The Most Influential Gay Actresses of All Time

The history of cinema and television has been profoundly shaped by talented women who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community. These actresses have broken social barriers and challenged traditional industry norms throughout various eras of entertainment history. Their contributions range from winning prestigious awards to advocating for authentic representation on screen. By living openly and sharing their talents they have inspired countless individuals and paved the way for future generations of queer performers.

Marlene Dietrich

Marlene Dietrich was a legendary German American actress and singer who became a major star in both silent and sound films. She challenged gender norms by frequently wearing masculine clothing and displaying a fluid public persona. Dietrich is best known for her roles in classics like ‘The Blue Angel’ and ‘Morocco’ where she captivated audiences with her presence. Her legacy as a queer icon remains influential in the worlds of both cinema and high fashion.

Greta Garbo

Greta Garbo was a Swedish actress who achieved international stardom during the golden age of Hollywood. She was known for her enigmatic personality and her desire for privacy throughout her successful career. Garbo starred in iconic films such as ‘Camille’ and ‘Anna Karenina’ which showcased her immense dramatic talent. While she never married and lived a private life her close relationships with women were a known aspect of her personal history.

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin is a celebrated comedian and actress whose career has flourished for over fifty years. She gained early fame on the variety show ‘Rowan and Martins Laugh-In’ before moving into successful film and stage projects. Tomlin has been in a relationship with her partner Jane Wagner since 1971 and they officially married in 2013. She continues to be a prominent figure in the industry with her long running series ‘Grace and Frankie’.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster began her career as a child actor before transitioning into a powerhouse leading lady and director. She earned two Academy Awards for her acclaimed roles in ‘The Accused’ and ‘The Silence of the Lambs’. Foster eventually publicly acknowledged her long term partner during an award acceptance speech in 2013. Her career spanning several decades has made her one of the most respected figures in the global film industry.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson has become one of the most versatile and sought after actresses in modern television and film. She is widely recognized for her frequent collaborations with Ryan Murphy on the series ‘American Horror Story’. Paulson has won numerous awards including an Emmy for her portrayal of Marcia Clark in ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson’. She has been open about her relationship with actress Holland Taylor and uses her platform to support LGBTQ+ causes.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon rose to global fame for her portrayal of Miranda Hobbes on the hit series ‘Sex and the City’. Beyond her acting career she has become a dedicated political activist and even ran for Governor of New York. Nixon identified as bisexual before later identifying as a lesbian and has been a vocal advocate for marriage equality. Her work in both the arts and politics has made her a significant figure in modern queer history.

Jane Lynch

Jane Lynch is an Emmy winning actress and comedian known for her impeccable timing and sharp wit. She reached a new level of fame playing the iconic character Sue Sylvester on the musical series ‘Glee’. Lynch has been openly gay throughout her career and has often played queer characters in her various projects. She has authored a memoir and hosted numerous shows while remaining a visible representative for the community.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart gained international stardom as the lead in the massive ‘Twilight’ film franchise. Since then she has focused on independent films and earned critical acclaim for her role in ‘Clouds of Sils Maria’. Stewart has been open about her queer identity and has spoken about the importance of being authentic in the public eye. She continues to lead major projects like ‘Spencer’ while advocating for fluidity in gender and sexuality.

Holland Taylor

Holland Taylor is a seasoned actress of the stage and screen with a career that spans many decades. She is well known for her role as Evelyn Harper on the long running sitcom ‘Two and a Half Men’. Taylor won an Emmy for her work on the legal drama ‘The Practice’ and has received acclaim for her one woman show ‘Ann’. She has been in a high profile relationship with Sarah Paulson and remains a respected veteran of the industry.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes is an influential comedian and actress who has made a significant impact on the world of stand up comedy. She has appeared in numerous films and television shows including ‘The New Adventures of Old Christine’ and ‘Black-ish’. Sykes came out publicly in 2008 during a rally for marriage equality in Las Vegas. She frequently uses her comedy to address social issues and provide a perspective as a black queer woman.

Cherry Jones

Cherry Jones is a distinguished stage and screen actress who has won multiple Tony Awards for her theatrical performances. She is also widely known for her role as President Allison Taylor on the action series ’24’. Jones was one of the first high profile actresses to be out as a lesbian during the height of her career. Her consistent excellence in acting across different mediums has earned her a place among the greats of the industry.

