LGBTQ+ Actresses Who Were Ahead Of Their Time

The history of cinema is filled with talented women who defied societal norms and lived authentically long before it was widely accepted. Many of these actresses navigated the restrictive environment of Hollywood while maintaining relationships that challenged the status quo. Some lived quietly in committed partnerships while others utilized their platforms to advocate for visibility and equality. Their contributions paved the way for the diverse representation seen in the entertainment industry today.

Alla Nazimova

Alla Nazimova was a silent film star who wielded immense power in Hollywood as a producer and writer. She founded the Garden of Allah hotel which became a safe haven for LGBTQ+ individuals in the industry. Her lavender marriages helped conceal her private relationships with women during a restrictive era. She is often cited as the founding mother of the sapphic community in early Hollywood.

Marlene Dietrich

Marlene Dietrich challenged gender norms by wearing tuxedos and top hats in the film ‘Morocco’. She maintained an open bisexuality throughout her life while navigating the strict studio system. Her androgynous style influenced fashion and emboldened women to embrace trousers. She remains an enduring icon of queer glamour and unapologetic independence.

Greta Garbo

Greta Garbo was known for her intense privacy and early retirement from the screen. She maintained close relationships with women such as actress Mimi Pollak throughout her life. Her on-screen persona often blurred lines of gender and sexuality in films like ‘Queen Christina’. She lived on her own terms and refused to conform to the publicity demands of the studios.

Tallulah Bankhead

Tallulah Bankhead was famous for her husky voice and uninhibited personality on and off the stage. She openly referenced her fluid sexuality with wit and disregarded the moral codes of her time. Her performances in films like ‘Lifeboat’ showcased her formidable presence and talent. She became a cult figure who refused to apologize for her lifestyle choices.

Josephine Baker

Josephine Baker achieved international fame as a performer in Paris where she found freedom from American segregation. She was known for her relationships with both men and women including Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Her stage presence revolutionized entertainment and she used her fame to support the Civil Rights Movement. She created her own chosen family which she famously called her Rainbow Tribe.

Patsy Kelly

Patsy Kelly was a comedic actress known for playing the wisecracking sidekick in the 1930s. She lived openly as a gay woman in Hollywood during a time when it was professionally dangerous. Her refusal to hide her sexuality eventually led to her being ostracized by the major studios. She later made a triumphant return to television and won a Tony Award on Broadway.

Marjorie Main

Marjorie Main became a household name playing the gravel-voiced Ma Kettle in the popular film series. She had a long-term partnership with actress Spring Byington that lasted until Byington passed away. The press often described them as close friends who shared a home and interests. Main presented a non-conforming image of womanhood that resonated with audiences.

Spring Byington

Spring Byington was an Oscar-nominated actress known for playing sweet and maternal roles. She lived quietly with Marjorie Main for many years in a relationship that was an open secret in Hollywood. Her career spanned decades in both film and television sitcoms like ‘December Bride’. She balanced her public image as an ideal mother with her private life.

Janet Gaynor

Janet Gaynor made history as the first winner of the Academy Award for Best Actress. She was married to costume designer Adrian in what was widely considered a lavender marriage. She later formed a deep partnership with Broadway star Mary Martin that lasted for decades. They lived near each other and traveled together frequently.

Mary Martin

Mary Martin was a Broadway legend who originated the role of Peter Pan and captured the hearts of audiences. Her close relationship with Janet Gaynor was significant and they were often seen together in social circles. She navigated her career and personal life with discretion during the conservative mid-century era. Her portrayal of Peter Pan allowed her to play with gender performance on a massive stage.

Eva Le Gallienne

Eva Le Gallienne was a pioneering figure in American theater who refused to hide her lesbianism. She founded the Civic Repertory Theatre in New York to bring affordable drama to the public. Her openness about her sexuality reportedly cost her a career as a mainstream film star. She dedicated her life to the stage and directed groundbreaking productions.

Agnes Moorehead

Agnes Moorehead is best remembered as the sharp-tongued Endora on the sitcom ‘Bewitched’. She was a member of the Mercury Theatre and delivered powerful dramatic performances in films like ‘Citizen Kane’. She was known for her independence and often kept her personal life extremely private. Rumors about her sexuality persisted throughout her career due to her distinct lack of romantic publicity.

Nancy Kulp

Nancy Kulp played the uptight Miss Jane Hathaway on ‘The Beverly Hillbillies’. She later confirmed her sexuality to an interviewer late in her life. Kulp also ran for political office in Pennsylvania after her acting career slowed down. Her comedic timing made her one of the most recognizable character actresses of the 1960s.

