Celebrities Who Say Playing Bisexual Is Now the “Safest” Choice in Hollywood

Hollywood has undergone a significant transformation regarding how sexuality is portrayed on screen and discussed in the media. While actors previously feared typecasting or public scrutiny, a growing number of performers now embrace fluid roles or refuse strict labels entirely. This shift has led to discussions about whether maintaining a level of ambiguity or identifying as bisexual offers a form of professional safety that allows stars to access a wider range of roles. The following individuals have either opened up about their own fluid identities or gravitated toward characters that challenge the binary, sparking conversations about the modern benefits of sexual fluidity in the entertainment industry.

Kristen Stewart

After rising to global fame in the ‘Twilight’ franchise, Stewart shifted her career trajectory by taking on more diverse and complex roles. She has spoken candidly about the pressure to define her sexuality and how rejecting those strict boundaries liberated her artistic choices. By playing characters in films like ‘Happiest Season’ and ‘Love Lies Bleeding’, she consistently challenges heteronormative expectations. Stewart has noted in interviews that the younger generation’s approach to fluidity makes it easier to exist authentically in the public eye. Her career path demonstrates how refusing to pick a side can actually broaden an actor’s appeal and range.

Kit Connor

The ‘Heartstopper’ star found himself at the center of a global conversation about forced outings and the right to privacy. After facing accusations of queerbaiting for playing a bisexual character, Connor publicly stated he is bisexual, highlighting the intense scrutiny young actors face. He has since discussed how the industry places unfair expectations on performers to label themselves for public consumption. Connor’s experience reflects a complex reality where playing a bisexual role is celebrated, yet the actor’s personal life remains a battleground for validation. His journey underscores the double-edged sword of visibility in modern Hollywood.

Lady Gaga

Known for her musical versatility, Lady Gaga has also made a significant mark in acting with roles in ‘American Horror Story: Hotel’ and ‘A Star Is Born’. She has been open about her bisexuality throughout her career, often incorporating these themes into her art and public persona. Gaga has expressed that her attraction to women is a core part of her identity, even when it is not always visible in her heteronormative relationships. By maintaining this openness, she navigates the industry with a fluidity that allows her to connect with diverse audiences. Her portrayal of the Countess in ‘American Horror Story’ explicitly explored these bisexual dynamics.

Angelina Jolie

Jolie was one of the first major Hollywood stars to speak openly about loving people regardless of their gender. Her portrayal of the tragic supermodel in ‘Gia’ showcased her willingness to explore intense, fluid relationships on screen early in her career. She has frequently stated in interviews that she never felt the need to hide her attractions, viewing her fluidity as a natural state rather than a political statement. This transparency allowed her to maintain an aura of mystery and danger that bolstered her status as a leading action star. Her approach paved the way for future actresses to view bisexuality as a strength rather than a liability.

Tessa Thompson

Thompson has actively worked to bring bisexual representation to major franchises, most notably with her character Valkyrie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She has spoken about the importance of portraying characters who exist outside of rigid sexual binaries, reflecting her own personal approach to relationships. Although some explicit scenes were cut from theatrical releases, Thompson continues to advocate for visible fluidity in her roles. She argues that normalization occurs when these traits are presented as matter-of-fact aspects of a character. Her career choices reflect a desire to make fluid sexuality a standard part of blockbuster storytelling.

Anna Paquin

As the star of ‘True Blood’, Paquin played a character immersed in a world of heightened sexuality and supernatural metaphors. She famously came out as bisexual in a public service announcement, countering the narrative that being in a straight marriage negates one’s queer identity. Paquin has been a vocal defender of the bisexual label, arguing against the erasure that often happens when actors settle down with opposite-sex partners. Her firm stance highlights the safety found in holding onto one’s truth despite external assumptions. She continues to challenge the industry to recognize bisexuality as a permanent identity rather than a phase.