Portia de Rossi

Portia de Rossi is an Australian American actress who rose to fame on the legal comedy series ‘Ally McBeal’. She later played the memorable character Lindsay Bluth Fünke on the critically acclaimed show ‘Arrested Development’. De Rossi has been open about her struggles with identity and her high profile marriage to Ellen DeGeneres. She has since retired from acting to pursue a career in the art world but remains a visible icon.

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres made television history when she and her character came out as gay on the sitcom ‘Ellen’ in 1997. This moment was a cultural turning point that sparked a national conversation about LGBTQ+ visibility in media. She went on to host the incredibly successful talk show ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’ for nearly twenty years. DeGeneres has received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her contributions to culture and her bravery.

Clea DuVall

Clea DuVall is an actress and director who became a staple of independent cinema in the late 1990s. She is well known for her roles in films such as ‘But I am a Cheerleader’ and ‘Girl Interrupted’. DuVall has since moved into directing with projects like ‘Happiest Season’ which focuses on a queer holiday story. She has been a consistent presence in the industry and a champion for queer storytelling behind the camera.

Fiona Shaw

Fiona Shaw is an acclaimed Irish actress and director known for her work with the Royal Shakespeare Company. She gained wider recognition for her role as Petunia Dursley in the ‘Harry Potter’ film series and more recently in ‘Killing Eve’. Shaw has been open about her sexuality and her marriage to economist Sonali Deraniyagala. Her intense and commanding performances have made her one of the most respected actresses of her generation.

Tig Notaro

Tig Notaro is a comedian and actress known for her deadpan delivery and her deeply personal storytelling. She gained significant attention for a legendary stand up set where she addressed her cancer diagnosis in real time. Notaro has starred in the semi autobiographical series ‘One Mississippi’ and appeared in ‘Star Trek Discovery’. She lives openly with her wife and children while continuing to push the boundaries of dark comedy.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza rose to prominence for her role as April Ludgate on the beloved comedy series ‘Parks and Recreation’. She has since transitioned into a versatile film actress with roles in ‘Ingrid Goes West’ and ‘Black Bear’. Plaza has discussed her bisexuality in interviews and often plays characters with a unique or unconventional energy. Her deadpan style and career choices have made her a favorite in both comedy and independent film circles.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson has become a major star through her roles in the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’ and the ‘Creed’ film series. She has been open about her attraction to both men and women and frequently discusses the importance of representation in blockbusters. Thompson has played queer characters in films like ‘Thor Love and Thunder’ and ‘Passing’. She is a leading voice in Hollywood for diversity and inclusion both in front of and behind the lens.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg first gained major attention for her role as Rue in ‘The Hunger Games’. She has since become a prominent figure in young Hollywood with lead roles in ‘The Hate U Give’ and ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’. Stenberg has been very open about her queer identity and her journey with gender and sexuality. She is recognized for her activism and her willingness to speak out on complex social issues.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox became a household name for her role as Sophia Burset on the hit series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She was the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in an acting category. Cox has used her massive platform to educate the public on trans issues and advocate for equal rights. Her visibility has been a major factor in the increasing representation of trans individuals in modern media.

Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer is an actress and model who rose to fame for her role as Jules Vaughn on the series ‘Euphoria’. She has been praised for her performance and her contributions to the show as a consultant on trans experiences. Schafer has become a fashion icon and a prominent voice for the younger generation of LGBTQ+ individuals. Her success in both acting and modeling marks a significant moment for trans visibility in mainstream culture.

Rosie ODonnell

Rosie ODonnell is a comedian and actress who became a major television personality through ‘The Rosie ODonnell Show’. She officially came out as a lesbian in 2002 and has been a tireless advocate for LGBTQ+ adoption rights ever since. ODonnell has appeared in classic films like ‘A League of Their Own’ and has been a frequent guest on various talk shows. Her career as a public figure has been defined by her humor and her commitment to activism.

Ruby Rose

Ruby Rose is an Australian actress and model who gained international fame for her role on ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She has been a prominent representative for gender fluidity and has identified as a lesbian since her teenage years. Rose has starred in major action projects including ‘Batwoman’ and ‘John Wick Chapter 2’. Her striking look and openness about her identity have made her a significant figure in the queer community.

