LGBTQ+ Actresses Who Defined an Era of Film and Television

The evolution of film and television has been profoundly shaped by LGBTQ+ actresses who navigated the constraints of their respective eras to deliver groundbreaking performances. From the coded appearances of the Golden Age to the unapologetic visibility found in modern streaming, these women have used their craft to broaden the scope of human storytelling. By breaking barriers on and off the screen, they have transformed the industry’s landscape and provided essential representation for audiences worldwide. This list highlights thirty trailblazers who have defined their decades through professional excellence and cultural impact.

Marlene Dietrich

Marlene Dietrich was a German-American actress who became a global icon during the Golden Age of Hollywood. She gained significant attention for her role in ‘Morocco’, where she performed in a tuxedo and kissed another woman on screen, a daring move for 1930. Throughout her career, she consistently challenged traditional gender norms and became a symbol of bisexual visibility in the industry. Her work with director Josef von Sternberg in films like ‘Shanghai Express’ cemented her status as a cinematic legend. She remains one of the most enduring figures of early 20th-century film history.

Greta Garbo

Greta Garbo was a Swedish actress known for her melancholic and intense performances during both the silent and sound eras. She starred in landmark films such as ‘Queen Christina’ and ‘Camille’, often portraying complex women who defied societal expectations. Garbo was famously private about her personal life, but her long-term relationships with women were documented in her personal correspondence. Her androgynous style and enigmatic screen presence left a permanent mark on Hollywood fashion and acting. She retired from the screen at the height of her fame, maintaining an aura of mystery that persists today.

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin rose to fame in the late 1960s with her variety of characters on ‘Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In’. She successfully transitioned into a major film career with roles in classics such as ‘9 to 5’ and ‘Nashville’. Throughout her decades-long career, she has been a consistent presence in both comedy and drama, recently starring in the long-running series ‘Grace and Frankie’. Tomlin has been in a relationship with her partner, Jane Wagner, since 1971 and has been a quiet but firm advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Her legacy is defined by her sharp wit and her ability to sustain a leading career across multiple generations.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster began her career as a child actor and evolved into one of the most respected directors and performers in Hollywood. She earned Academy Awards for her roles in ‘The Accused’ and ‘The Silence of the Lambs’, defining the 1980s and 1990s with her serious, grounded acting style. While she kept her private life out of the headlines for decades, her public acknowledgment of her identity during the 2013 Golden Globes was a significant moment for the industry. Foster’s career has been characterized by a selective approach to roles that often highlight female resilience. She continues to be a major force in the industry both behind and in front of the camera.

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres made television history in 1997 when her character on the sitcom ‘Ellen’ came out as a lesbian. This event coincided with her own public coming out, making her a central figure in the 1990s cultural conversation regarding LGBTQ+ visibility. Despite initial career setbacks following the disclosure, she went on to host a highly successful daytime talk show for nearly two decades. Her influence on the industry helped normalize queer identities for mainstream television audiences. She remains a pivotal figure in the history of media representation.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon became a household name for her portrayal of Miranda Hobbes in the hit series ‘Sex and the City’. Her character’s career-driven and skeptical nature resonated with a generation of viewers during the late 1990s and early 2000s. In 2004, Nixon began a relationship with Christine Marinoni, which brought her personal identity into the public spotlight. Beyond her acting career, she has become a prominent political activist and even ran for Governor of New York. Her transition from television icon to political figure has defined her later career.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson has become one of the most versatile and celebrated actresses of the modern era, particularly through her work in ‘American Horror Story’. She has won an Emmy Award for her portrayal of Marcia Clark in ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story’. Paulson has been open about her relationships with women, including her long-term partnership with actress Holland Taylor. Her ability to disappear into a wide range of intense characters has made her a staple of prestige television. She is frequently cited as a leading figure in the current Golden Age of TV.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart gained international superstardom as the lead in the ‘Twilight’ saga before transitioning into acclaimed independent cinema. She became the first American actress to win a César Award for her performance in ‘Clouds of Sils Maria’. Stewart has been vocal about her queer identity, often discussing the pressure to label herself in the early stages of her career. Her performance as Princess Diana in ‘Spencer’ earned her an Academy Award nomination and solidified her status as a premier dramatic talent. She continues to challenge industry norms through her choice of experimental and high-concept films.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox rose to prominence for her role as Sophia Burset on the Netflix series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She made history as the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in an acting category. Throughout the 2010s, Cox became a leading voice for trans rights and visibility in mainstream media. She has appeared in various projects including ‘Inventing Anna’ and ‘Promising Young Woman’. Her success paved the way for more diverse casting practices across the television industry.

