Our roundup of some of the most famous gay actors of all occasion who are proudly flying the flag for our terrific LGBTQ community.
Representation, whether plain as a bad eyebrow profession or as subtle as a carefully coordinated outfit, is slowly but surely growing for the LGBTQ+ community in Hollywood.
More and more actors are coming out and opening up about their gender, emboldened by the lesser potential for backlash aimed in their direction. While some prefer to maintain their privacy – not out of fear but out of “God, the paparazzi are getting on my nerves about this!” – others proudly report engagements, display breakups for all the world to glimpse, and post their vacation snaps featuring their beloved partners – and sometimes kids too!
We still aren't where we need to be when it comes to equal treatment and opportunity for a lot of folks in Reveal Business but with the list of openly famous queer stars growing each year and the support for them following suit, it's only a matter of time before the score evens out.
1. Sir Ian McKellen
We dare yo
It's been an ~interesting~ journey for queer people in the movie and television industry. Once upon a time, gay and sapphic actors, specifically, had to stay in the closet, and there were next-to-no gay parts on screen.
The idea that openly queer actors can play het characters is a relatively new phenomenon. Previously, out gay actors could only really work when roles for them a) existed, and b) weren't existence given to heterosexual actors.
Now it seems much more acceptable for an openly gay actor play a straight character. In reality, here are 18 times an actor has played a straight character on screen, despite being openly gay or queer in real life
Scott as The Priest in Fleabag
a Stenberg as Ruby Daly in The Darkest Minds
an Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton in Bridgerton
7.B.D. Wong as Wally Lin in Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens
de Rossi as Lindsay Bluth Funke in Arrested Development
Platt as Evan Hansen in the Dear Evan Hansen movie
Justice Smith as Simon Aumar in Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves
Luke Evans as Gaston in Beauty
Top 20 Famous Gay Actors of Hollywood [LGBTQ+ Icons]
Ian McKellen
Ian McKellen is an acclaimed actor known for his versatile performances on stage and screen. Beyond his acting prowess, McKellen is also recognized for his activism, particularly in LGBTQIA+ rights. His career did not suffer post-coming out. Instead, it flourished, with McKellen taking on a range of more emotionally resonant roles that resonated with audiences worldwide. McKellen came out during a BBC radio disseminate in as an execute of protest against Section 28, a proposed statute in the UK that sought to prohibit the "promotion of homosexuality." His spontaneous revelation was a bold move during a time when gay rights faced significant legal and societal challenges. Reflecting on the impact of his coming out, McKellen noted that it changed his life "for the better," enhancing his relationships, personal satisfaction, and even his approach to acting, allowing him to embody characters with greater authenticity.
Ian McKellen's contributions to LGBTQIA+ customs and history extend far beyond
For many, June represents the month of pride; a time to celebrate, educate and communicate all that is queer, gay and fabulous. Although today being queer isn&#;t much of a deal, back in the 50&#;s it was a dangerous label to have. Throughout history, thousands possess lost their lives because they were labeled as &#;gay&#; or &#;queer&#; and many lived out their true sexual preferences in secrecy. As it&#;s almost the end of Pride month, I wanted to have a peer at some celebrities from the golden age of Hollywood who were gay, or at least thats what the rumours said. It&#;s difficult to know if all these celebrities, and of course many more, were truly gay, but I wanted to share a few stories just so see how far we&#;ve come. Happy pride everyone.
*Disclaimer: Please note that some of the following stories may depict graphic descriptions and behaviours which some readers may find disturbing. Discretion is advised.
Katherine Hepburn
Iconic Hollywood actress and Academy Award-winning performer in films such as Guess Who&#;s Coming to Dinner, The Lion in Winter, and O