Samira Wiley

Samira Wiley is best known for her breakout role as Poussey Washington on the series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She followed that success with an Emmy winning performance as Moira in the acclaimed drama ‘The Handmaids Tale’. Wiley is married to writer Lauren Morelli whom she met while working on her first major series. Her career is marked by powerful performances in shows that tackle significant social and political themes.

Lena Waithe

Lena Waithe is a multi talented actress and writer who made history as the first Black woman to win an Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series. She has appeared in films like ‘Ready Player One’ and created the successful series ‘The Chi’. Waithe is a visible queer woman who often incorporates LGBTQ+ themes into her creative work. She is dedicated to creating opportunities for underrepresented voices in the entertainment industry.

Abbi Jacobson

Abbi Jacobson is the co creator and star of the hit comedy series ‘Broad City’ which became a cultural phenomenon. She has since moved into more dramatic territory with the series ‘A League of Their Own’ which she also co created. Jacobson has been open about her bisexuality and her relationships with women. Her work often explores themes of female friendship and queer identity with humor and heart.

Beanie Feldstein

Beanie Feldstein earned critical acclaim for her roles in the films ‘Lady Bird’ and ‘Booksmart’. She has since starred on Broadway in ‘Funny Girl’ and portrayed Monica Lewinsky in ‘Impeachment American Crime Story’. Feldstein is a queer actress who has been open about her relationship with her partner Bonnie Chance Roberts. Her rapid rise in Hollywood has made her one of the most prominent young actresses in the industry today.

Stephanie Beatriz

Stephanie Beatriz is widely recognized for her role as Detective Rosa Diaz on the popular comedy ‘Brooklyn Nine Nine’. She came out as bisexual in 2016 and her character on the show was eventually written to reflect her real life identity. Beatriz has also provided the voice for the lead character in the hit Disney animated film ‘Encanto’. She continues to advocate for bisexual visibility and the importance of diverse representation in all genres.

Ariana DeBose

Ariana DeBose is a talented actress and dancer who won an Academy Award for her role as Anita in ‘West Side Story’. She is the first openly queer woman of color to win an acting Oscar in the history of the ceremony. DeBose began her career on Broadway in shows like ‘Hamilton’ before transitioning to major film roles. She uses her high profile platform to support various LGBTQ+ organizations and inspire young queer artists.

Maria Bello

Maria Bello is a versatile actress known for her roles in ‘The Cooler’ and ‘History of Violence’. She shared her personal story of falling in love with a woman in a widely read essay for the New York Times. Bello has continued to work steadily in both television and film while living an authentic life. Her openness about the fluidity of her sexuality has been praised for its honesty and relatability.

Heather Matarazzo

Heather Matarazzo gained fame at a young age for her starring role in the independent film ‘Welcome to the Dollhouse’. She also appeared in the popular ‘Princess Diaries’ films alongside Anne Hathaway. Matarazzo has been out as a lesbian for many years and has been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights. She continues to act in various projects and remains a respected figure in the independent film community.

Sara Ramirez

Sara Ramirez is an actress and singer best known for their role as Dr. Callie Torres on the long running drama ‘Greys Anatomy’. They made history by portraying the longest running LGBTQ+ character in television history at the time. Ramirez has since come out as non binary and uses they them pronouns while continuing to act in shows like ‘And Just Like That’. Their career has been defined by a commitment to representing complex queer identities.

Kelly McGillis

Kelly McGillis was a major star in the 1980s with lead roles in ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Witness’. She eventually stepped away from the Hollywood spotlight and later came out as a lesbian in 2009. McGillis has spoken candidly about her journey with her sexuality and her experiences in the industry during its more conservative years. She remains an influential figure for her classic film roles and her late in life honesty.

Meredith Baxter

Meredith Baxter became a beloved television icon for her role as the mother on the hit sitcom ‘Family Ties’. She surprised many of her fans when she came out as a lesbian in 2009 during an interview on ‘Today’. Baxter has since written a memoir about her life and her journey toward self acceptance. Her story has resonated with many older adults who have navigated similar paths later in their lives.

