LGBTQ+ Celebs Everyone Knows But Rarely Talks About Enough

Visibility in Hollywood has evolved significantly over the past few decades with many stars living openly and authentically. These celebrities have built massive careers in film and television while being members of the LGBTQ+ community. They often let their work speak for itself rather than making their personal lives the center of attention. Their presence provides essential representation across various genres and platforms. We celebrate these talented individuals who are out and proud.

Victor Garber

This versatile actor has maintained a steady presence on stage and screen for decades. He is widely recognized for his role as Thomas Andrews in the blockbuster film ‘Titanic’. Television audiences also know him well from his time as Jack Bristow on the spy drama ‘Alias’. Garber confirmed his sexuality publicly in 2012 after years of being privately out in Hollywood circles. He has been with his partner and husband Rainer Andreesen for over two decades.

Jodie Foster

She has been a powerhouse in the entertainment industry since her childhood. Foster delivered an unforgettable performance as Clarice Starling in ‘The Silence of the Lambs’. She publicly acknowledged her sexuality and thanked her former partner during a moving speech at the Golden Globe Awards in 2013. Her career spans acting and directing with a focus on intense and dramatic storytelling. Foster continues to be a respected icon who prioritizes privacy for her family.

Matt Bomer

Bomer captured hearts with his charming performance as Neal Caffrey in the television series ‘White Collar’. He also showcased his physical prowess and dancing ability in the ‘Magic Mike’ film franchise. The actor came out publicly in 2012 while accepting a humanitarian award. He shares three children with his husband Simon Halls and often speaks about the importance of family. His work continues to range from dramatic theater roles to mainstream superhero television.

Zachary Quinto

He gained significant fame for his chilling role as Sylar in the series ‘Heroes’. Science fiction fans also celebrate his portrayal of Spock in the rebooted ‘Star Trek’ film series. Quinto came out in 2011 as a response to the suicide of a gay teenager named Jamey Rodemeyer. He has since been an active advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. The actor frequently returns to the stage and takes on challenging roles in independent cinema.

Andrew Scott

This Irish actor terrified and delighted audiences as Jim Moriarty in the BBC series ‘Sherlock’. He later gained massive popularity as the Hot Priest in the acclaimed dramedy ‘Fleabag’. Scott has always been open about his sexuality but refuses to let it typecast his roles. He moves seamlessly between villainous characters and romantic leads on both stage and screen. Critics consistently praise his ability to bring depth and nuance to every performance.

Ben Whishaw

Whishaw is the current face of Q in the James Bond film franchise starting with ‘Skyfall’. He also provides the gentle and polite voice of the title character in the ‘Paddington’ movies. The actor entered a civil partnership with composer Mark Bradshaw in 2012. He prefers to keep his personal life out of the tabloids to maintain an air of mystery for his characters. His work often involves complex emotional roles in both television dramas and stage productions.

Lee Pace

Pace commanded the screen as the Elven King Thranduil in ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy. He also played the villainous Ronan the Accuser in the Marvel film ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’. The actor confirmed he was a member of the queer community during interviews regarding his Broadway work. He lives on a farm and occasionally shares glimpses of his life with his husband Matthew Foley. His commanding presence works well for both fantasy epics and character-driven dramas.

Luke Evans

This Welsh actor has starred in major blockbusters including ‘Beauty and the Beast’ as Gaston. He also appeared as Bard the Bowman in Peter Jackson’s ‘The Hobbit’ films. Evans was open about his sexuality at the beginning of his career in London theater. He has successfully transitioned into an action star and romantic lead in Hollywood. He also releases music and showcases his powerful singing voice regularly.

Sarah Paulson

Paulson has become a television icon through her multiple roles in ‘American Horror Story’. She earned critical acclaim and awards for portraying Marcia Clark in ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson’. She has been in a long-term relationship with fellow actress Holland Taylor. Paulson is known for playing intense and psychological characters that demand great emotional range. Her visibility as a leading woman in Hollywood remains impactful.

Holland Taylor

Taylor is a legendary actress known for her wit and commanding screen presence. She played the sharp-tongued Evelyn Harper on the sitcom ‘Two and a Half Men’. More recently she appeared in the series ‘Hollywood’ and ‘The Chair’. She confirmed her relationship with Sarah Paulson in 2015 and spoke openly about her sexuality. Taylor continues to work steadily in projects that highlight her comedic and dramatic talents.