Aubrey Plaza

Plaza has built a career on deadpan humor and unpredictable energy, qualities that translate seamlessly into her approach to sexuality. She has mentioned in interviews that she falls in love with people rather than genders, a sentiment that aligns with her eclectic choice of roles. In ‘The White Lotus’, her character navigates complex sexual politics that mirror this ambiguity. Plaza’s refusal to be boxed in allows her to play a wide variety of romantic leads without alienating any demographic. This flexibility has become a hallmark of her brand, making her a favorite in both indie and mainstream projects.

Harry Styles

While primarily known as a musician, Styles has transitioned into acting with films like ‘My Policeman’ and ‘Don’t Worry Darling’. He has consistently refused to label his sexuality, arguing that the need for definition is an outdated concept. This ambiguity has allowed him to play both straight and queer characters while maintaining a massive, diverse fanbase. Critics and supporters alike have noted that this “label-free” existence is perhaps the safest and most modern strategy for a male heartthrob. Styles uses fashion and role choices to signal fluidity without ever issuing a press release.

Drew Barrymore

Barrymore has been a fixture in Hollywood since childhood and has never shied away from discussing her romantic interest in women. She has described herself as bisexual in various interviews, often framing it as simply a capacity to love without limits. Her sunny, approachable public persona has helped normalize this identity for mainstream American audiences. By treating her sexuality as just another facet of her life, she avoids the scandals that plagued older generations of stars. Barrymore’s long-standing openness proves that fluidity can coexist with a wholesome, daytime TV image.

Evan Rachel Wood

Wood has been a fierce advocate for the bisexual community, frequently correcting media outlets that mislabel her based on her current partner. Her role in ‘Westworld’ allowed her to explore themes of identity and autonomy that resonate with her personal activism. She has spoken about the unique challenges bisexuals face, including double discrimination from both straight and gay communities. Wood views her visibility as a necessary tool to create safer spaces for younger actors. Her career is defined by a refusal to compromise her identity for the sake of Hollywood’s traditional comfort zones.

Halsey

Halsey has successfully crossed over from music to acting, recently appearing in ‘MaXXXine’ and other projects. She is known for her outspoken defense of bisexual visibility, particularly for those who appear to be in “straight” relationships. Halsey argues that the “safest” choice is actually radical honesty, as it prevents the media from controlling the narrative. Her work often explores the gritty, realistic sides of female sexuality and relationships. By owning her narrative, she insulates herself from the accusations of performativity that often target bisexual women.

Megan Fox

Fox became a global sex symbol with ‘Transformers’, but her role in ‘Jennifer’s Body’ has since become a cult classic for its exploration of bisexual themes. She has openly discussed her attraction to women, often feeling that this part of her was fetishized rather than understood by the industry. In recent years, she has reclaimed this narrative, celebrating her identity on her own terms. Fox’s journey illustrates how Hollywood’s view of bisexuality has shifted from a marketing gimmick to a valid identity. She continues to select projects that allow her to subvert the male gaze.

Bella Thorne

Thorne has transitioned from a Disney Channel star to a provocateur who embraces a pansexual identity. She argues that understanding someone’s personality is far more important to her than their gender, a philosophy she applies to her acting choices as well. Thorne’s career is marked by a refusal to adhere to the traditional “good girl” image, using her platform to discuss the fluidity of modern attraction. She believes that openness reduces the power of tabloids to use her dating life against her. Her unfiltered approach appeals to a generation that values authenticity over curated safety.

Lucas Hedges

Hedges has garnered critical acclaim for his roles in films like ‘Boy Erased’ and ‘Manchester by the Sea’. When asked about his sexuality, he famously described existing on a spectrum, stating he is not totally straight but not gay either. This nuanced take mirrors the complex, emotional characters he portrays on screen. Hedges represents a new wave of actors who feel no pressure to adopt a definitive label to secure work. His success suggests that the industry is becoming safer for those who exist in the “gray areas” of sexual identity.

Josh Hutcherson

Best known for ‘The Hunger Games’, Hutcherson has been a vocal ally and has publicly stated that he is “mostly straight” but open to the possibility of attraction to men. He has championed the idea that sexuality is fluid and should not be rigid, a progressive stance for a leading man in blockbuster action films. Hutcherson’s willingness to embrace ambiguity challenges the toxic masculinity often required of male leads. He has argued that closing oneself off to possibilities is limiting both personally and artistically. This mindset allows him to remain relatable to a broad spectrum of fans.