Ariana DeBose

Ariana DeBose made history as the first Afro-Latina and openly queer woman to win an Academy Award for acting for her role in ‘West Side Story’. Before her film success, she was a seasoned performer on Broadway, appearing in the original cast of ‘Hamilton’. Her victory marked a significant milestone for representation in Hollywood and established her as a major new star. DeBose has since hosted the Tony Awards multiple times and starred in projects like ‘Schmigadoon!’. She remains an advocate for queer youth and visibility in the performing arts.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson has defined the modern blockbuster era with her roles in the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’ and the ‘Creed’ franchise. She gained critical acclaim for her work in the independent film ‘Dear White People’ and the period drama ‘Passing’. Thompson has spoken openly about her fluid attraction to both men and women, often bringing a modern sensibility to her roles. Her portrayal of Valkyrie in ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ was a landmark for queer representation in superhero films. She continues to use her platform to advocate for gender parity and diversity in Hollywood.

Jane Lynch

Jane Lynch became a comedy icon through her sharp performances in Christopher Guest’s mockumentaries, such as ‘Best in Show’. She reached a new level of fame playing the formidable Sue Sylvester on the musical series ‘Glee’. Lynch was one of the few openly lesbian actresses in a leading television role during the show’s peak in the late 2000s. Her work has earned her multiple Emmy Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She remains a prolific actress in both television and film, including a recurring role in ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’.

Kate McKinnon

Kate McKinnon became a breakout star on ‘Saturday Night Live’, where she served as the show’s first openly lesbian female cast member. Her uncanny impressions and original characters made her a central figure in American comedy during the 2010s. She successfully transitioned to film with roles in the ‘Ghostbusters’ reboot and ‘Barbie’. McKinnon’s presence on late-night television provided consistent visibility for LGBTQ+ performers in a high-profile medium. She is widely regarded as one of the most talented comedic performers of her generation.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

Mj Rodriguez gained widespread acclaim for her role as Blanca Evangelista in the FX series ‘Pose’. In 2022, she made history by becoming the first transgender actress to win a Golden Globe for a lead acting role. Her performance was central to a show that featured the largest cast of transgender actors in a scripted series. Rodriguez has since expanded her career into music and film, appearing in projects like ‘Loot’. She is a trailblazer whose work has fundamentally changed the landscape for trans performers in television.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes is a comedian and actress who has been a prominent figure in American entertainment for decades. She came out publicly in 2008 during a rally against Proposition 8 in California, becoming a high-profile advocate for marriage equality. Sykes has appeared in numerous television shows, including ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ and ‘The Upshaws’. Her sharp political commentary and observational humor have made her one of the most respected voices in comedy. She continues to write, produce, and act in projects that often highlight social issues.

Fiona Shaw

Fiona Shaw is a highly respected Irish actress known for her extensive work in theater, film, and television. She gained modern television fame for her role as Carolyn Martens in ‘Killing Eve’, for which she won a BAFTA. Younger audiences recognize her for her portrayal of Aunt Petunia in the ‘Harry Potter’ film series. Shaw is openly gay and has discussed how her identity informs her approach to the complex characters she portrays. Her career spans decades of prestige productions, cementing her as a titan of the acting world.

Holland Taylor

Holland Taylor has enjoyed a prolific career in film, television, and theater, winning an Emmy for her role in ‘The Practice’. She is also well-known for her long-running role as Evelyn Harper on the sitcom ‘Two and a Half Men’. Taylor’s relationship with actress Sarah Paulson has made her a prominent figure in discussions about LGBTQ+ relationships in the public eye. She wrote and starred in the solo play ‘Ann’, based on the life of Ann Richards, which earned her a Tony nomination. Her longevity in the industry is a testament to her versatile talent and professional dedication.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza rose to fame as the deadpan April Ludgate on the sitcom ‘Parks and Recreation’. She has since become a leading figure in independent cinema with performances in ‘Ingrid Goes West’ and ‘Emily the Criminal’. Plaza has spoken openly about her bisexuality, noting that she falls in love with people regardless of gender. Her recent role in ‘The White Lotus’ earned her critical acclaim and a new level of mainstream recognition. She is known for her unique comedic timing and her ability to play unconventional, often dark, characters.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is a multifaceted artist who has excelled in both the music industry and the film world. She delivered powerful performances in the Academy Award-winning ‘Moonlight’ and the historical drama ‘Hidden Figures’. Monáe identifies as non-binary and pansexual, and her art often explores themes of identity, liberation, and Afrofuturism. Her starring role in ‘Glass Onion’ showcased her range as a leading actress in a high-profile ensemble. She is widely considered one of the most influential creative voices of the current era.

Niecy Nash-Betts

Niecy Nash-Betts has had a long and successful career in comedy and drama, starring in shows like ‘Reno 911!’ and ‘Claws’. She received critical acclaim and an Emmy Award for her role in the limited series ‘Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’. In 2020, she surprised the public by announcing her marriage to singer Jessica Betts, describing the relationship as a “going into herself” rather than a traditional coming out. Her visibility as a Black queer woman in a high-profile marriage has been celebrated for its authenticity. She continues to be a major presence in both scripted and unscripted television.