Jane Lynch

Lynch became a household name for her role as Sue Sylvester in the musical series ‘Glee’. Her comedic timing made her a standout in mockumentary films like ‘Best in Show’. She has been openly gay for the majority of her career and advocates for equal representation. Lynch hosts game shows and appears in various sitcoms as a guest star. Her distinct voice and stature make her instantly recognizable to audiences.

Lily Tomlin

Tomlin is a comedy legend who started her career on ‘Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In’. She currently stars alongside Jane Fonda in the hit series ‘Grace and Frankie’. She married her writer and partner Jane Wagner after being together for over four decades. Tomlin has won virtually every major entertainment award including a Grammy and multiple Emmys. Her career has paved the way for countless female comedians.

Wanda Sykes

Sykes is known for her distinct voice and hilarious stand-up comedy specials. She garnered attention as a writer on ‘The Chris Rock Show’ before launching her acting career. She publicly came out during a rally against Proposition 8 in Las Vegas in 2008. Sykes acts in numerous sitcoms and provides voice work for animated films like ‘Ice Age’. She remains a fierce advocate for civil rights and equality.

Cynthia Nixon

Nixon achieved global fame as the career-driven Miranda Hobbes in ‘Sex and the City’. She has won Tony, Grammy, and Emmy awards throughout her distinguished career. Nixon began dating her wife Christine Marinoni in 2004 and identifies as queer. She is also politically active and even ran for Governor of New York. She continues to act while using her platform for activism.

Nathan Lane

Lane is a titan of Broadway and film known for his energetic performances. He voiced the meerkat Timon in the animated classic ‘The Lion King’. Audiences also love his performance in the comedy ‘The Birdcage’ alongside Robin Williams. He married his partner Devlin Elliott in 2015 after nearly two decades together. Lane deftly balances broad comedy with serious dramatic work in the theater.

David Hyde Pierce

Pierce is best known for his role as the fastidious Niles Crane on ‘Frasier’. He won four Emmy Awards for his work on the long-running sitcom. The actor married his partner Brian Hargrove in 2008 days before Proposition 8 passed. He has since focused heavily on theater work and directing. Pierce remains a beloved figure in the television history landscape.

Sean Hayes

Hayes created the iconic character Jack McFarland on the sitcom ‘Will & Grace’. His physical comedy and chemistry with the cast earned him an Emmy Award. He came out publicly in 2010 but had lived openly in his personal life for years. Hayes now hosts a popular podcast and continues to produce television content. He remains a significant figure in bringing gay characters to mainstream network TV.

Jim Parsons

Parsons became one of the highest-paid actors on television playing Sheldon Cooper on ‘The Big Bang Theory’. He won four Emmy Awards for his portrayal of the socially awkward physicist. He confirmed his relationship with Todd Spiewak in a 2012 profile and they later married. Parsons has since branched out into producing and taking on dramatic film roles. His work demonstrated that an openly gay actor could lead a massive network hit.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Ferguson starred as Mitchell Pritchett on the mockumentary sitcom ‘Modern Family’. His portrayal of a gay father helped normalize LGBTQ+ families for millions of viewers. He founded the non-profit Tie The Knot to advocate for marriage equality. Ferguson is also a veteran of the stage and frequently performs in Broadway productions. He and his husband Justin Mikita have welcomed children and share their family life online.

Raven-Symoné

She grew up on television screens starting as Olivia on ‘The Cosby Show’. She later starred in her own hit Disney Channel series ‘That’s So Raven’. The actress came out in a tweet following the legalization of same-sex marriage. She has since served as a host on ‘The View’ and returned to Disney for a sequel series. She married her wife Miranda Maday in a private backyard ceremony.

Wentworth Miller

Miller became a global star as Michael Scofield in the prison drama ‘Prison Break’. He came out in 2013 by declining an invitation to a film festival in Russia to protest their anti-LGBTQ laws. The actor is also a screenwriter and wrote the film ‘Stoker’. He has been open about his mental health struggles and decision to stop playing straight characters. Miller focuses on advocacy and writing in recent years.

