The 25 Fiercest LGBTQ+ Activist Actors

Hollywood has evolved significantly over the past few decades due to the tireless efforts of performers who refuse to separate their art from their advocacy. These actors leverage their global platforms to fight for legislative changes and social acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community. Many of them have risked their careers to live authentically while paving the way for future generations of queer talent. The following list highlights twenty-five actors who have made substantial contributions to the fight for equality and representation.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox became a household name through her groundbreaking role in ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and used that fame to advocate for transgender rights. She was the first openly transgender person to receive a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award in an acting category. Cox consistently highlights the specific challenges and violence faced by trans women of color in her public speeches. Her documentary ‘Disclosure’ provides a critical analysis of how Hollywood has historically depicted transgender people. She continues to serve as a vital voice for inclusion within the entertainment industry and beyond.

Ian McKellen

Sir Ian McKellen is a titan of stage and screen who is known globally for his roles in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘X-Men’. He publicly came out in 1988 during a radio interview to oppose Section 28 which was a British law prohibiting the promotion of homosexuality. McKellen co-founded Stonewall in the United Kingdom to lobby for legal and social equality for LGBTQ+ individuals. He frequently visits schools to discuss the impact of bullying and to encourage young people to embrace their identities. His decades of activism have made him one of the most respected figures in the global rights movement.

Elliot Page

Elliot Page captured the world’s attention with his Oscar-nominated performance in ‘Juno’ and later starred in ‘The Umbrella Academy’. He publicly came out as transgender in 2020 and immediately became one of the most visible trans men in the world. Page uses his platform to fight against anti-trans legislation in the United States and advocates for better healthcare access. His memoir details the difficulties of navigating Hollywood while suppressing one’s true self. He serves as an executive producer on projects that aim to tell authentic queer stories.

George Takei

George Takei gained initial fame as Sulu in the original ‘Star Trek’ series and has since become a powerful social media influencer. He uses his massive online following to champion marriage equality and human rights causes. Takei often draws parallels between the discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community and his childhood experience in Japanese-American internment camps. He has served as a spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign to promote workplace equality. His wit and humor help him engage a broad audience in serious political discussions.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter achieved mainstream superstardom with his Emmy-winning role in ‘Pose’ after a successful career on Broadway. He challenges gender norms on every red carpet by wearing gowns and non-traditional formal wear. Porter speaks openly about his HIV-positive status to break the stigma surrounding the virus and to advocate for survivors. He works with various organizations to support homeless LGBTQ+ youth and those rejected by their families. His fashion choices and vocal advocacy have redefined masculinity in the public eye.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon is best known for her portrayal of Miranda Hobbes in ‘Sex and the City’ and its revival ‘And Just Like That…’. She has been a vocal activist for marriage equality and public education funding in New York for many years. Nixon ran for Governor of New York to push for progressive policies that benefit marginalized communities. She frequently speaks at rallies and political events to demand protection for queer rights. Her transition from acting to political activism highlights her dedication to systemic change.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Jesse Tyler Ferguson brought a gay father into millions of living rooms through his role on the hit sitcom ‘Modern Family’. He founded the organization Tie The Knot to advocate for marriage equality across the United States. The foundation sells bow ties to raise funds for various LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. Ferguson utilizes his comedic background to make the conversation around equal rights accessible and disarming. He continues to support organizations that fight against discrimination in all its forms.

Wilson Cruz

Wilson Cruz made history playing the first openly gay teenager on television in ‘My So-Called Life’. He currently serves on the board of GLAAD and works to ensure accurate media representation of LGBTQ+ people. Cruz starred in ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ where he was part of the first gay couple in the franchise’s history. He travels the country to speak about the importance of intersectional advocacy for Afro-Latino and queer communities. His career demonstrates a lifelong commitment to visibility and acceptance.

Angelica Ross

Angelica Ross is a businesswoman and actress known for her powerful performances in ‘Pose’ and ‘American Horror Story’. She founded TransTech Social Enterprises to help transgender people find employment and learn technical skills. Ross speaks candidly about the discrimination she faced in the industry to push for better hiring practices. Her work focuses on economic empowerment as a means of liberation for the trans community. She remains a fierce critic of performative allyship in Hollywood.

Dan Levy

Dan Levy created, wrote, and starred in ‘Schitt’s Creek’ which swept the Emmy Awards and was celebrated for its lack of homophobia. He consciously decided to depict a world where queer love was accepted without trauma or bigotry. The show’s massive success proved that audiences crave positive and normalized LGBTQ+ representation. Levy raises funds for food banks and supports businesses owned by underrepresented groups. He advocates for kindness and inclusivity through his creative projects and social media presence.

RuPaul

RuPaul Charles is the world’s most famous drag queen and the host of the global phenomenon ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’. He has brought drag culture from the underground ballroom scene into mainstream television entertainment. The show provides a platform for hundreds of queer artists to share their stories of struggle and triumph. RuPaul encourages self-love and acceptance with his mantra about loving oneself before loving others. His empire has created unprecedented visibility for gender non-conforming performers.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson is a celebrated actress known for her versatile roles in ‘American Horror Story’ and ‘Ratched’. She lives her life openly and often discusses the importance of visibility for older queer women. Paulson rejects labels that limit her identity and advocates for the freedom to love who you want. She supports various charities that provide resources for LGBTQ+ individuals in crisis. Her success demonstrates that being out does not hinder a prolific acting career.

