LGBTQ+ Celebrities Who Have Been Homophobic

This list looks at LGBTQ+ public figures who have been called out for using homophobic language or taking positions that undermine gay people. Each entry focuses on a specific incident or pattern of behavior that drew criticism and, when relevant, notes apologies or later clarifications. The goal is to document what happened and when, with an emphasis on clear context. It is not about piling on, but about outlining moments that sparked real conversations about words, actions, and accountability.

Azealia Banks

Azealia Banks has identified as bisexual and has repeatedly used homophobic slurs in public spats and on social media. She directed a slur at a blogger during a widely covered feud and doubled down in subsequent posts. Backlash from fans and artists followed, leading to show cancellations and brand distance. Banks has alternated between defending the language and offering apologies over the years.

Tyler, the Creator

Tyler, the Creator has referenced attraction to men while also using homophobic slurs extensively in early lyrics and online posts. Several songs from his early releases featured repeated slurs that drew protests and venue bans. He later softened his stance and spoke about evolving views while his work shifted away from those terms. The early record remains a frequent reference point in discussions of homophobia in hip hop.

Perez Hilton

Perez Hilton is openly gay and built a large platform as a celebrity blogger while using homophobic slurs at the height of his site’s influence. A confrontation with a pop star’s entourage brought the issue to mainstream attention when he used a slur in public. He later issued an apology and spoke about changing his approach to covering celebrities. Critics still point to the incident as an example of how hurtful language can spread when amplified by fame.

Jeffree Star

Jeffree Star, an openly gay creator, used homophobic slurs in older videos and online exchanges that resurfaced as his beauty brand grew. The clips circulated widely and prompted apologies and statements about personal growth. He acknowledged that the words were harmful and said he no longer uses them. The controversy remains part of public discussions about his brand and past behavior.

Milo Yiannopoulos

Milo Yiannopoulos rose to prominence as an openly gay media figure while making statements that dismissed or mocked parts of gay culture. He often criticized Pride events and framed gay rights activism as unnecessary or harmful. He later described himself as ex gay and embraced positions that many LGBTQ+ advocates view as hostile to gay people. His comments continue to be cited as examples of internalized homophobia in politics and media.

Caitlyn Jenner

Caitlyn Jenner, a transgender woman, said in interviews after her transition that she did not support civil marriage for same sex couples at the time. She later said her views had changed and expressed support for legal equality. Her political bids and media appearances have kept those earlier statements in circulation. The episode is frequently referenced when discussing how public figures shape attitudes toward gay rights.

Brendon Urie

Brendon Urie identifies as pansexual and has apologized for using a homophobic slur on stage in the band’s early years. Fans resurfaced the moment in later discussions about language used in live shows at the time. Urie addressed it directly and said he no longer uses the term and understands why it is harmful. The apology is often mentioned alongside his later advocacy for LGBTQ+ causes.

Rupert Everett

Rupert Everett is openly gay and has made controversial comments about gay parenting and family life in multiple interviews. He questioned whether same sex couples should raise children and suggested he would cast differently in certain roles. LGBTQ+ groups condemned the remarks as reinforcing harmful stereotypes about gay families. Everett later tried to add nuance but the statements remain part of his public record.

Bret Easton Ellis

Bret Easton Ellis is an openly gay author who has drawn criticism for comments that many readers viewed as homophobic. He argued publicly that some out actors were not believable in straight romantic leads and used dismissive language about industry advocacy. The remarks sparked debate about representation and casting fairness. Ellis has said he was offering industry commentary, but the phrasing led to sustained backlash.

Aaron Schock

Aaron Schock later came out as gay after leaving Congress, but his voting record while in office included positions against gay rights. He backed measures that opposed marriage equality and aligned with efforts that limited protections for gay people. When he came out, LGBTQ+ advocates pointed to the policy impact of those earlier votes. The contrast between identity and record remains a focus of coverage about his career.

Stefano Gabbana

Stefano Gabbana, one half of a famous design duo and openly gay, made statements criticizing IVF and same sex parenting. The comments prompted a high profile boycott call from artists and public figures. He later responded defensively before offering partial clarifications about personal beliefs. The episode is still cited as a case of a gay celebrity promoting views seen as harmful to gay families.

Domenico Dolce

Domenico Dolce, also openly gay and the other half of the design partnership, made parallel remarks attacking IVF and nontraditional families. The statements drew intense criticism from the LGBTQ+ community and allies around the world. He later expressed regret about how his personal views were perceived while trying to explain a traditional stance. The controversy remains linked to ongoing conversations about family equality in fashion and media.

Ricky Rebel

Ricky Rebel is an openly gay pop singer who has criticized Pride events and gay rights campaigns in interviews and online posts. He argued that visibility initiatives harm society and often echoed talking points used by anti gay activists. LGBTQ+ organizations and fans condemned the rhetoric as harmful to gay youth and families. His stance continues to place him at odds with mainstream equality efforts.

Colby Keller

Colby Keller, an openly gay adult performer, supported political campaigns that opposed gay rights and questioned marriage equality in interviews. He framed marriage as a flawed institution and dismissed the movement’s focus on equal marriage. Activists argued that his comments lent cover to anti gay policy positions. The backlash highlighted tensions over how personal politics intersect with community advocacy.

Share your thoughts below on which moments you remember most and how public apologies should figure into forgiveness in the comments.