Hattie McDaniel

Hattie McDaniel was the first African American to win an Academy Award for her role in ‘Gone with the Wind’. She was part of a predominantly lesbian sewing circle in Hollywood that included Tallulah Bankhead. Rumors of her bisexuality were circulated within the industry but kept out of the press. She broke racial barriers while navigating the complex social circles of early cinema.

Dolores del Río

Dolores del Río was one of the first Latin American stars to conquer Hollywood. She was known for her stunning beauty and had alleged relationships with women including Greta Garbo. She eventually returned to Mexico to help launch the Golden Age of Mexican cinema. Her legacy includes paving the way for international actresses in the American studio system.

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin began her career as a stand-up comedian and a breakout star on ‘Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In’. She has been with her partner and collaborator Jane Wagner for nearly five decades. They married in 2013 and have worked together on numerous award-winning projects. Tomlin has always lived her truth while maintaining a prolific career in film and television.

Linda Hunt

Linda Hunt won an Academy Award for playing a male character in ‘The Year of Living Dangerously’. She has lived with her wife Karen Kline since the late 1980s. Her distinctive voice and stature have made her a standout performer in dramas and animated films. She became a fan favorite on the long-running series ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’.

Miriam Margolyes

Miriam Margolyes is a celebrated British character actress known for her role in the ‘Harry Potter’ franchise. She has been with her partner Heather Sutherland for over fifty years. Margolyes is known for her candor and has never shied away from discussing her sexuality publicly. She was one of the first major actresses to be openly gay throughout her entire career.

Holland Taylor

Holland Taylor has enjoyed a successful career in television and film for decades. She publicly confirmed her relationship with actress Sarah Paulson in 2015. Taylor has advocated for LGBTQ+ rights and lives openly as a gay woman. Her roles often feature strong and authoritative women who command the screen.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster transitioned from a child prodigy to an Academy Award-winning actress and director. She acknowledged her former partner Cydney Bernard publicly during a speech at the Golden Globes in 2013. Foster lived privately for decades to protect her family from the media spotlight. She continues to be a powerful force in Hollywood as both a performer and filmmaker.

Meredith Baxter

Meredith Baxter was an icon of American motherhood as Elyse Keaton on ‘Family Ties’. She came out as a lesbian later in life and wrote a memoir about her journey. Her announcement helped challenge stereotypes about women who discover their sexuality after marriage and children. She has since become an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.

Kristy McNichol

Kristy McNichol was a teen idol and Emmy winner for her role in ‘Family’ and later ‘Empty Nest’. She left the spotlight to focus on her mental health and live authentically. She publicly came out in 2012 to support kids who were being bullied. McNichol lives a quiet life with her long-term partner Martie Allen.

Amanda Bearse

Amanda Bearse played the neighbor Marcy D’Arcy on the sitcom ‘Married… with Children’. She came out publicly in 1993 while the show was still on the air. Bearse transitioned into directing and became a successful television director for various series. Her visibility in the 90s was a significant moment for gay women in primetime comedy.

Sandra Bernhard

Sandra Bernhard gained attention for her role in ‘The King of Comedy’ and her friendship with Madonna. Her comedy often blurred lines and challenged conservative views on sexuality. She played one of the first openly bisexual recurring characters on the sitcom ‘Roseanne’. Bernhard remains a fierce critic of social norms and a unique voice in entertainment.

Kelly McGillis

Kelly McGillis starred in massive 80s hits like ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Witness’. She came out as a lesbian in 2009 after stepping away from major Hollywood roles. She now works with addiction recovery and lives a quieter life away from the cameras. Her honesty about her journey has resonated with fans of her early work.

Fiona Shaw

Fiona Shaw is a renowned stage and screen actress known for her intensity and intellect. She gained a new generation of fans with her role in the series ‘Killing Eve’. Shaw is married to economist Sonali Deraniyagala. She brings a powerful presence to every role and often plays complex female characters.

Cherry Jones

Cherry Jones is a titan of the American theater and a Tony Award winner. She thanked her wife during her acceptance speech for her Emmy win for ’24’. Jones has always been out professionally and has never lacked for work in top-tier productions. She paved the way for actors to be successful without hiding their personal lives.

Jane Lynch

Jane Lynch became a household name for her role as Sue Sylvester in ‘Glee’. She has a long history in improvisational comedy and worked with Christopher Guest on his mockumentaries. Lynch has been openly gay throughout her rise to fame and hosts various game shows. She brings a specific brand of dry wit to every project she undertakes.

Rosie O’Donnell

Rosie O’Donnell became a daytime television staple with her popular talk show. She came out publicly in 2002 to raise awareness for gay adoption rights. Her role in ‘A League of Their Own’ remains a beloved performance. She has been a vocal activist for LGBTQ+ families and political causes.

