedic characters. Her film roles include appearances in ‘Ghostbusters’ and the blockbuster hit ‘Barbie’. She was the first openly lesbian cast member to join the sketch comedy show.

Jane Lynch

Jane Lynch is highly regarded for her role as Sue Sylvester in the musical comedy series ‘Glee’. She has won multiple Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe for her television performances. Lynch is also a frequent collaborator in Christopher Guest films like ‘Best in Show’. She has hosted the game show ‘Hollywood Game Night’ for several seasons.

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin is a legendary figure in comedy and acting with a career starting in the sixties. She has starred in classic films like ‘9 to 5’ and the Netflix series ‘Grace and Frankie’. Her accolades include a Grammy Award and the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award. She continues to perform live comedy tours across the country.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes is a stand up comedian and actress known for her sharp political and social commentary. She has appeared in the television series ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ and ‘The Upshaws’. Her voice work can be heard in animated films such as ‘Over the Hedge’ and the ‘Ice Age’ franchise. She has written for various programs including ‘The Chris Rock Show’.

Beanie Feldstein

Beanie Feldstein achieved critical success for her roles in the films ‘Lady Bird’ and ‘Booksmart’. She portrayed Monica Lewinsky in the anthology series ‘Impeachment American Crime Story’. Feldstein also starred in the Broadway revival of the musical ‘Funny Girl’ as Fanny Brice. She is the sister of actor Jonah Hill and a graduate of Wesleyan University.

Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer made her acting debut as Jules Vaughn in the HBO series ‘Euphoria’. She has transitioned from a successful modeling career to high profile film roles. Schafer appeared in ‘The Hunger Games The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ as Tigris Snow. She is an active voice in the transgender community and works as an artist.

Emma Corrin

Emma Corrin rose to global prominence for their portrayal of Princess Diana in ‘The Crown’. They received a Golden Globe for the role and followed it with a lead performance in ‘My Policeman’. Corrin has also appeared on stage in London in the play ‘Orlando’. They are set to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the film ‘Deadpool and Wolverine’.

Ariana DeBose

Ariana DeBose won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in ‘West Side Story’. She has an extensive background in musical theater including the original cast of ‘Hamilton’. Her television work includes the musical comedy series ‘Schmigadoon’. She has served as the host for the Tony Awards on multiple occasions.

Trace Lysette

Trace Lysette is known for her groundbreaking roles in ‘Transparent’ and the film ‘Hustlers’. She starred in the independent drama ‘Monica’ which premiered at the Venice International Film Festival. Her performance in ‘Monica’ was widely cited for its emotional depth and authenticity. She continues to advocate for more opportunities for transgender performers in leading roles.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox became a household name for her role as Sophia Burset in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She was the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy in an acting category. Her work includes starring in the legal drama ‘Doubt’ and the miniseries ‘Inventing Anna’. She is a prominent public speaker on the topics of identity and equality.

Indya Moore

Indya Moore gained widespread recognition for their role as Angel Evangelista in the series ‘Pose’. They have modeled for prominent fashion brands including Louis Vuitton and Calvin Klein. Moore has appeared in films such as ‘Queen and Slim’ and ‘Escape Room Tournament of Champions’. They are known for their advocacy for non binary and marginalized youth.

Dominique Jackson

Dominique Jackson is best known for her portrayal of the house mother Elektra Abundance in ‘Pose’. She is a successful model and an author who wrote the autobiography ‘The Transsexual from Tobago’. Her performance in the ballroom scene drama earned her significant critical acclaim. She continues to participate in fashion and activism events globally.

Angelica Ross

Angelica Ross starred as Candy Ferocity in ‘Pose’ and later appeared in ‘American Horror Story’. She is the founder and CEO of TransTech Social Enterprises which provides career training. Ross made history as the first openly transgender woman to play the role of Roxie Hart in ‘Chicago’ on Broadway. She is a self taught computer programmer as well as an actress.

Hari Nef

Hari Nef is an actress and model who has appeared in ‘Transparent’ and the film ‘Assassination Nation’. She had a major role in the 2023 ‘Barbie’ movie as one of the titular dolls. Nef has written articles for various publications on fashion and gender identity. She was the first openly transgender woman to be signed by IMG Models.

