Pride “month” may be winding down but Pride lives on every day, and the stars are still out and proud! For so many LGBTQ+ people like me, seeing our favorite celebrities representing, celebrating and defending our very existence is as important to us as ever!
I will not bog down this incredible list of people with my ramblings. However, if you would indulge me with just a moment of your time, I will happily get to the icons!
Being an LGBTQ+ person in today’s world is tricky. From the outside, it certainly seems like we are in a better spot than ever, but there is still so much hate and vitriol surrounding the topic that it must be addressed. To simply gloss over it would be irresponsible.
We’re seeing more and more hate spewed from potential future leaders, and even current ones, about the LGBTQ+ community. Issues surrounding our rights (and frankly, our mere existence) seem to infuriate so many. So, for those of you reading this, I ask only that you let your LGBTQ+ loved ones know that you are there, you love them and you’ll defend them.
The people listed below – in no particular order – have been defenders, pioneers and advocates for the LGBTQ+ community!
28 of Today’s Most Iconic LGBTQ+ Celebrities
Joe Locke
The “Heartstopper” actor is quickly becoming a household name and is now Marvel Studios-bound for the new “Agatha” series!
Ncuti Gatwa
Gaining fame from the Netflix show “Sex Education,” Ncuti Gatwa is now the newest Doctor in the long-beloved series “Doctor Who.”
Lady Gaga
It wouldn’t really be an icon list without “Mother Monster,” would it? Lady Gaga continues to set the world on fire, winning both an Oscar and Grammy in her career!
Renee Rapp
The “Mean Girl” no one would mind being bullied by, Renee Rapp is in a league of her own.
Kit Connor
Another iconic “Heartstopper” star, Kit Connor, is laying the groundwork to become both a media and fashion titan!
Andrew Scott
Never one to shy away from hard-hitting films, Andrew Scott has paved the way for younger queer actors for years!
Yasmin Finney
Yasmin Finney slays in every look and every moment she has! “Heartstopper” owns the beginning of this list, and Yasmin is a huge part of why.
Aubrey Plaza
The queen of dry humor, Aubrey Plaza, shot to stardom on “Parks and ‘Recreation'” and now turns to her witchy side in the new “Agatha” series!
Cynthia Erivo
With her upcoming turn in the movie adaptation of “Wicked,” Cynthia Erivo’s stock couldn’t be higher, and our love for her certainly defies gravity!
Luke Evans
I mean, come on, look at this man! Add in the fact that his personality and kindness outshine his looks, and you have a true icon!
Ian McKellen
He’s Gandalf, Magneto and Sir Ian McKellen. Maybe his biggest role has been as a true pioneer for the LGBTQ+ community for a long time now! Along with his bestie, Sir Patrick Stewart, he has championed LGBTQ+ equality for the better part of the 2000s.
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Sarah Paulson
From terrorizing us on “American Horror Story” to her stunning role as Marcia Clark, Sarah Paulson has managed to build an exceptional and impressive career!
Troye Sivan
The “Rush” and “One of Your Girls” singer is on his first-ever headlining world tour, and damn, did he go all out! Pulling no punches, his show is queer, loud and proud!
Jane Lynch
Sue Sylvester may well be the only reason anyone watched “Glee” to begin with. Jane Lynch is an icon in every sense of the word. She has made us laugh for a long time and seems to have no plans of slowing down!
Lil Nas X
Never one to be afraid of what the public will say, Lil Nas X owns the moment. His signature looks, music videos and larger-than-life personality have cemented him as a queer icon!
Elliot Page
Elliot Page is a bona fide trailblazer who risked everything to live his truth and live it well. Despite the backlash he received, Page hasn’t flinched. He has stood strong in the face of hate and delivered so many strong performances.
Dan Levy
People forget that “Schitt’s Creek” really paved the way for LGBTQ+ storylines to be considered normal. It is not just something to shock or be constantly spoken about; it just is. Dan Levy is a loud and proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and he has brought happiness to so many with his work!
Chappell Roan
The “Good Luck, Babe!” singer is well on her way to becoming a megastar. She is a vehement defender of all queer people, and she isn’t afraid to tell people exactly where to go if they don’t like it.
Tessa Thompson
We are all waiting for Tessa Thompson’s Valkyrie to get with Captain Marvel, but in the meantime, we’ll settle for her stunning personality and flair!
Frank Ocean
With a voice that is basically sex over the radio, the “Novacane” singer has trapped us with his R&B style for years. Coming out himself only made us thirst for him more.
Elton John
The “Rocket Man” himself has been an LGBTQ+ icon since well before I was even born. He continues to sell out arenas, stadiums and any other venue he wants, as he and his piano have captured people’s hearts for five decades!
Halsey
The “Control” singer came out, stood proud and continues to slay the house down!
Rina Sawayama
The “Hold the Girl” singer recently starred in “John Wick 4,” and continues to grow her impressive career at just 33 years old. With incredible vocals and impressive acting chops, Sawayama has only successes in her future.
Miley Cyrus
We don’t really need to say much, right? Miley Cyrus is her.
Drew Barrymore
Unashamed, open and free. Drew Barrymore is someone who seems to get overlooked when it comes to LGBTQ+ celebrities, but we aren’t here for bi-erasure!
Colman Domingo
We just keep winning! Having another actor who stuns in every role he plays as part of the LGBTQ+ family is yet another sign that we are here!
Kate McKinnon
The “Saturday Night Live” alum has caused so many people to laugh until their ribs hurt for years now. She lives authentically and openly, never once apologizing for being uniquely herself! Iconic.
Mae Martin
The “Sap” comedian has grown their popularity and raised the awareness for non-binary people. With their impressively dark and poignant show “Feel Good,” Martin showed what it can feel like to hide yourself. They’ve earned their place on this list!
Thanks for reading my blog on “28 of Today’s Most Iconic LGBTQ+ Celebs.” For more entertainment and sports takes, find me on Twitter @Steve_Lawson93.