Lesbian Icons Who Mentored Younger Queer Actresses Publicly

Representation in Hollywood has shifted dramatically over the last few decades thanks to the tireless work of trailblazers who refused to stay in the closet. These women not only carved out space for themselves but also reached back to guide the next generation of queer talent through an industry that was often hostile to their existence. From offering on-set advice to creating production companies that specifically hire LGBTQ+ artists these icons have ensured that the ladder remains down for those climbing up behind them. Their mentorship takes many forms including directing breakout roles and offering public support during tumultuous coming-out journeys. This list celebrates the women who have turned their personal success into a communal victory for queer actresses everywhere.

Jodie Foster

Foster has been a guiding light for younger actors navigating the intense scrutiny of fame from a young age. She famously formed a protective bond with Kristen Stewart on the set of ‘Panic Room’ and shielded her from the harsh glare of the paparazzi. The veteran actress has spoken openly about her desire to help young stars maintain their authenticity while surviving the Hollywood machine. Her transition from child star to directing powerhouse serves as a blueprint for longevity in a fickle industry.

Lily Tomlin

This comedy legend has spent decades proving that a woman can be funny and powerful without compromising her identity. Tomlin has offered wisdom to her younger co-stars like Julia Garner and the cast of ‘Grace and Frankie’ regarding the importance of owning one’s space. She champions the idea of intergenerational friendship and often speaks about the necessity of women supporting women in the arts. Her partnership with Jane Wagner has also modeled a successful creative and romantic collaboration for younger queer artists.

Holland Taylor

Taylor has become a beloved figure for a new generation of queer women through her visibility and her relationship with Sarah Paulson. She frequently discusses the freedom she found later in life and encourages younger actresses to embrace their truth without fear of professional repercussions. Her role in ‘Hollywood’ allowed her to portray a mentor figure which mirrored her real-life status as a wise elder in the community. She proves that love and career peaks can happen at any age.

Jane Lynch

Lynch has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ representation since her early days in comedy and theater. She acted as a stabilizing force for the younger cast members of ‘Glee’ during the height of the show’s chaotic popularity. Her approach to mentorship often involves leading by example and showing how to navigate typecasting with humor and grace. She actively supports up-and-coming queer comedians by offering them platforms and advice on longevity.

Lea DeLaria

DeLaria shattered stereotypes about butch women in entertainment and opened doors for gender-nonconforming actors. During her time on ‘Orange Is the New Black’ she took many of the younger queer cast members under her wing to help them handle overnight fame. She teaches younger performers how to use their uniqueness as a strength rather than hiding it to fit a mold. Her unapologetic presence has made her a fierce protector of the queer community in Hollywood.

Rosie O’Donnell

O’Donnell has dedicated a massive portion of her career to family advocacy and supporting LGBTQ+ families in the spotlight. She has personally reached out to numerous young stars facing public scrutiny to offer a listening ear and private counsel. Her daytime talk show was a haven that normalized queer celebrity for millions of Americans. She continues to champion diverse voices by producing theater and television that centers marginalized stories.

Wanda Sykes

Sykes uses her comedy to dismantle homophobia and has become a crucial mentor for young black queer comics. She broke barriers as a writer and performer who refused to tone down her identity for mainstream comfort. Her work on ‘The Upshaws’ and other sitcoms often involves hiring and guiding diverse writing teams. She demonstrates how to balance activism with a thriving commercial career.

Clea DuVall

DuVall transitioned from being a 90s indie darling to a major director who creates authentic queer stories for the mainstream. She directed ‘Happiest Season’ and ‘High School’ specifically to give younger actresses the complex roles she rarely saw when she was starting out. She works closely with actors like Kristen Stewart and the band Tegan and Sara to ensure their narratives are told with dignity. Her career evolution inspires actresses who want to take control of their own storytelling.

Sarah Paulson

Paulson has become a massive star who consistently uses her platform to normalize age-gap relationships and queer love. She offers support to her younger co-stars on the set of ‘American Horror Story’ by creating a safe and collaborative environment. Her public embracing of her identity has helped remove the stigma that coming out ruins a dramatic acting career. She proves that being an out woman can coexist with being a leading lady.

