Queer women have been changing the film and television industries, and even the stage, for years now, bringing authenticity and humor to every role. While some of these women are undoubtedly household names, others have flown under the radar and yet built incredibly successful careers, and that’s what we’re here to explore. Let’s take a look at 11 lesbian and queer women who have now become unforgettable figures.
11. Anne Ramsay
Anne Ramsay is a familiar television personality who started appearing in TV shows during her twenties. Her roles in A League of Their Own, Mad About You, and Six Feet Under confirm her credentials. She also starred in The Secret Life of the American Teenager as a lesbian mom and in the TV show The L Word, playing the role of Robyn. The natural acting ability that Anne Ramsay brings to supporting roles makes her a director and viewer favorite.
10. Drew Barrymore
Drew Barrymore is a star since she was very young and has had iconic roles in E.T., Never Been Kissed, and Charlie’s Angels. She also had queer parts in Everybody’s Fine, Poison Ivy, and Roseanne, and her candidness makes the story more interesting. Barrymore’s risk-taking personality makes her a relevant and inspiring figure in Hollywood.
9. Megan Cavanagh
Megan Cavanagh began with her charming role of Marla Hooch in A League of Their Own. Cavanagh has since transitioned smoothly between voice work, television, and motion pictures. Cavanagh has also starred in live-action queer television series Exes & Ohs, which portrayed lesbian humor. The actress adds humor to all of her roles, both queer and not.
8. Cherry Jones
Tony-winning actor Cherry Jones has graced Broadway with performances in Angels in America, Doubt, and The Glass Menagerie, while also appearing on TV in 24, Transparent, and Succession. She played queer characters in Defending Jacob, What Makes a Family, and Transparent, bringing the same depth and nuance to the screen as she does to the stage.
7. Janet Varney
Janet Varney is best known as the voice of Korra in The Legend of Korra and for roles in You’re the Worst and Take My Wife. She played queer-curious Melina Marquez in Take My Wife and came out publicly in 2018. Varney’s work in animation and comedy has earned her a devoted following.
6. Jena Malone
Jena Malone’s breakout came in Bastard Out of Carolina, followed by roles in Contact, The Hunger Games, and Rebel Moon. She’s played queer characters in Lovesong and The Neon Demon and will appear in Love Lies Bleeding. Malone’s indie sensibility and bold choice of challenging roles set her apart.
5. Jodie Foster
Two-time Oscar winner Jodie Foster is known for Taxi Driver, The Silence of the Lambs, and Panic Room. She played queer characters in Nyad, Hotel New Hampshire, and Carny. Her coming out was a landmark moment for Hollywood, and her intelligence, intensity, and versatility continue to inspire.
4. Wanda Sykes
Wanda Sykes is a comedienne with her own show, Wanda at Large, as well as roles in The New Adventures of Old Christine, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Upshaws, Velma, Q-Force, Broad City, and movies such as “Breaking News in Yuba County.” Sykes is a pioneer in paving the way for queer comedians.
3. Queen Latifah
Queen Latifah is a powerhouse actress whose influence has been felt in music, films, and television. Her film roles have ranged from action-packed dramas like Set It Off to music-based films like Chicago, as well as a number of television hits, such as The Equalizer. These roles have created a lasting impact on the audience, and Queen Latifah’s portrayal of queer roles, as depicted in Bessie and Set It Off, is worth noting. With her gift, charisma, and trend-setting style, Queen Latifah is still shattering barriers within the world of entertainment.
2. Clea DuVall
While being queer herself, she played a significant role in But I’m a Cheerleader. Her other films include The Faculty, Girl Interrupted, and Argo. DuVall also took queer roles in Committed, How to Make the Cruelest Month, and The Handmaid’s Tale. Her lesbian holiday film, Happiest Season, is also a production of hers. Her work, both in front of and behind the camera, had been transformative.
1. Emily Hampshire
Canadian actress Emily Hampshire is most famous for her role in Schitt’s Creek and her romance with Teddy Geiger. She’s also had voiceover roles and won at the Canadian Screen Awards for playing queer characters in The Mattachine Family and Slip. The comedian’s talent, vulnerability, and charm make her the standout star of any production and a fan favorite.
These actors have not just built very impressive careers for themselves but have also helped promote queer stories through their lives as well. Be it stage, screen, or television, their abilities, strength, and genuineness have just continued to inspire more, thereby broadening the base of the entertainment world.