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I can’t help it.” In 2021, she starred in her husband Jeff Baena’s “Spin Me Round,” which sees her co-starring alongside Alison Brie. His continued success challenges assumptions about masculinity and identity in Hollywood.
Russell Tovey
British actor Russell Tovey has appeared in series such as ‘Looking’, ‘Being Human’, and ‘Years and Years’.
Whishaw continues to blend artistry with advocacy in his career choices.
Jim Nabors
Jim Nabors was a TV icon best known for playing Gomer Pyle on ‘The Andy Griffith Show’ and its spin-off. I fall in love with girls and guys. Some may be newer to Hollywood, but are using their platforms to speak up for LGBTQ rights.
Get to know these actors now.
His candidness about gender identity and sexuality has helped expand conversations around representation and acceptance in the industry.
Ian McKellen
A veteran of stage and screen, Sir Ian McKellen is best known for his roles as Gandalf in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and Magneto in the ‘X-Men’ franchise.
He frequently uses his platform to discuss body image, mental health, and gay representation.
Dan Levy
Dan Levy co-created and starred in ‘Schitt’s Creek’, a show that redefined inclusive storytelling with heart and humor. His performance was a milestone for representation.
He has continued to act, notably on ‘Star Trek: Discovery’, while also working as an activist for LGBTQ+ youth and people of color.
“No, and rightly so.”
“The whole point of ‘Philadelphia’ was don’t be afraid,” Hanks continued. His twin brother Max is also an actor, but Charlie has carved a distinct path.
He came out in 2016 and uses his platform to promote queer visibility and mental health awareness. “One of the reasons people weren’t afraid of that movie is that I was playing a gay man.
Then, check out IndieWire’s guide to 10 LGBTQ Film and TV Creators on the Rise in 2023.
With editorial contributions from Jude Dry and Alison Foreman.
Jessica Gunning
British actress Jessica Gunning broke out in 2024 after years as a character actor for her mesmerizing role as an abusive stalker in viral Netflix hit ‘Baby Reindeer.’ Shortly after her star-making moment, she publicly came out as a lesbian in a June 2024 interview with the podcast ‘Reign With Josh Smith.’ Gunning recalled coming out to her friends and loved ones in 2022.
‘That was a mega, mega thing for me because I, for so long, I’m surrounded by gays.
In addition to lending her voice stylings to “The Mitchells vs. —JD
Andrew Rannells
This Broadway baby broke onto the scene with “The Book of Mormon,” catapulting to TV stardom in HBO’s “Girls.” Of his character, Elijah, he told New York Magazine in 2012: “As a gay man, I think there’s a responsibility to show a fully realized person, so even though Elijah might not be the the best person in the world, I want to make him as fully fleshed out and human as possible.”
Anna Paquin
The second-youngest Oscar winner in history for “The Piano,” Paquin left movies behind to star in HBO’s highly successful (and very queer) “True Blood.” She returned to film when she co-starred in Martin Scorsese’s “The Irishman,” in which she plays the daughter of Robert De Niro’s title character.
Quinto is now an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ issues and continues to challenge Hollywood norms.
Jim Parsons
Jim Parsons achieved global fame for playing Sheldon Cooper in the long-running sitcom ‘The Big Bang Theory’, a role that earned him four Emmy Awards. ‘It’s just a fact.
Cause I’ve been trying to date women, but it is so hard. There were more than 500 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills proposed in state legislatures in 2023, so for that reason I want to give the act of coming out the respect and honor it deserves,’ Bush wrote.
Among those questions: should queer roles be played exclusively by queer actors?
It’s an evolving conversation, getting at the very core of what makes the art of acting, well, acting. Let me feel.’
Jerrod Carmichael
Comedian Jerrod Carmichael discussed having relationships with men in several of his specials before formally coming out as gay in his acclaimed, Emmy-winning special ‘Rothaniel.’ The performer recently starred in Yorgos Lanthimos’ ‘Poor Things,’ and created and starred in an HBO reality series about his life.
Andrew Scott
Andrew Scott, most famous as the Hot Priest from ‘Fleabag’ and his role as Moriarty in ‘Sherlock.’ first spoke about his sexuality in 2013 in an interview with The Independent.
Scott has appeared in various TV series, including Budgie, The American, Band of Brothers, The Wars of the Roses, King Lear, His Dark Materials, The Pursuit of Love, Blackout, and The Hour.
His outstanding performances in productions such as Sherlock, The Hollow Crown, Fleabag, and Black Mirror have earned him numerous nominations and awards.
Andrew Scott became an internet sensation for his unforgettable 'Hot Priest' role in Fleabag.
The star will next appear on Broadway alongside Rachel Zelger in a production of ‘Romeo + Juliet.’
Joe Locke
‘Heartstopper’ star Joe Locke came out as gay at 15 prior to breaking through with his leading role in the Netflix LGBT romance series.