Cynthia Nixon

Nixon successfully pivoted from a child actress and ‘Sex and the City’ star to a fierce political activist and director. She mentors young queer women who are interested in the intersection of art and social justice. Her run for governor and her advocacy work have shown actresses that their voices matter beyond the screen. She consistently fights for better representation of queer families in media.

Fiona Shaw

Shaw has captivated a new generation of fans through her role in ‘Killing Eve’ and her sophisticated approach to acting. She provides a model of dignity and artistic excellence for younger queer British actresses. Her extensive theater background allows her to offer deep craft-based mentorship to those she works with. She speaks eloquently about the freedom of living openly and how it enriches an actor’s work.

Cherry Jones

Jones is a titan of the theater world who has always been out and proud throughout her distinguished career. She serves as a maternal figure to many young actors on Broadway and in film who look up to her integrity. Her refusal to hide her sexuality even when it was considered risky paved the way for others to follow. She approaches every role with a level of craft that inspires her castmates to elevate their own performances.

Miriam Margolyes

Margolyes is known for her blunt honesty and her refusal to conform to anyone’s expectations of how a woman should behave. She has offered candid advice to younger actors about the importance of saving money and not taking the industry too seriously. Her visibility as an older lesbian who lives life on her own terms is incredibly empowering for young queer women. She proves that personality and talent trump conventional beauty standards.

Linda Hunt

Hunt has broken barriers regarding physical stature and sexuality throughout her Academy Award-winning career. She is a quiet but powerful force who mentors through her consistent professionalism and dedication to her craft on ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’. Her longevity in a harsh industry serves as a testament to her resilience and talent. She represents the idea that there is a place for everyone in Hollywood if they persist.

Sandra Bernhard

Bernhard pioneered a raw and edgy style of comedy that created space for unlikable and complex female characters. She acted as a mentor to the trans and queer cast members of ‘Pose’ by bridging the gap between the old guard and the new generation. Her work has always challenged the status quo and encouraged younger performers to be radical. She remains a vital link to the underground queer art scene of New York.

Lena Waithe

Waithe has revolutionized the industry by creating the Hillman Grad Mentorship Lab to directly train the next generation of diverse talent. She uses her power as a producer to ensure that queer people of color are hired in front of and behind the camera. She actively guides young writers and actors through the pitch process and helps them get their projects made. Her mission is to build a community where gatekeepers are no longer needed.

Kate McKinnon

McKinnon inspired countless young women to pursue comedy by being the first openly lesbian cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’. She has mentored younger writers and performers by showing them how to bring their specific queer perspective to sketch comedy. Her success proved that a lesbian comedian could be the breakout star of the most famous show on television. She continues to support new voices in the comedy world.

Tig Notaro

Notaro turned her personal tragedy and identity into groundbreaking comedy that resonated with millions. She mentors younger comics by taking them on tour and offering them opening spots to build their audience. Her show ‘One Mississippi’ provided jobs and visibility for numerous queer actors and writers. She teaches that vulnerability can be a performer’s greatest asset.

Sara Gilbert

Gilbert was a key force in bringing ‘The Conners’ back to television and ensuring it included realistic queer representation. She has grown from a child star into a powerful producer who looks out for the interests of her cast and crew. Her talk show ‘The Talk’ gave her a platform to discuss LGBTQ+ parenting and issues affecting queer families. She shows younger actresses how to transition into producing to have more control over their careers.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné has lived her life in the public eye since she was a toddler and has navigated her coming out with her own unique approach. She mentors the young cast of ‘Raven’s Home’ and teaches them how to handle the pressures of Disney stardom. Her refusal to be labeled early on sparked important conversations about identity and privacy. She remains a significant figure for young black queer women in entertainment.

Leisha Hailey

Hailey is an icon of the ‘The L Word’ era who helped create one of the most important shows in lesbian history. She returned for ‘Generation Q’ to guide the younger cast members through the legacy of the franchise. Her work as a musician and actress demonstrates the power of multi-hyphenate careers. She remains a central figure in keeping the community connected.