Cara Delevingne

Delevingne transitioned from modeling to acting with a fearless attitude toward her pansexual identity. She has played diverse roles in ‘Carnival Row’ and ‘Suicide Squad’, often bringing a distinct edge to her characters. Delevingne has spoken about how her sexuality is constantly changing and how she finds safety in that evolution. She refuses to let the industry dictate who she should date or how she should present herself. Her visibility helps dismantle the stereotype that leading ladies must appeal solely to the male gaze.

Ezra Miller

Miller has been a prominent figure in the discussion of queer identity, identifying as non-binary and queer. In franchises like ‘Fantastic Beasts’, Miller brings a unique energy that transcends traditional gender roles. They have discussed how refusing to be pigeonholed protects their artistic integrity, even if it invites public curiosity. Miller’s approach to Hollywood suggests that the safest place for an artist is outside the box entirely. Despite personal controversies, their impact on the conversation regarding gender and sexual fluidity remains significant.

Stephanie Beatriz

Beatriz famously played the tough detective Rosa Diaz in ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’, a character who mirrored her real-life bisexuality. She pushed for her character’s coming-out storyline, ensuring it reflected the reality of being bi and in a relationship with a man. Beatriz has spoken about the relief of no longer having to hide parts of herself to fit a specific casting mold. She advocates for the idea that playing a bisexual character is not just a trend but a necessary reflection of the audience. Her work has made it safer for Latinx actors to be openly queer in comedy.

Sarah Paulson

Paulson has become a powerhouse in television, known for her varied roles in Ryan Murphy productions. While she has dated men in the past, she has been in a long-term relationship with Holland Taylor and generally avoids strict labels. Paulson believes that her ability to play any character, regardless of sexuality, is the true mark of an actor. She navigates Hollywood with a fluidity that focuses on the work rather than the definition of her personal life. This focus on craft over labels has proven to be a professionally safe and successful strategy.

Alan Cumming

A veteran of stage and screen, Cumming has identified as bisexual for decades, long before it was widely accepted in Hollywood. He has written and spoken extensively about the misunderstanding of bisexuality, particularly the assumption that he “became gay” after marrying a man. Cumming’s career longevity proves that being out does not preclude an actor from playing a wide variety of roles, including family-friendly characters in ‘Spy Kids’. He argues that the safest choice is to disarm critics with undeniable talent and charm. His presence remains a beacon for fluid actors in the industry.

Keiynan Lonsdale

Lonsdale, known for his roles in ‘The Flash’ and ‘Love, Simon’, publicly came out as attracted to people regardless of gender. He has rejected the idea that he must choose a side, finding freedom in the term “queer” or simply existing without labels. Lonsdale has discussed how this openness allows him to bring more vulnerability to his performances. He represents a generation that views the “safest” path as the one that requires the least amount of hiding. His music and acting continue to explore themes of self-discovery and fluid love.

Amandla Stenberg

Stenberg has been a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community since her breakout role in ‘The Hunger Games’. She has identified with various labels over the years, ultimately landing on gay, but her journey highlights the fluidity of youth and self-discovery. She has spoken about how the industry is slowly learning to accept actors who undergo these public evolutions. Stenberg believes that the safety of an actor lies in their ability to be honest with their audience, even if that truth changes. Her roles often center on young women claiming their own power and identity.

Lili Reinhart

The ‘Riverdale’ actress came out as bisexual in 2020, stating she had known for a long time but feared the industry’s judgment. She expressed concern that coming out while in a heterosexual relationship would lead to accusations of faking it for attention. Reinhart’s eventual decision to speak up highlights the shift towards a more accepting environment where honesty is valued. She now uses her platform to validate the experiences of bisexuals who feel “too straight” for the queer community. Her transparency has endeared her to a fanbase that values mental health and authenticity.

