The Most Badass Gay Actresses Working Right Now

The landscape of modern cinema and television has been significantly shaped by queer women who bring depth, intensity, and authenticity to their roles. These actresses have not only excelled in demanding action sequences and complex psychological dramas but have also utilized their public platforms to advocate for greater LGBTQ+ visibility. From Academy Award winners to rising stars in major franchises, these performers represent a shift toward more inclusive and daring storytelling in Hollywood. Their careers are defined by a refusal to be pigeonholed and a commitment to portraying multifaceted characters.

Kristen Stewart

Stewart gained international fame as Bella Swan in the ‘Twilight’ saga before transitioning into acclaimed independent cinema. She recently received an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Princess Diana in the biographical drama ‘Spencer’. In 2024, she starred in the neo-noir thriller ‘Love Lies Bleeding’ as a gym manager caught in a violent criminal conspiracy. She has been open about her queer identity for several years and frequently advocates for LGBTQ+ representation in high-profile projects. Her public persona and choice of roles continue to challenge traditional gender expectations in the film industry.

Sarah Paulson

Paulson is widely recognized for her frequent collaborations with Ryan Murphy, appearing in multiple seasons of the anthology series ‘American Horror Story’. She earned a Primetime Emmy Award for her role as Marcia Clark in ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story’. Outside of television, she has appeared in major films such as ‘Ocean’s 8’ and ‘Glass’. Paulson has been in a long-term relationship with actress Holland Taylor and has spoken publicly about the importance of authenticity in Hollywood. She is frequently cited as one of the most versatile performers working in the television medium today.

Tessa Thompson

Thompson has become a staple of the Marvel Cinematic Universe through her role as Valkyrie, a character confirmed as the franchise’s first LGBTQ+ superhero. She has demonstrated her range in projects like the ‘Creed’ franchise and the science fiction series ‘Westworld’. In addition to her acting career, she co-founded the production company Viva Maude to champion diverse storytelling. Thompson identifies as queer and has frequently discussed how her identity informs her choice of powerful, complex roles. She remains a key figure in the push for greater diversity within the superhero genre.

Aubrey Plaza

Plaza rose to prominence as April Ludgate in the sitcom ‘Parks and Recreation’ before venturing into intense dramatic roles. She received critical acclaim for her lead performance in the 2022 crime thriller ‘Emily the Criminal’, which she also produced. In 2023, she earned an Emmy nomination for her role in the second season of the hit series ‘The White Lotus’. Plaza, who has identified as bisexual, continues to take on boundary-pushing characters that defy traditional archetypes. Her recent work in the television series ‘Agatha All Along’ further cements her status as a versatile performer.

Jodie Foster

A Hollywood veteran, Foster has won two Academy Awards for her work in ‘The Accused’ and ‘The Silence of the Lambs’. She recently starred in the fourth season of ‘True Detective’, titled ‘Night Country’, playing a seasoned investigator in Alaska. Her work as a director includes films like ‘Money Monster’ and ‘The Beaver’, showcasing her influence behind the camera as well. Foster used a public speech at the 2013 Golden Globes to confirm her identity and has since remained a prominent figure for queer women in film. Foster’s enduring career serves as a blueprint for longevity and creative control in Hollywood.

Hunter Schafer

Schafer made a significant cultural impact with her debut role as Jules Vaughn in the series ‘Euphoria’. She recently expanded her filmography by playing Tigris Snow in the prequel ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’. In 2024, she took a leading role in the psychological horror film ‘Cuckoo’, which premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival. As a trans woman and activist, she has become a leading voice for LGBTQ+ youth while pursuing diverse roles in the action and horror genres. She also serves as a brand ambassador for high-fashion labels, blending her acting career with the world of couture.

Amandla Stenberg

Stenberg first gained recognition as Rue in ‘The Hunger Games’ and later headlined the social justice drama ‘The Hate U Give’. She recently entered the ‘Star Wars’ universe as the lead in the Disney+ series ‘The Acolyte’. Beyond acting, Stenberg is known for her activism and vocal support of intersectional feminism. She has been open about her identity as a gay woman and uses her platform to advocate for more inclusive narratives in mainstream media. Her transition from child stardom to leading adult roles has been marked by a commitment to socially conscious projects.

Lily Gladstone

Gladstone achieved historic success for her performance as Mollie Burkhart in ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’. She became the first Native American woman to win a Golden Globe for Best Actress and receive an Academy Award nomination in that category. Gladstone also stars in the series ‘Under the Bridge’, a true-crime drama exploring a real-life disappearance. She identifies as queer and two-spirit, often speaking about how her heritage and identity shape her approach to storytelling. She uses her newfound global platform to advocate for Indigenous rights and authentic representation in media.

Ruby Rose

Rose gained international attention for her role in the third season of the Netflix series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She established herself as an action star with roles in ‘John Wick: Chapter 2’, ‘xXx: Return of Xander Cage’, and ‘The Meg’. In 2019, she was cast as the lead in the series ‘Batwoman’, portraying one of the first openly lesbian lead superheroes on television. Rose has been open about her identity as a lesbian and genderfluid individual since the beginning of her career in the public eye. Her physical dedication to stunts has made her a go-to actress for high-intensity action films.

Jasmin Savoy Brown

Brown is a prominent figure in modern horror and drama, starring as Taissa Turner in the acclaimed series ‘Yellowjackets’. She also played Mindy Meeks-Martin in the 2022 reboot of ‘Scream’ and its 2023 sequel, ‘Scream VI’. Her roles often highlight queer characters who are central to the survival and progression of the plot. Brown is an advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility and has discussed the importance of seeing queer joy and complexity on screen. She continues to be a vocal proponent for intersectional representation in both the horror and drama genres.

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