Portia de Rossi

De Rossi was one of the first major actresses to come out while starring on a hit network show like ‘Ally McBeal’. Her visibility as a femme lesbian helped challenge stereotypes about what queer women look like. She has supported numerous charitable causes and mentored young women through her philanthropic work. Her public life demonstrates the normalcy of same-sex marriage.

Meredith Baxter

Baxter came out later in life after a long career as America’s favorite television mom. She has used her platform to educate older generations about sexuality and acceptance. Her honesty about her late-in-life discovery serves as a comfort to women undergoing similar journeys. She mentors through her advocacy and by sharing her story in lectures and books.

Kelly McGillis

McGillis walked away from the height of Hollywood fame and later lived openly as a lesbian. She has worked in regional theater and education where she mentors acting students away from the toxic environment of Los Angeles. Her choice to prioritize her well-being over stardom is a powerful lesson for young actors. She represents integrity and the courage to change one’s life path.

Amanda Bearse

Bearse was the first primetime actress to come out publicly while starring on a hit sitcom in the early 90s. She transitioned into directing and has mentored countless actors from behind the camera. Her work on ‘Married… with Children’ and other shows paved the way for out directors in television. She remains an unsung hero of 90s queer visibility.

Jane Wagner

Wagner is the brilliant writer and director behind much of Lily Tomlin’s success and a legend in her own right. She mentors writers and performers by encouraging them to find the universal humanity in specific characters. Her partnership with Tomlin is a beacon of stability and creative synergy. She proves that the person behind the curtain is just as vital as the one on stage.

Guinevere Turner

Turner is a foundational figure in the New Queer Cinema movement who wrote and starred in ‘Go Fish’. She has spent her career writing scripts that give voice to the lesbian experience and mentoring young screenwriters. Her work on ‘The L Word’ helped shape the cultural conversation around lesbian life for a decade. She continues to push for independent queer cinema.

Dot-Marie Jones

Jones brought visibility to masculine-presenting women on primetime television through her role on ‘Glee’. She has been a strong advocate for anti-bullying initiatives and mentors young athletes and actors. Her presence on screen challenged narrow beauty standards and humanized butch women for millions. She actively supports LGBTQ+ youth organizations.

Fortune Feimster

Feimster uses her southern charm and self-deprecating humor to make queer stories accessible to broad audiences. She mentors younger comics by bringing them on the road and offering advice on navigating the stand-up circuit. Her rise from a breathless fan to a headlining comedian is an inspiring trajectory for aspiring performers. She shows that you can be wholesome and gay simultaneously.

Hannah Gadsby

Gadsby changed the global conversation about comedy and trauma with her special ‘Nanette’. She has opened doors for neurodivergent and gender-nonconforming performers to tell their stories without compromise. She challenges the industry to do better and mentors through her masterclasses and writing. Her success proved that audiences are hungry for difficult truths.

Cameron Esposito

Esposito has built a career centered on highlighting other queer voices through her stand-up and podcasting. She created the series ‘Take My Wife’ to provide accurate representation of a lesbian marriage and hired queer talent to make it. Her podcast ‘Queery’ serves as a massive archive of mentorship interviews with LGBTQ+ elders. She actively works to create safe spaces in comedy clubs.

Samira Wiley

Wiley became a breakout star on ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and used her platform to advocate for black queer visibility. She mentors young actors by modeling how to balance a high-profile marriage with a demanding career. Her role in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ showed her dramatic range and resilience. She inspires young women to embrace their natural beauty and authentic selves.

Ruby Rose

Rose exploded onto the US scene and immediately sparked conversations about gender fluidity and androgyny. She has been a visual icon for young people grappling with non-binary identities. Her casting in action roles proved that queer women could lead major blockbuster franchises. She encourages fans to define their own labels rather than accepting those given to them.

Evan Rachel Wood

Wood has been a fierce advocate for bisexual visibility and a survivor’s rights activist. She mentors young actors on how to protect themselves in the industry and advocate for their own safety. Her testimony before Congress showed the power of using one’s celebrity for legislative change. She challenges the erasure of bisexuality in both the straight and gay communities.

