From Academy Award winners to television icons, these queer performers have broken barriers both on and off screen while inspiring millions of fans around the world.

Whether through groundbreaking performances, outspoken advocacy, or simply living authentically in an industry that hasn’t always been welcoming, these actresses have helped reshape entertainment for future generations.

Here are 25 famous queer actresses who have left an undeniable mark on Hollywood.

1. Jodie Foster

One of Hollywood’s most respected performers, Jodie Foster has enjoyed a career spanning more than five decades. She earned Academy Awards for The Accused and The Silence of the Lambs before publicly acknowledging her sexuality in 2013. Today, she’s celebrated not only as an actress but also as a successful director and producer.

2. Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson became a television powerhouse through American Horror Story before earning critical acclaim for performances in The People v. O.J. Simpson and Ratched. Her openness about her relationships and identity has made her an important LGBTQ+ figure in entertainment.

3. Cynthia Nixon

Best known as Miranda Hobbes in Sex and the City, Cynthia Nixon has built an impressive career across television, film, and theatre. Beyond acting, she has become a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and political causes.

4. Kristen Stewart

After achieving worldwide fame as Bella Swan in the Twilight series, Kristen Stewart transformed into one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed dramatic actresses. Openly identifying as queer, she has become an outspoken advocate for authenticity and LGBTQ+ representation.

5. Lena Waithe

Lena Waithe is a multi-talented actress, writer, and producer whose work has expanded opportunities for LGBTQ+ storytellers. She made history as the first Black woman to win an Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series.

6. Kate McKinnon

Known for her unforgettable years on Saturday Night Live, Kate McKinnon became one of the show’s biggest stars through her celebrity impressions and original characters. She was also one of the first openly lesbian cast members in the show’s history.

7. Clea DuVall

Clea DuVall first gained recognition in cult classics such as But I’m a Cheerleader and The Faculty. She later found success behind the camera, writing and directing projects that prominently feature LGBTQ+ characters.

8. Jasmin Savoy Brown

Jasmin Savoy Brown has earned praise for standout performances in Yellowjackets, The Leftovers, and the Scream franchise. She has spoken openly about embracing her queer identity while advocating for better representation.

9. Holland Taylor

With decades of memorable television and film performances, Holland Taylor has become one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses. Her acclaimed work ranges from sitcoms to award-winning dramas.

10. Cherry Jones

Cherry Jones is a celebrated stage and screen actress whose television credits include Succession, 24, and The Handmaid’s Tale. She has received numerous acting awards throughout her distinguished career.

11. Niecy Nash-Betts

Already beloved for her comedy and dramatic work, Niecy Nash-Betts surprised many fans when she married singer Jessica Betts in 2020. Since then, she has continued to champion authenticity while delivering acclaimed performances.

12. Tig Notaro

Tig Notaro combines stand-up comedy with memorable acting roles in television and film. Her honest storytelling and unique perspective have made her one of the most influential LGBTQ+ entertainers working today.

13. Wanda Sykes

An Emmy-winning comedian and actress, Wanda Sykes has appeared in numerous films, television series, and animated features. She has long been one of the most recognisable LGBTQ+ voices in comedy.

14. Elliot Page

Elliot Page rose to fame through films including Juno and later starred in The Umbrella Academy. After coming out as transgender, he has become an important advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility. (Page is an actor rather than an actress today, but is often included in discussions of Hollywood’s queer trailblazers.)

15. Jill Bennett

Jill Bennett has worked as an actress, producer, and filmmaker while creating projects that focus on LGBTQ+ stories. Her career has largely centered on increasing queer visibility in independent entertainment.

16. Jessica Clark

British actress Jessica Clark gained recognition through appearances in True Blood and several independent films. She has also been a visible advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion.

17. Lea DeLaria

Lea DeLaria made television history as one of the first openly lesbian comedians to appear on late-night television. She later reached an even larger audience playing Big Boo in Orange Is the New Black.

18. Sara Gilbert

Known for Roseanne and The Conners, Sara Gilbert has remained a familiar face on American television for decades. She has also worked as a producer and television host.

19. Hannah Gadsby

Although best known as a comedian, Hannah Gadsby has appeared in several television productions while transforming conversations around identity, mental health, and LGBTQ+ representation through groundbreaking performances.

20. Rosie O’Donnell

Rosie O’Donnell built a career spanning sitcoms, films, talk shows, and Broadway. She has long been one of the most visible LGBTQ+ personalities in American entertainment.

21. Bella Ramsey

Bella Ramsey earned widespread acclaim through Game of Thrones before becoming an international star in The Last of Us. They have publicly described themselves as gender-fluid and are an important voice for LGBTQ+ visibility.

22. Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg has impressed audiences with performances in The Hate U Give, Bodies Bodies Bodies, and The Acolyte. Openly queer, they continue to advocate for greater diversity in Hollywood.

23. Raven-Symoné

Beginning as a child star, Raven-Symoné successfully transitioned into adult television roles while becoming an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ acceptance and equality.

24. Cynthia Erivo

An award-winning actress and singer, Cynthia Erivo has received widespread acclaim for performances on stage and screen, with her most recent popularity in the film Wicked. Openly queer, she has become one of the entertainment industry’s most celebrated performers.

25. Cara Delevingne

Although she first found success as a fashion model, Cara Delevingne has established herself as a film and television actress through projects such as Only Murders in the Building, Carnival Row, and Paper Towns. She has spoken candidly about her queer identity and mental health advocacy.

Opening The Door For Future Generations

The entertainment industry continues to evolve, but these performers have already helped reshape what audiences see on screen and who gets to tell those stories. These queer actresses have inspired countless fans while opening doors for future generations.

As Hollywood becomes increasingly inclusive, their influence will continue to be felt for years to come. Have I missed anyone? Which actress have you watched recently that have made you feel seen or heard??