Clea DuVall

Clea DuVall has been a consistent presence in film and television since the nineties. She starred in cult classics like ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’ and the science fiction film ‘The Faculty’. DuVall transitioned into directing with the film ‘The Intervention’ and the holiday comedy ‘Happiest Season’. She also has a recurring role in the series ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’.

Cherry Jones

Cherry Jones is a highly respected stage actress with multiple Tony Awards to her name. She became known to television audiences for playing President Allison Taylor in the series ’24’. Her more recent work includes award winning roles in ‘Succession’ and ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. She has had a long and distinguished career across all mediums of acting.

Portia de Rossi

Portia de Rossi is known for her roles in the television series ‘Ally McBeal’ and ‘Arrested Development’. She played Elizabeth North in the political thriller ‘Scandal’ for several seasons. Her autobiography titled ‘Unbearable Lightness’ details her experiences in the entertainment industry. She is a business owner who founded the art company General Public.

Maria Bello

Maria Bello has starred in a wide range of films such as ‘A History of Violence’ and ‘Coyote Ugly’. she was a main cast member on the long running procedural series ‘NCIS’. Bello is also a writer who published a book of essays about modern relationships. She has been nominated for two Golden Globe Awards during her career.

Anna Paquin

Anna Paquin won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress at age eleven for ‘The Piano’. She later starred as Sookie Stackhouse in the HBO vampire drama ‘True Blood’. Her film roles include playing Rogue in the ‘X-Men’ franchise and appearing in ‘The Irishman’. She is a dual citizen of Canada and New Zealand.

Cara Delevingne

Cara Delevingne moved from a high profile modeling career into acting with a lead role in ‘Paper Towns’. She appeared as the Enchantress in the film ‘Suicide Squad’ and stars in the series ‘Carnival Row’. Delevingne has also joined the cast of ‘Only Murders in the Building’ for its second season. She is known for her public discussions regarding pansexuality and gender fluidity.

Michelle Rodriguez

Michelle Rodriguez is famous for her roles in action films including the ‘Fast and Furious’ franchise. She starred in the science fiction blockbuster ‘Avatar’ and the drama ‘Girlfight’. Her career has focused on playing strong and independent female characters. She has worked as a voice actress for various video games and animated projects.

Ruby Rose

Ruby Rose gained international fame after appearing in the third season of ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She was cast as the lead in the ‘Batwoman’ television series on The CW. Her film work includes roles in ‘John Wick Chapter 2’ and ‘Pitch Perfect 3’. She is also a DJ and former MTV VJ in Australia.

Alia Shawkat

Alia Shawkat is best known for her role as Maeby Fünke in the comedy series ‘Arrested Development’. She starred in and produced the dark comedy series ‘Search Party’ for five seasons. Her film credits include ‘The Final Girls’ and the biographical drama ‘Being the Ricardos’. She is an accomplished visual artist whose work has been exhibited in galleries.

Carrie Brownstein

Carrie Brownstein is a musician and actress who co created the sketch comedy series ‘Portlandia’. She is a founding member of the influential rock band Sleater-Kinney. Her acting work includes roles in ‘Transparent’ and the film ‘The Nowhere Inn’. She also wrote a memoir titled ‘Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl’.

Gaby Hoffmann

Gaby Hoffmann began her career as a child actor in ‘Field of Dreams’ and ‘Now and Then’. she received critical acclaim for her roles in the television series ‘Girls’ and ‘Transparent’. Her performance in the film ‘C’mon C’mon’ was highly praised by critics. She is known for her preference for independent films and character driven stories.

Samira Wiley

Samira Wiley rose to fame for her portrayal of Poussey Washington in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She won a Primetime Emmy Award for her role as Moira in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. Wiley has also appeared in the series ‘You’re the Worst’ and provided voice acting for video games. She is an active supporter of organizations that help LGBTQ youth.