Anderson Cooper

Cooper is one of the most recognized news anchors in the United States. He hosts ‘Anderson Cooper 360′ on CNN and reports for ’60 Minutes’. He publicly confirmed he is gay in 2012 to help combat bullying and discrimination. Cooper is a father and often discusses the joys of raising his children. His journalistic integrity keeps him as a central figure in American media.

Robin Roberts

Roberts is a beloved anchor on the morning news program ‘Good Morning America’. She has had a long career in sports broadcasting at ESPN before moving to news. She acknowledged her long-term relationship with Amber Laign publicly in a Facebook post in 2013. Roberts is a cancer survivor who inspires viewers with her resilience and positivity. She runs a production company that focuses on uplifting storytelling.

Ricky Martin

The King of Latin Pop exploded onto the US music scene with ‘Livin’ la Vida Loca’. He was a member of the boy band Menudo before launching his massive solo career. Martin came out publicly on his website in 2010 describing himself as a fortunate homosexual man. He is a dedicated father and uses his fame to fight for human rights. He recently starred in the television series ‘Palm Royale’.

George Takei

Takei is a pop culture icon known for playing Sulu in the original ‘Star Trek’ series. He has become a social media powerhouse with millions of followers. Takei publicly came out in 2005 and married his husband Brad Altman. He uses his platform to educate people about the Japanese-American internment camps and LGBTQ+ rights. His voice remains influential in both politics and entertainment.

Ian McKellen

McKellen is a highly respected thespian known for playing Gandalf in ‘The Lord of the Rings’. He also portrayed the complex villain Magneto in the ‘X-Men’ movies. He has been out since 1988 and co-founded the rights group Stonewall. The actor continues to perform Shakespearean roles on stage well into his eighties. He is considered one of the greatest British actors of his generation.

Stephen Fry

Fry is a celebrated British comedian and writer known for his wit and intellect. He starred alongside Hugh Laurie in ‘A Bit of Fry & Laurie’ and ‘Jeeves and Wooster’. He has been openly gay for decades and speaks candidly about mental health. Fry has written numerous books and narrated the ‘Harry Potter’ audiobooks. He married his husband Elliott Spencer in 2015.

Alan Cumming

Cumming is a dynamic Scottish actor known for roles in ‘GoldenEye’ and ‘The Good Wife’. He won a Tony Award for his mesmerizing performance as the Emcee in ‘Cabaret’. He identifies as bisexual and has been a vocal activist for LGBTQ+ rights. Cumming owns a bar in New York City and hosts the reality show ‘The Traitors’. His eccentric style and talent make him a unique presence in Hollywood.

Jonathan Bennett

Bennett is best known as the heartthrob Aaron Samuels in the teen comedy ‘Mean Girls’. He has become a staple of holiday television movies on the Hallmark Channel. He acted as the first gay lead in a Hallmark holiday film. Bennett married his husband Jaymes Vaughan and they share their travels on social media. He also hosts various competition shows like ‘Cake Wars’.

Clea DuVall

DuVall became a cult icon in the 90s with roles in ‘The Faculty’ and ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’. She has transitioned into directing and writing with the holiday film ‘Happiest Season’. She has been open about her sexuality and focuses on creating queer narratives. Her work often explores complex relationships with a dry wit. She continues to act in high-profile television series like ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’.

Sara Gilbert

Gilbert grew up on screen as Darlene Conner in the sitcom ‘Roseanne’. She later helped create and host the daytime talk show ‘The Talk’. She publicly came out in 2010 while discussing her relationship on the show. Gilbert currently stars in ‘The Conners’ and serves as an executive producer. She is married to musician Linda Perry and they have a child together.

Portia de Rossi

De Rossi gained fame for her roles in ‘Ally McBeal’ and ‘Arrested Development’. She played the cold and calculating Lindsay Bluth Fünke in the latter comedy. She married comedian Ellen DeGeneres in 2008 after the overturning of the same-sex marriage ban in California. She has largely retired from acting to focus on business and philanthropy. She released a memoir detailing her personal struggles and recovery.

Kate McKinnon

McKinnon was a breakout star on ‘Saturday Night Live’ for her incredible impressions. She won multiple Emmy Awards for her sketch comedy work. She is the first openly lesbian cast member in the show’s long history. McKinnon starred in the ‘Ghostbusters’ reboot and the ‘Barbie’ movie. Her comedy is characterized by high energy and bizarre character work.