Anna Paquin

Paquin came out as bisexual while at the peak of her ‘True Blood’ fame to combat stigma. She has consistently corrected interviewers and the media when they try to erase her identity. Her Oscar-winning talent combined with her advocacy makes her a role model for child stars growing into adult autonomy. She proves that being in a mixed-orientation marriage does not invalidate one’s queerness.

Kristen Stewart

Stewart has transformed from a blockbuster teen idol into the undisputed queen of queer independent cinema. She actively champions female directors and seeks out projects that tell lesbian stories with nuance. She mentors younger co-stars by creating a relaxed and non-hierarchical atmosphere on her sets. Her refusal to smile for the cameras or conform to gender norms has liberated a generation of actresses.

Cara Delevingne

Delevingne transitioned from high fashion to acting while being unapologetically open about her fluidity. She has used her massive social media platform to champion LGBTQ+ rights and mental health awareness. Her candidness about her struggles makes her relatable to young fans navigating their own identities. She encourages young women to reject labels that feel constricting.

Ashley Benson

Benson navigated the intense fandom of ‘Pretty Little Liars’ while exploring her own identity in the public eye. She has become more open about her relationships with women and supports younger queer fans. Her transition into adult roles has shown a refusal to be typecast as the typical teen queen. She represents the fluid approach to sexuality common among her generation.

Aubrey Plaza

Plaza has cultivated a cult following for her deadpan humor and open bisexuality. She consistently plays complex and sometimes villainous characters that defy traditional female archetypes. She mentors younger actors by producing her own films and hiring diverse casts. Her career path encourages weird girls everywhere to embrace their eccentricities.

Stephanie Beatriz

Beatriz fought for her character on ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ to reflect her own bisexuality which resulted in a groundbreaking coming-out storyline. She speaks frequently about the specific erasure faced by bisexual Latinas. She mentors young actors on the importance of advocating for their characters in the writers’ room. Her visibility in a hit sitcom brought nuance to millions of living rooms.

Tessa Thompson

Thompson is a powerhouse who seamlessly moves between Marvel blockbusters and indie darlings while living openly. She championed the inclusion of her character’s bisexuality in the ‘Thor’ franchise. She runs a production company dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices in media. Her refusal to answer invasive questions while living her truth inspires others to set boundaries.

Janelle Monáe

Monáe has created a futuristic universe where black queer women are central to the narrative. She mentors musicians and actors through her Wondaland Arts Society collective. Her coming out as non-binary and pansexual opened up a massive conversation about gender expansiveness. She teaches that art should be a vehicle for liberation.

Ariana DeBose

DeBose made history as the first openly queer woman of color to win an acting Oscar. She uses her speeches and appearances to speak directly to young people questioning their identity. Her background in theater allows her to mentor dancers and singers making the transition to film. She represents the pinnacle of achievement while remaining humble and community-focused.

Queen Latifah

Latifah has been a matriarchal figure in hip-hop and Hollywood for decades. While she kept her private life guarded for many years her recent openness has been a quiet revolution. She mentors countless young black women in the industry by offering them opportunities in her productions. Her legacy is one of dignity, strength, and paving the way for others to simply be.

Kristy McNichol

McNichol was a massive teen star in the 70s who left the spotlight to preserve her mental health. She eventually came out to support kids who were being bullied for their sexuality. Her choice to leave fame behind offers a stark but important lesson about prioritizing happiness. She remains a beloved icon for those who grew up watching her.

Rutina Wesley

Wesley brought intense vulnerability to her role in ‘Queen Sugar’ and has been open about her engagement to a woman. She mentors young black actresses navigating the drama school system and the industry. Her work consistently explores complex emotional landscapes. She represents the quiet power of living an authentic life.

Da Brat

Da Brat is a hip-hop legend who came out later in life and shared her journey of love and motherhood with the world. She mentors young female rappers and reality stars on how to survive the music business. Her visibility as a masculine-presenting woman in hip-hop remains revolutionary. She proves that you can find your happy ending at any stage of life.

Have we missed any of your favorite icons who are guiding the next generation? Share your thoughts and additions in the comments.