Tyler Posey

Posey, the star of ‘Teen Wolf’, has opened up about his sexual fluidity in recent years, embracing a queer identity on OnlyFans and in interviews. He has discussed how he felt the need to perform excessive masculinity during his early career to fit the heartthrob mold. Now, he feels safer expressing his true self, which includes attraction to men and a rejection of rigid labels. Posey’s evolution challenges the stigma that action stars or teen idols must remain strictly heterosexual. His journey reflects a broader trend of male actors reclaiming their sexual autonomy.

Dove Cameron

Cameron has successfully shed her Disney Channel image to embrace a darker, more authentic artistic persona. She openly identifies as queer and has spoken about how her music and acting roles now reflect her true self. Cameron argues that hiding her sexuality felt like a betrayal to her fans and herself, making the closet a dangerous place rather than a safe one. Her role in ‘Schmigadoon!’ and her music videos often play with gender dynamics and queer romance. She proves that embracing fluidity can launch a successful second act in a career.

Janelle Monáe

Monáe spent the early part of her career deflecting questions about her sexuality with the persona of an android. She later came out as pansexual, stating that she loves the spirit of a person rather than their gender presentation. Her roles in ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Glass Onion’ showcase her range and ability to command the screen. Monáe views her fluidity as a superpower that allows her to transcend traditional Hollywood categories. She has effectively created her own lane where being undefined is the safest and most powerful position.

Miley Cyrus

Cyrus has been one of the most visible pansexual celebrities in the world, using her platform to dismantle heteronormativity. She has stated that she does not relate to being a boy or a girl, and her partners have spanned the gender spectrum. This radical honesty has allowed her to remain relevant and interesting to a global audience. Cyrus argues that the only “safe” choice is to live so loudly that no tabloid can shame you. Her career is a testament to the idea that fluidity is the future of celebrity branding.

Cynthia Nixon

Nixon, famous for playing Miranda in ‘Sex and the City’, faced backlash when she initially described her lesbian relationship as a choice, before clarifying her bisexual identity. She has since become a champion for the idea that for some, fluidity is indeed a part of their experience. Nixon’s transition from a straight-passing career to a queer activist highlights the evolving definition of safety in Hollywood. She continues to play complex characters, including in ‘And Just Like That…’, where her character explores a late-in-life queer awakening. Her journey validates the experience of women who discover their fluidity later in life.

Nicholas Galitzine

Galitzine has quickly become Hollywood’s go-to actor for queer romance, starring in ‘Red, White & Royal Blue’ and ‘Mary & George’. While he has not explicitly labeled his own sexuality in the press, his willingness to consistently play gay and bisexual characters suggests a comfort with fluidity that was previously rare for leading men. He has spoken about the importance of chemistry over gender in his roles. This approach allows him to occupy a “safe” middle ground where he is celebrated by the queer community for his work. His career strategy relies on the modern audience’s acceptance of actors playing across the spectrum.

Jacob Elordi

Elordi has gained massive attention for his roles in ‘Euphoria’ and ‘Saltburn’, projects that deal heavily with sexual ambiguity and obsession. In ‘Saltburn’, his character becomes the object of a fluid, predatory desire, a dynamic Elordi plays with ease. While he dates women publicly, his willingness to be the object of the queer gaze marks a shift in how leading men position themselves. He understands that in the current era, being desired by everyone is the ultimate form of star power. His role choices reflect a savvy understanding of the “bi-panic” trend in cinema.

Pedro Pascal

Pascal has captured the internet’s heart, often referred to as the “daddy” of the internet, a title he embraces with humor and ambiguity. His breakout role as Oberyn Martell in ‘Game of Thrones’ established him as a bisexual icon, a legacy he supports vocally. Pascal advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and often refuses to enforce rigid masculinity in his public persona. This openness makes him a “safe” favorite for diverse audiences who project various identities onto him. He demonstrates that a relaxed, fluid approach to gender norms can lead to massive mainstream success.