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres made television history when her sitcom character came out in the famous puppy episode. The backlash initially stalled her career but she returned to become a talk show host. Her visibility in the late 90s forced a national conversation about gay rights. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her impact on American culture.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes is a stand-up comedian and actress known for her sharp political humor. She came out during a rally against Proposition 8 in 2008. Sykes was the first African American woman to entertain at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. She continues to produce and star in content that highlights diverse voices.

Portia de Rossi

Portia de Rossi gained fame on ‘Ally McBeal’ before starring in ‘Arrested Development’. She struggled with eating disorders and the pressure to stay closeted in Hollywood. She married Ellen DeGeneres and became one half of a high-profile power couple. Her memoir offered a candid look at the difficulties of being a closeted actress.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon played the cynical lawyer Miranda Hobbes on ‘Sex and the City’. She began a relationship with education activist Christine Marinoni and later identified as queer. Nixon ran for Governor of New York and has been heavily involved in political activism. She uses her platform to advocate for women’s health and LGBTQ+ equality.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson has become a muse for producer Ryan Murphy in shows like ‘American Horror Story’. She garnered attention for bringing her partner Holland Taylor to red carpet events. Her transformative performances have earned her an Emmy and a Golden Globe. She is celebrated for her range and her refusal to label her sexuality for the comfort of others.

Clea DuVall

Clea DuVall became a cult icon in the 90s with roles in ‘The Faculty’ and ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’. She has since transitioned to writing and directing films with queer themes like ‘Happiest Season’. DuVall has always been open about her identity and works to create better representation. Her early work provided rare visibility for lesbian teenagers.

Natasha Lyonne

Natasha Lyonne is known for her raspy voice and roles in ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and ‘Russian Doll’. She became a queer icon early in her career through her role in ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’. Lyonne creates complex and flawed characters that resonate with diverse audiences. She writes and directs projects that push the boundaries of traditional storytelling.

Leisha Hailey

Leisha Hailey first gained fame as part of the musical duo The Murmurs. She played Alice Pieszecki on ‘The L Word’ which was a groundbreaking show for lesbian visibility. Hailey continues to act and perform music while advocating for the community. Her character remains one of the most beloved figures in queer television history.

Sara Gilbert

Sara Gilbert grew up on screen playing Darlene Conner on ‘Roseanne’. She created and co-hosted ‘The Talk’ which became a major daytime platform. Gilbert came out publicly in 2010 and has focused on producing content. Her character Darlene was a cynical voice that spoke to a generation of outsiders.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah started as a hip-hop pioneer before transitioning to a successful acting career. She played the legendary bisexual blues singer Bessie Smith in the film ‘Bessie’. While she kept her private life guarded for years, she acknowledged her partner during a Lifetime Achievement Award speech. She remains a powerful mogul in the entertainment industry.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné grew up in the public eye on ‘The Cosby Show’ and ‘That’s So Raven’. She casually came out via a tweet regarding marriage equality legalization. She married Miranda Maday and continues to work in television directing and acting. Her openness showed a new generation of Disney stars that they could be authentic.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox broke barriers with her role as Sophia Burset on ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She was the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy in an acting category. Cox used her sudden fame to advocate for trans rights and educate the public. Her presence on the cover of Time magazine was a watershed moment.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez starred as Blanca in the groundbreaking series ‘Pose’. She made history as the first transgender actress to win a Golden Globe. Her performance highlighted the struggles and triumphs of the ballroom community in the 1980s. She continues to pursue roles that expand the possibilities for trans actresses.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart became a global superstar through the ‘Twilight’ franchise. She later embraced her queerness and starred in films like ‘Spencer’ and ‘Love Lies Bleeding’. Stewart has rejected strict labels and lives openly with her fiancée Dylan Meyer. Her career choices now focus on working with auteur directors and telling unique stories.

Kate McKinnon

Kate McKinnon was the first openly lesbian cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’. Her comedic genius and ability to transform into any character made her a breakout star. She starred in the all-female reboot of ‘Ghostbusters’ and numerous other comedies. McKinnon brings a chaotic and brilliant energy to her performances.

Ariana DeBose

Ariana DeBose won an Academy Award for her role as Anita in Steven Spielberg’s ‘West Side Story’. She became the first openly queer woman of color to win an Oscar for acting. DeBose has a strong background in Broadway and dance. She advocates for homeless youth and LGBTQ+ rights through her platform.

Jamie Clayton

Jamie Clayton gained recognition for her role as Nomi Marks in ‘Sense8’. She played the iconic villain Pinhead in the reboot of ‘Hellraiser’. Clayton has been a vocal advocate for trans actors playing trans roles. Her career demonstrates that trans actresses can lead in sci-fi, horror, and drama genres.

Share your favorite performances by these trailblazing actresses in the comments.