Kristy McNichol

Kristy McNichol was a popular child and teen actress who won two Emmy Awards for her role on the series ‘Family’. She also starred in films like ‘Little Darlings’ and the sitcom ‘Empty Nest’ before retiring from acting. McNichol came out publicly in 2012 in an effort to help young people who are bullied for their sexuality. She has lived a quiet life since her retirement but remains a memorable figure for her early career success.

Lea DeLaria

Lea DeLaria is a comedian and actress who was the first openly gay comic to appear on a late night talk show in the 1990s. She gained massive popularity for her role as Big Boo on the series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. DeLaria has also had a successful career in jazz music and on the Broadway stage. She is known for her bold personality and her lifelong commitment to queer activism and visibility.

Daniela Vega

Daniela Vega is a Chilean actress who earned international acclaim for her lead role in the film ‘A Fantastic Woman’. The film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and made Vega a global star. She was the first openly transgender person to be a presenter at the Oscars. Vega continues to act and advocate for trans rights on an international stage.

Trace Lysette

Trace Lysette is an actress known for her roles in the series ‘Transparent’ and the film ‘Hustlers’. She has been a vocal advocate for trans actors playing trans roles and for better treatment of trans individuals in Hollywood. Lysette has appeared in music videos and various television projects while building a successful career. Her presence in mainstream projects helps to further the conversation about authentic representation.

Josie Totah

Josie Totah is a young actress who first gained fame as a child star on various Disney and Nickelodeon shows. She came out as transgender in a powerful essay for Time magazine in 2018. Since then she has starred in the reboot of ‘Saved by the Bell’ and ‘The Buccaneers’. Totah is considered a rising star and an important voice for the next generation of queer and trans performers.

Dominique Jackson

Dominique Jackson is a model and actress who became famous for her portrayal of Elektra Abundance on ‘Pose’. Her performance was hailed for its strength and she has become a fan favorite in the queer community. Jackson has also written an autobiography that details her journey as a trans woman from Tobago to New York. She continues to work as a model and an actress while advocating for the rights of trans women of color.

Angelica Ross

Angelica Ross is a multi talented actress and businesswoman who starred in both ‘Pose’ and ‘American Horror Story’. She is the founder of TransTech Social Enterprises which provides jobs and training for trans individuals. Ross made history as the first openly transgender person to host a presidential forum. Her work in both the corporate and entertainment worlds has made her a unique and powerful influencer.

Bella Ramsey

Bella Ramsey rose to fame as a young actress for her standout role as Lyanna Mormont in ‘Game of Thrones’. She achieved further success with her lead role as Ellie in the acclaimed series ‘The Last of Us’. Ramsey has been open about her non binary identity and her fluid approach to gender and pronouns. Her career is on a major upward trajectory as she continues to lead high profile projects.

Hari Nef

Hari Nef is an actress and model who has appeared in projects like ‘Transparent’ and the blockbuster film ‘Barbie’. She was the first openly transgender woman to be signed to a major modeling agency in the United States. Nef has become a respected figure in both the film and fashion industries for her unique style and talent. She frequently writes and speaks about the intersections of art and identity.

Jasika Nicole

Jasika Nicole is an actress known for her role as Astrid Farnsworth on the science fiction series ‘Fringe’. She has also appeared in ‘The Good Doctor’ and has been a prominent voice in the world of independent theater. Nicole has been openly queer since the beginning of her career and frequently discusses her identity in relation to her work. She is also a talented artist and maker who shares her creative process with her fans.

Roberta Colindrez

Roberta Colindrez is an actress and writer known for her work in the Broadway musical ‘Fun Home’. She has also starred in the television series ‘Vida’ and ‘A League of Their Own’. Colindrez is recognized for her authentic portrayals of queer characters and her commitment to Latinx representation. Her work often highlights the nuances of identity and community in modern society.

Brianna Hildebrand

Brianna Hildebrand gained widespread recognition for her role as Negasonic Teenage Warhead in the ‘Deadpool’ films. Her character was part of the first openly gay couple in a major superhero movie franchise. Hildebrand has also starred in the series ‘Trinkets’ and continues to work in various film and television projects. She has been open about her queer identity and remains a visible figure for younger audiences.

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