Jamie Clayton

Jamie Clayton is best known for starring as Nomi Marks in the Netflix series ‘Sense8’. She played the iconic role of the Pinhead in the 2022 reimagining of ‘Hellraiser’. Clayton has appeared in several seasons of ‘The L Word Generation Q’. She started her career in the industry as a makeup artist before transitioning to acting.

Jen Richards

Jen Richards is an actress and writer who co created the Emmy nominated web series ‘Her Story’. She has appeared in the television shows ‘Mrs. Fletcher’ and ‘Better Things’. Richards also had a role in the ‘Tales of the City’ revival on Netflix. She works extensively to improve the representation of transgender people in media.

Josie Totah

Josie Totah began her career with roles on the Disney Channel and the musical series ‘Glee’. She starred as Lexi in the revival of the sitcom ‘Saved by the Bell’. Totah is also a producer and has worked on developing projects for television. She has appeared in films such as ‘Other People’ and ‘Spider-Man Homecoming’.

Margaret Cho

Margaret Cho is a stand up comedian and actress who has been active since the early nineties. She starred in the sitcom ‘All American Girl’ which was one of the first shows to feature an Asian American family. Her film work includes a role in the action movie ‘Face Off’. She frequently uses her comedy to address social issues and LGBTQ rights.

Sandra Bernhard

Sandra Bernhard is an actress and comedian known for her unique and edgy performance style. She gained fame for her role in the Martin Scorsese film ‘The King of Comedy’. Her television work includes a long running role as Nancy on the sitcom ‘Roseanne’. She hosts a daily radio show on SiriusXM called Sandyland.

Rosie O’Donnell

Rosie O’Donnell is a multi talented performer who hosted a highly successful daytime talk show. She has starred in films such as ‘A League of Their Own’ and ‘The Flintstones’. O’Donnell is also a veteran of the Broadway stage with roles in ‘Grease’ and ‘Fiddler on the Roof’. She has been an influential figure in the entertainment industry for decades.

Adèle Haenel

Adèle Haenel is a prominent French actress who starred in the acclaimed film ‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’. she has won two César Awards for her roles in ‘Suzanne’ and ‘Love at First Fight’. Haenel is known for her intense acting style and her choice of socially relevant projects. She has been a leading voice in the French film industry regarding systemic change.

Léa Seydoux

Léa Seydoux is an international actress known for her role in ‘Blue Is the Warmest Color’. She has appeared in major Hollywood productions including ‘Spectre’ and ‘No Time to Die’. Her work spans independent European cinema and large scale American blockbusters. She has received multiple nominations for the César Award in France.

Noémie Merlant

Noémie Merlant gained international recognition for her performance in ‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’. She has since appeared in films such as ‘Tár’ alongside Cate Blanchett. Merlant is also a director whose work has been showcased at the Cannes Film Festival. She continues to work in both French and English language cinema.

Salma Hayek Pinault

Salma Hayek Pinault is an Academy Award nominated actress and a successful film producer. She received critical acclaim for her portrayal of artist Frida Kahlo in the biographical film ‘Frida’. Her career includes starring roles in ‘Desperado’ and the Marvel film ‘Eternals’. She is a dedicated advocate for women’s rights and humanitarian causes globally.

Maya Hawke

Maya Hawke is an actress and musician who rose to fame as Robin Buckley in ‘Stranger Things’. she has appeared in films like ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ and the Netflix movie ‘Do Revenge’. Hawke has also released multiple studio albums as a singer songwriter. She is the daughter of actors Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke.

Dove Cameron

Dove Cameron is an actress and singer who first gained fame on the Disney Channel series ‘Liv and Maddie’. She has starred in the ‘Descendants’ film franchise and the series ‘Schmigadoon’. Cameron has transitioned into a successful pop music career with several charting singles. She won a Daytime Emmy Award for her television work as a young actress.

Reneé Rapp

Reneé Rapp is a singer and actress who played Regina George in the Broadway musical ‘Mean Girls’. She gained television fame for her role in ‘The Sex Lives of College Girls’. Rapp released her debut studio album in 2023 and embarked on a sold out international tour. She recently reprised her role as Regina George in the musical film adaptation of ‘Mean Girls’.

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