The Most Inspiring Gay Asian Celebrities
Representation keeps growing across film, television, music, fashion, and digital media, and many openly gay Asian stars have helped open doors through consistent work and public visibility. Their careers include lead roles on major series, breakout films that reached wide audiences, bestselling books, arena tours, and headline stages at festivals and awards shows.
This list highlights widely known achievements, notable credits, and specific projects that have brought each person to large audiences. You will find details on key roles, albums, shows, and milestones that shaped their careers and increased LGBTQ visibility across Asia and the global diaspora.
George Takei
George Takei became known worldwide as Hikaru Sulu on the original ‘Star Trek’ series and he returned to the role in multiple feature films. He helped bring his life story to the musical Allegiance and appeared in the documentary ‘To Be Takei’.
He has given talks about the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II and has supported marriage equality campaigns in the United States. He also writes books and creates podcasts that reach large audiences every year.
BD Wong
BD Wong won a Tony Award for his performance in M Butterfly and built a long television career with main roles on ‘Law and Order SVU’, ‘Mr Robot’, and ‘Gotham’. He voiced Li Shang in the Disney film ‘Mulan’ and appeared in the ‘Jurassic Park’ franchise.
He has directed theater productions and narrated audiobooks that received industry recognition. He often participates in panels and educational programs that focus on acting craft and representation.
Bowen Yang
Bowen Yang joined the cast of ‘Saturday Night Live’ and became one of the show’s most visible performers and writers. He appeared in the films ‘Fire Island’ and ‘Bros’ and took roles on series like ‘The Other Two’.
His podcast projects and live comedy appearances keep a steady schedule between television seasons. He has presented at major award shows and has been featured on magazine covers that profile television comedy.
Joel Kim Booster
Joel Kim Booster wrote and starred in the film ‘Fire Island’ and released the Netflix stand up special ‘Psychosexual’. He appears on the Apple TV Plus comedy ‘Loot’ and tours theaters with new material each year.
He has written for television rooms and contributed essays to major outlets. His festival appearances include Just for Laughs events and other large comedy showcases.
Nico Santos
Nico Santos played Mateo on the NBC series ‘Superstore’ and appeared in the ensemble of ‘Crazy Rich Asians’. He joined the Marvel film ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3’ and hosted and presented at award ceremonies.
He has participated in campaigns for immigrant rights and LGBTQ equality. He has also performed at benefit shows and community events that raise funds for relief and advocacy groups.
Tan France
Tan France rose to global recognition on ‘Queer Eye’ and later cohosted the fashion design competition ‘Next in Fashion’. He published the memoir Naturally Tan and launched collaborations with apparel and retail brands.
He frequently speaks about entrepreneurship and style education and serves as a mentor on televised and digital programs. He also hosts live events that feature designers from around the world.
Eugene Lee Yang
Eugene Lee Yang reached large audiences through The Try Guys and produced and directed many of their most watched videos. He released a short film that announced his coming out and appeared as a guest on talk shows and streaming series.
He writes and directs independent projects that screen at festivals. He has also produced fundraising events and partnered with nonprofits on campaigns for LGBTQ youth.
Gok Wan
Gok Wan became a household name with the series ‘How to Look Good Naked’ and later fronted ‘Say Yes to the Dress Lancashire’. He works as a stylist and author and has released cookbooks and lifestyle titles.
He tours as a DJ and hosts live fashion events across the United Kingdom and Asia. He also fronts television specials that spotlight body confidence and inclusive casting.
Holland
Holland is widely recognized as the first openly gay K pop idol to launch in South Korea, debuting with the single Neverland. His music videos reached millions of views and secured international press coverage.
He performs at pride festivals and ticketed shows across Asia, Europe, and North America. His releases have charted on global digital platforms and he has partnered with fashion magazines for editorial features.
MRSHLL
MRSHLL is a Korean American R and B artist who released the EPs Breathe and Aura and has performed on televised music programs. His singles earned radio play in South Korea and on international streaming playlists.
He collaborates with producers and DJs across Seoul and Los Angeles. He appears at pride events and works with organizations that promote LGBTQ musicians in Asia.
Bryanboy
Bryanboy became one of the earliest global fashion bloggers to work front row at major fashion weeks. He served as a social media correspondent on ‘America’s Next Top Model’ and built long term partnerships with luxury brands.
His channels deliver runway coverage and designer interviews every season. He also hosts digital series that explain industry trends and the business of influencer marketing.
Bretman Rock
Bretman Rock grew a large audience on YouTube and Instagram with beauty and comedy content and later starred in ‘Following Bretman Rock’. He has collaborated with cosmetics brands on limited collections that sold across major retailers.
He won notable social media awards and appears at creator conventions around the world. He also publishes fitness and lifestyle content that expands his reach beyond beauty tutorials.
Pangina Heals
Pangina Heals cohosted ‘Drag Race Thailand’ and later competed on ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs the World’. She runs the Bangkok venue House of Heals and produces drag shows that feature artists from multiple countries.
She judges and mentors on drag competitions across Asia and Europe. She also tours extensively with live performances at festivals and theaters.
Kim Chi
Kim Chi reached a global audience on ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ season eight and built a visual style that translated into headlining tours. She founded KimChi Chic Beauty and placed her products in international retailers.
She collaborates with artists and photographers on editorial shoots and fashion capsules. She also supports fundraising events that benefit LGBTQ organizations and community centers.
Maulik Pancholy
Maulik Pancholy held recurring roles on ’30 Rock’ and ‘Weeds’ and voiced Baljeet on ‘Phineas and Ferb’. He authored the award winning middle grade novel The Best At It and its follow up Nikhil Out Loud.
He served on the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. He also cofounded the Act To Change campaign that addresses bullying of Asian American youth.
Vincent Rodriguez III
Vincent Rodriguez III starred as Josh Chan on ‘Crazy Ex Girlfriend’ and appeared on ‘Insatiable’ and ‘Once Upon a Time’. He performs in regional theater and national tours with credits that include lead musical roles.
He teaches master classes and works as a dance and vocal coach for young performers. He also records cast albums and appears at fan conventions tied to his television work.
Telly Leung
Telly Leung appeared on ‘Glee’ and led the title role in the Broadway production of Aladdin. He also starred in Allegiance alongside George Takei and released solo albums of pop and Broadway standards.
He teaches workshops and master classes at universities and performing arts programs. He participates in concerts that raise funds for arts education and community initiatives.
Andrew Ahn
Andrew Ahn won the John Cassavetes Award at the Film Independent Spirit Awards for ‘Spa Night’. He directed ‘Driveways’ and later helmed the feature ‘Fire Island’ which brought an all Asian ensemble to a major streaming platform.
He directs episodes for television and streaming series and mentors emerging filmmakers through labs and residencies. His films screen at international festivals and receive distribution in multiple territories.
Manvendra Singh Gohil
Manvendra Singh Gohil publicly came out in 2006 and became known as the first openly gay prince of India. He founded the Lakshya Trust to support HIV prevention and LGBTQ health services in Gujarat.
He has spoken on ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show’ and at global conferences about law reform and public health. He also works with shelters and support programs for vulnerable LGBTQ youth.
Raymond Gutierrez
Raymond Gutierrez is a longtime television host in the Philippines with credits that include ‘It Takes Gutz to Be a Gutierrez’ and ‘Pinoy Idol’. He announced that he is gay in 2021 in a magazine cover story.
He continues to host live events and brand campaigns and appears on talk and lifestyle programs. He also works with fitness and wellness partners and speaks about mental health and self care.
Share the names and projects you would add to this list in the comments.