There’s something powerful about seeing yourself reflected in the media you love. For LGBTQ+ fans of games, anime, film, and TV, representation has often been a journey from subtle hints to unapologetic visibility. It’s been thrilling, frustrating, and at times groundbreaking-but always important. Today, we celebrate 15 influential LGBTQ+ celebrities in music, film, and television who have broken down barriers, paved the way for inclusivity, and made millions feel truly seen.
15. Adam Lambert
Before he stepped onto the American Idol stage, openly gay male artists rarely occupied the mainstream spotlight. Following his 2009 coming-out interview with Rolling Stone, Lambert’s soaring vocals, glam-rock style, and fearless performances have made him a beacon of LGBTQ+ visibility in the music industry. From touring with Queen to releasing a spate of hit albums, Lambert has used his platform consistently to advocate for equality and has been awarded for it, including the GLAAD Media Award. He has made one thing crystal clear in pop culture: authenticity can-and should-go hand-in-hand with mainstream success.
14. Troye Sivan
In 2013, Australian singer, actor, and YouTube personality Troye Sivan came out to his fans through an emotional video. Since then, he’s become an icon to young queer audiences around the world, mixing dreamy pop anthems with heartfelt storytelling. Sivan’s rise into film and music represents a commitment to bringing both visibility and hope to young LGBTQ+ people, proving that to be true to oneself has resonance far beyond the screen or stage.
13. George Michael
George Michael made sure to leave his indelible mark upon pop history, from Wham! to his solo, legendary career. He came out in the late 1990s and used his celebrity platform to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, speaking publicly about his own struggles and providing inspiration and solidarity to fans. Michael’s mix of vulnerability, honesty, and artistry forged a trailblazer whose influence can still be felt years following his eventual passing.
12. Rob Halford
Rob Halford is a true innovator when it comes to heavy metal, being the frontman of Judas Priest. Coming out as gay in 1998, he disregarded long-standing stereotypes within such a genre defined by machismo and proved that being authentic is truly an act of rebellion. Halford opened doors to queer artists in rock and metal, revealing that identity and artistry are not mutually exclusive.
11. Sam Smith
Sam Smith burst onto the world stage with their soulful voice and hits like “Stay With Me,” stealing hearts from the very beginning. From coming out as gay in 2014 and later identifying as non-binary in 2019, Smith has been commendably candid regarding both their process and their struggles. Using their platform through music and interviews, Smith advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health. Their honesty about identity and body image has made them a trailblazer for non-binary representation in mainstream music, inspiring fans around the globe.
10. Ricky Martin
As a matter of fact, it was quite a challenge for Ricky Martin to decide between keeping his queerness a secret and risking his career. Eventually, in 2010, when he came out publicly and it was a great relief for him to be recognised, and he took part as a fervent advocate in the LGBTQ+ movement. Besides his music career, Martin also set up a non-profit organisation aimed at protecting children’s welfare and promoting human rights. His transformation from a pop star in the closet to a publicly outspoken activist has been a source of motivation for many of his fans to live authentically and accept themselves.
9. Lady Gaga
Few artists have intertwined queer visibility and mainstream pop as seamlessly as Lady Gaga. Openly multi-gender attracted and a fierce advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, Gaga’s music, activism, and her Born This Way Foundation have transformed countless lives. She has helped young LGBTQ+ fans feel comfortable in their own skin, showing that artistry and advocacy can amplify one another in profound ways.
8. Elliot Page
Elliot Page has been a recognisable figure on-screen for years, from Juno to The Umbrella Academy. Since coming out as gay in 2014 and later as transgender in 2020, Page’s candour has ignited hope within countless fans navigating their own identities. Becoming the first openly trans man to ever grace the cover of Time magazine proved a historic moment, further cementing Page as a key figure in trans visibility for Hollywood.
7. Lil Nas X
Lil Nas X broke through with the viral hit “Old Town Road,” rewriting the rules of genre and identity. After coming out as gay at the height of his fame, he has become a beacon for unapologetic self-expression, fusing rap, country, and queer aesthetics in ways that spark conversation and celebration. His boldness encourages LGBTQ+ youth to proudly be themselves, regardless of judgment.
6. Sir Elton John
He is a living legend whose influence far exceeds the reaches of the music industry. After he came out in the 1970s and then identified as gay, Elton combined artistry with activism, particularly over HIV/AIDS awareness via the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Throughout his many-decade career, he evokes the power that visibility and philanthropy hold, and he has inspired literally thousands of artists and fans.
5. Freddie Mercury
Queen’s Freddie Mercury rewrote the rules of rock stardom. With his powerhouse vocals, theatricality, and unapologetic individuality, he made a mark on music and queer visibility that will never be forgotten. His death from AIDS in 1991 brought worldwide attention to the disease and the LGBTQ+ community, setting in stone his status as a groundbreaking icon whose influence continues unabated.
4. Kristen Stewart
Kristen Stewart is well-known through Twilight and indie films; she came out in 2017 as multi-gender attracted. Being open about her identity and the difficulties of representation, she challenges Hollywood stereotypes and provides a blueprint for authenticity in a restrictive industry. It’s Stewart’s openness that truly makes her a role model for a queer woman or non-binary fan navigating her path.
3. RuPaul
Legendary are RuPaul’s contributions to television and queer culture alike. Through RuPaul’s Drag Race, this reality show has grown beyond a reality program; it is a cultural phenomenon, bringing drag to the mainstream and celebrating individuality. Through humour, glamour, and creativity, RuPaul inspired audiences to celebrate their uniqueness with pride, proving that queerness is something to be celebrated and not hidden.
2. Billy Eichner
Comedian and activist Billy Eichner has championed the demand for more realistic LGBTQ+ representation in TV and film. His work on projects such as Bros and his vocal activism bring a spotlight to what is required: stories with queer characters front and centre, not as sidekicks or stereotypes. Eichner’s hilarious brand of activism places him among the most influential voices in the queer entertainment world today.
1. Elliot Page (Honorable Mention)
Page’s continuing presence as a trans actor in major Hollywood productions serves to inspire millions. Their candid discourses about identity and the trials of being trans in the public eye have shifted perceptions and given young people a model for living authentically. Page’s impact underscores the importance of representation in shaping understanding and acceptance.
All progress considered, there’s still a long way to go. In 2023, only 1.2% of speaking characters in top-grossing films were identified as LGBTQ+, and not one transgender character appeared in the 100 highest-grossing movies. Queerbaiting-hinting at queer identities without actually providing representation-is a frustratingly common tactic that more often than not leaves fans feeling unseen.
But visible LGBTQ+ celebrities make a difference. They help reshape perceptions, give voice to young people searching for their identities, and remind us that queerness is something valid and beautiful. From the anthems of Lady Gaga, through the courageous truth of Elliot Page, to RuPaul’s runway revolution, they all prove that representation isn’t just about who’s onscreen but rather who feels like they are.