Tituss Burgess

Burgess stole the show as Titus Andromedon in the comedy series ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’. His high-pitched vocal range and comedic timing earned him multiple Emmy nominations. He is a Broadway veteran with roles in ‘The Little Mermaid’ and ‘Guys and Dolls’. Burgess openly discusses his life as a gay man through his music and interviews. He brings a distinct theatrical flair to all his screen roles.

Billy Porter

Porter gained massive acclaim for his role as Pray Tell in the drama series ‘Pose’. He became the first openly gay black man to win the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama. He is known for his gender-fluid fashion choices on red carpets. Porter began his career on Broadway and won a Tony for ‘Kinky Boots’. He recently directed the film ‘Anything’s Possible’.

Colman Domingo

Domingo delivered a powerful performance in the series ‘Euphoria’ as Ali. He received an Academy Award nomination for his role in the film ‘Rustin’. The actor and playwright has been working steadily in theater and film for years. He has been with his husband Raúl Domingo for nearly two decades. His career is currently reaching new heights with leading roles in major films.

BD Wong

Wong has a prolific career that includes roles in ‘Jurassic Park’ and ‘Law & Order: SVU’. He won a Tony Award for his debut performance in ‘M. Butterfly’. He plays the role of Whiterose in the acclaimed series ‘Mr. Robot’. Wong is openly gay and advocates for LGBTQ+ families. He continues to be a reliable and talented character actor in Hollywood.

Joel Grey

Grey is an entertainment legend best known for the Master of Ceremonies in ‘Cabaret’. He won an Academy Award and a Tony Award for the role. He came out publicly at the age of 82 in a magazine interview. Grey is the father of actress Jennifer Grey and continues to work in the theater. His career spans over six decades of memorable performances.

Richard Chamberlain

Chamberlain was the leading heartthrob of the 1960s as ‘Dr. Kildare’. He starred in massive miniseries like ‘The Thorn Birds’ and ‘Shogun’. He was forced to hide his sexuality for most of his career to maintain his leading man status. He came out in his 2003 memoir ‘Shattered Love’. Chamberlain paved the way for future actors by sharing his story of living in the closet.

Fiona Shaw

Shaw is a celebrated Irish actress known to many as Aunt Petunia in ‘Harry Potter’. She gained a new legion of fans for her role as Carolyn Martens in ‘Killing Eve’. She is married to economist Sonali Deraniyagala. Shaw is renowned for her work in classical theater and modern drama. Her performances are often marked by intensity and intellectual sharpness.

Miriam Margolyes

Margolyes is a British-Australian actress known for her role as Professor Sprout in ‘Harry Potter’. She is famous for her candid and often shocking stories on talk shows. She has been with her partner Heather Sutherland for over fifty years. Margolyes is a prolific voice actress and documentary presenter. She lives her life with complete unapologetic authenticity.

Russell Tovey

Tovey gained attention in ‘The History Boys’ and the supernatural drama ‘Being Human’. He starred in the series ‘Looking’ which focused on gay life in San Francisco. He hosts a popular art podcast called ‘Talk Art’. Tovey frequently plays both gay and straight roles in television dramas. He is a passionate collector of contemporary art.

Kristian Nairn

Nairn is globally recognized as Hodor from the fantasy phenomenon ‘Game of Thrones’. Before acting he was a successful DJ and music producer. He publicly discussed his sexuality in a fan forum interview. Nairn continues to tour the world as a DJ often playing at themed events. He brings a gentle presence to his on-screen roles.

Denis O’Hare

O’Hare is a chameleon character actor known for multiple roles in ‘American Horror Story’. He played the vampire king Russell Edgington in ‘True Blood’. He has won a Tony Award for his work on the Broadway stage. O’Hare has been married to his husband Hugo Redwood since 2011. He consistently delivers memorable performances in supporting roles.

Brian Tyree Henry

Henry broke out as the character Paper Boi in the acclaimed series ‘Atlanta’. He received an Academy Award nomination for his role in the drama ‘Causeway’. The actor tends to keep his private life very quiet but has discussed his sexuality in profiles. He brings a deep emotional resonance to his characters. Henry is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after actors in film.

Share your favorite performance by one of these talented stars in the comments.