Cate Blanchett

Blanchett is a titan of the industry who has played lesbian and bisexual roles in films like ‘Carol’ and ‘Tár’. When asked if she had relationships with women, she famously replied, “Many times,” though she refuses to elaborate or label herself. This enigmatic approach allows her to maintain her privacy while validating her characters’ experiences. Blanchett argues that an actor’s job is to step into lives they may or may not have lived, but her ambiguity adds a layer of authenticity to her performances. She proves that one can be an icon of queer cinema without ever issuing a formal coming-out statement.

Tom Hardy

Hardy has long been a subject of speculation due to early interview comments about experimenting with men during his youth. He has played bisexual characters, such as in ‘Legend’, where he portrayed the Kray twins. Hardy generally dismisses questions about his sexuality with a rugged nonchalance that appeals to all demographics. His career suggests that past experimentation doesn’t disqualify an actor from being a leading action star in modern Hollywood. He embodies a rugged fluidity that refuses to apologize for the past or limit the future.

Andrew Garfield

Garfield has played several queer roles, including in ‘Angels in America’, and has stated that he is open to any impulse that may arise in him. He famously said he is “a gay man right now just without the physical act” while preparing for a role, sparking debate about method acting and fluidity. However, he maintains that he does not identify as gay but refuses to close the door on any experience. This “open to anything” stance allows him to connect deeply with queer narratives. Garfield’s approach highlights a philosophical fluidity that prioritizes emotional connection over rigid labels.

Gillian Anderson

Anderson has been an icon since ‘The X-Files’ and has openly discussed having relationships with women in the past. She plays a bisexual therapist in ‘Sex Education’, a role that aligns with her own relaxed attitude toward sexuality. Anderson has criticized the industry’s obsession with categorization, preferring to let her life and work speak for themselves. Her ability to shift between straight and queer roles with ease makes her a perennial favorite. She exemplifies the confidence of an actor who knows that her talent outweighs any need for a “safe” public label.

Thandiwe Newton

Newton has spoken about being the “black sheep” of her dating history because she has dated people of all genders. She views her sexuality as a fluid evolution that is connected to her journey of self-love and acceptance. In ‘Westworld’, her character achieves a form of sentient liberation that mirrors Newton’s own shedding of industry constraints. She argues that the safest thing an actor can do is dismantle the boxes others try to put them in. Her transparency has inspired many older women in the industry to speak out.

Julianne Hough

Hough, known for her background in conservative country music and dance circles, surprised many when she announced she was “not straight.” She revealed that telling her husband about her fluidity was a liberating moment that strengthened their bond (before their eventual split). Hough discusses sexuality as an energy that shouldn’t be confined by traditional marriage expectations. Her admission shows that even in more conservative corners of Hollywood, the “safe” choice is shifting toward honesty. She continues to explore this freedom in her creative projects.

Demi Lovato

Lovato has undergone a very public journey with their identity, adopting and then releasing various labels including pansexual and non-binary. They have stated that their sexuality is fluid and depends entirely on the connection with the human being. Lovato’s documentary work and music often focus on the pain of hiding and the joy of coming out. They argue that the only way to be safe in Hollywood is to be relentlessly honest, even if it confuses the public. Their career thrives on this vulnerability and constant evolution.

Rosario Dawson

Dawson came out as part of the LGBTQ+ community in a subtle Instagram post, later clarifying her bisexual identity. She has dated high-profile men but has always maintained a connection to the queer community through her activism and role choices. Dawson played a lesbian character in ‘Rent’ early in her career, foreshadowing her eventual public openness. She believes that representation matters and that being counted as a queer person is a political act. Her understated approach proves that one doesn’t need a magazine cover to live authentically.

Marlon Brando

While he belongs to a different era, Brando is the archetype for the modern fluid actor, famously stating, “Like a large number of men, I, too, have had homosexual experiences and I am not ashamed.” His refusal to hide his fluidity in the conservative mid-20th century set a precedent for the “safe” ambiguity many actors use today. Brando believed that an actor must tap into all aspects of their psyche, including their feminine and masculine desires. His legacy is often cited by modern male actors who reject rigid labels. He proved that being fluid could coexist with being the ultimate masculine icon.

Share your thoughts on which of these actors has had the most impact on how bisexuality is viewed in movies in the comments.