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris charmed audiences in ‘How I Met Your Mother’ and became one of the first major stars to come out while on a hit show. He and his husband David Burtka have been highly visible parents to their twins. Harris frequently hosts award shows and events where he promotes inclusivity and humor. His openness about his family life helps normalize same-sex parenting for mainstream America. He supports The Trevor Project and other crisis intervention services for youth.

Alan Cumming

Alan Cumming is a Scottish actor and author who has received an OBE for his activism and contributions to the arts. He has campaigned for LGBTQ+ rights in both the United Kingdom and the United States for decades. Cumming hosts the reality competition ‘The Traitors’ and brings his camp sensibility to every project. He works with organizations that fight HIV/AIDS and supports queer asylum seekers. His memoir and public appearances are filled with advocacy for sexual fluidity.

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto gained fame as Spock in the ‘Star Trek’ reboot films and publicly came out to combat teenage suicide rates. He recorded a video for the It Gets Better project to offer hope to bullied youth. Quinto produces films and documentaries that focus on queer history and social justice issues. He actively campaigns for political candidates who support equality legislation. His work emphasizes the responsibility of successful actors to uplift those who are struggling.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer is known for his roles in ‘White Collar’ and ‘The Normal Heart’ where he depicted the tragedy of the AIDS crisis. He received an award from GLSEN for his work to create safe schools for all students. Bomer speaks openly about his husband and three children to provide a positive example of a gay family unit. He advocates for better representation of LGBTQ+ characters in film and television. His presence in Hollywood challenges stereotypes about leading men.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart skyrocketed to fame with ‘Twilight’ and has since become an icon for fluid sexuality and independent cinema. She is open about her relationships with women and refuses to define her sexual orientation with rigid labels. Stewart portrayed Princess Diana in ‘Spencer’ and starred in the lesbian holiday rom-com ‘Happiest Season’. Her nonchalant approach to her public image encourages young people to embrace ambiguity. She uses her red carpet appearances to challenge gendered fashion norms.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg is a young actor known for ‘The Hate U Give’ who identifies as non-binary and gay. They use their platform to discuss intersectional feminism and the specific experiences of black queer youth. Stenberg is vocal about the need to dismantle systems of oppression within the entertainment industry. They carefully select roles that challenge societal norms and highlight diverse narratives. Their articulate interviews have made them a voice of reason for Generation Z.

Indya Moore

Indya Moore is a model and actor who broke barriers with their role as Angel in the series ‘Pose’. They are a staunch advocate for the safety and dignity of transgender and non-binary people. Moore uses social media to organize direct aid for marginalized folks who are struggling with housing and food insecurity. They frequently speak out against the fashion industry’s exploitation of trans bodies. Their activism is rooted in community care and tangible support.

Sara Ramirez

Sara Ramirez played the longest-running LGBTQ+ character in television history on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. They came out as bisexual and later as non-binary to increase visibility for these often-erased identities. Ramirez serves on the board of the True Colors United organization to help end homelessness among queer youth. They played the divisive but groundbreaking non-binary character Che Diaz in ‘And Just Like That…’. Their advocacy focuses on the intersection of race and gender identity.

Cara Delevingne

Cara Delevingne transitioned from a supermodel to an actress with roles in ‘Paper Towns’ and ‘Suicide Squad’. She identifies as pansexual and is known for her candid discussions about mental health and sexuality. Delevingne works with The Trevor Project and donates to causes that support LGBTQ+ rights globally. She produced a documentary series exploring how sexuality is understood in different cultures. Her openness helps to de-stigmatize non-monosexual identities.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

Mj Rodriguez made history as the first transgender performer to win a Golden Globe for her role in ‘Pose’. She advocates for more opportunities for trans actors in roles that are not centered solely on trauma. Rodriguez works to uplift the Afro-Latino community and highlights the contributions of trans women to pop culture. She emphasizes the importance of joy and resilience in queer storytelling. Her win was a watershed moment for industry recognition.

Bowen Yang

Bowen Yang is the first Chinese-American cast member of ‘Saturday Night Live’ and one of its few openly gay stars. He brings a distinctly queer comedic sensibility to the sketch show and writes characters that celebrate gay culture. Yang hosts a popular podcast where he discusses pop culture through a queer lens. He speaks out against anti-Asian hate crimes and advocates for intersectional solidarity. His success has opened doors for queer Asian comedians.

Ariana DeBose

Ariana DeBose became the first openly queer woman of color to win an Academy Award for acting for ‘West Side Story’. She founded the Unruly Hearts Initiative to connect young people with organizations that support LGBTQ+ mental health. DeBose frequently speaks about the importance of Afro-Latina representation on screen and on stage. She uses her acceptance speeches to send messages of hope to those questioning their identity. Her vibrant energy champions inclusivity in the Broadway and film communities.

Jamie Clayton

Jamie Clayton is a transgender actress best known for her role as Nomi Marks in the sci-fi series ‘Sense8’. She advocates for trans actors to be cast in cisgender roles and fights against the practice of cis actors playing trans characters. Clayton starred in the reboot of ‘Hellraiser’ as the iconic Pinhead which shattered gender expectations for horror villains. She works to ensure that trans narratives are written and directed by trans people. Her career pushes the boundaries of what is possible for trans talent.

Let us know which of these inspiring activists you admire most in the comments.