Clea DuVall

Clea DuVall became a staple of 1990s and 2000s independent cinema with roles in ‘Girl, Interrupted’ and ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’. She has since transitioned into directing, helming the LGBTQ+ holiday film ‘Happiest Season’. DuVall has been a consistent presence in television as well, appearing in ‘Heroes’ and ‘Veep’. As an openly lesbian actress and filmmaker, she has been instrumental in creating more nuanced queer narratives in Hollywood. Her career reflects a commitment to telling stories that reflect the diversity of the LGBTQ+ experience.

Portia de Rossi

Portia de Rossi is an Australian-American actress who gained fame for her roles in ‘Ally McBeal’ and ‘Arrested Development’. She became a high-profile figure in the LGBTQ+ community after her relationship and subsequent marriage to Ellen DeGeneres. De Rossi also starred in the satirical comedy ‘Better Off Ted’ and the political thriller ‘Scandal’. Her memoir, ‘Unbearable Lightness’, detailed her struggles with her identity and health during the height of her early fame. Though she has stepped back from acting in recent years, her influence on early 2000s television remains significant.

Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer became a breakout star for her debut acting role as Jules Vaughn in the HBO series ‘Euphoria’. As a transgender woman, she has used her platform to advocate for trans rights and has been involved in activism since her youth. Her performance in ‘Euphoria’ was praised for its depth and for providing a complex, non-stereotypical portrayal of a trans teenager. She recently starred in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’, expanding her reach into major film franchises. Schafer is also a successful model and an influential figure in the fashion world.

Indya Moore

Indya Moore gained international recognition for their role as Angel Evangelista in the series ‘Pose’. They are non-binary and transgender, and they have been a vocal advocate for marginalized communities within the fashion and film industries. Moore has appeared in films like ‘Queen & Slim’ and has become a frequent collaborator with high-end fashion brands. Their presence in the industry has helped push for more inclusive language and casting regarding gender identity. They were named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2019.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné began her career as a child star on ‘The Cosby Show’ before starring in her own Disney Channel hit, ‘That’s So Raven’. She has been a consistent figure in American television for over three decades as an actress, singer, and talk show host. In 2013, she publicly acknowledged her queer identity in a social media post regarding the legalization of same-sex marriage. She later returned to her most famous role in the spin-off ‘Raven’s Home’, which she also executive produced. Her long-standing career has made her a familiar and influential figure across multiple generations of viewers.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg first gained attention as Rue in ‘The Hunger Games’ and has since become a leading actress of her generation. She has starred in impactful films such as ‘The Hate U Give’ and ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’. Stenberg, who identifies as gay and non-binary, has been vocal about the importance of intersectional representation in media. She was featured on the cover of Time as a Next Generation Leader for her activism and artistry. Her career continues to grow with leading roles in major franchises, including the ‘Star Wars’ universe.

Cherry Jones

Cherry Jones is a titan of the American stage and screen, having won two Tony Awards and multiple Emmys. She is well-known to television audiences for her roles in ’24’, ‘The West Wing’, and ‘Succession’. Jones was one of the first high-profile actresses to be open about her lesbian identity during the early stages of her career in the 1990s. Her performance as President Allison Taylor in ’24’ was a landmark for female authority figures on television. She is widely regarded as one of the finest actors working today.

Beanie Feldstein

Beanie Feldstein became a favorite of critics and audiences with her breakout roles in ‘Lady Bird’ and ‘Booksmart’. Her performance in ‘Booksmart’ was particularly noted for its normalized depiction of a queer teenage protagonist. She later took on the role of Monica Lewinsky in ‘Impeachment: American Crime Story’ and starred on Broadway in ‘Funny Girl’. Feldstein has been open about her queer identity and her relationship with producer Bonnie-Chance Roberts. She represents a new generation of actresses who are leading major projects while being authentically themselves.

Jasmin Savoy Brown

Jasmin Savoy Brown has emerged as a major talent through her roles in the horror and thriller genres. She stars in the hit series ‘Yellowjackets’ and the revitalized ‘Scream’ film franchise. As an openly queer woman of color, she has spoken about the importance of her characters’ identities being integrated into the story without being their only defining trait. Her performances have been praised for bringing grit and emotional depth to genre storytelling. She is part of a wave of young actresses redefining representation in mainstream horror and drama.

Tig Notaro

Tig Notaro is a comedian and actress known for her deadpan delivery and courageous storytelling. She gained widespread attention for her 2012 stand-up set about her cancer diagnosis, which led to the semi-autobiographical series ‘One Mississippi’. Notaro has since transitioned into major film and television roles, including ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ and ‘Army of the Dead’. She has been a prominent lesbian voice in the comedy world for years and is married to actress Stephanie Allynne. Her presence in major franchises signals a shifting landscape for queer performers in character-driven roles.

Share your thoughts on which of these actresses had the most significant impact on your favorite films and shows in the comments.