Hollywood loves a redemption arc, but nothing compares to the ongoing evolution of queer visibility on screen-especially when it comes to lesbian and women who are attracted to more than one gender. For decades, sapphic performers have shaped film and television, sometimes subtly, sometimes boldly, but always with undeniable talent. What started as coded glances and hidden subtext has grown into open representation and led to characters that audiences can actually relate to. So, in true fandom style, here’s a countdown of 15 of the most prolific lesbian and multi-gender-attracted women actors who’ve helped transform the landscape of film and TV one standout performance at a time.
15. Cynthia Nixon
Cynthia Nixon has conquered everything from Broadway stages to New York City streets. Having earned Tony, Grammy, and Emmy awards, her stage career alone places her as one of the most accomplished out lesbian performers, bar none, second only to Cherry Jones. She has played multiple queer characters on various projects such as Ratched, And Just Like That…, and Warm Springs, where she played Eleanor Roosevelt. Her openness and advocacy make her a powerful figure for LGBTQ+ visibility.
14. Raven-Symoné
A staple of pop culture since early childhood, Raven-Symoné has starred in almost 400 live-action episodes. Her contributions span far further than just That’s So Raven and Raven’s Home. Raven has become very open about her identity while growing up in the spotlight. She even played a gay character on Black-ish and remains an important role model for young, queer viewers.
13. Kate McKinnon
Kate McKinnon made history as Saturday Night Live’s first out lesbian cast member-and she’s been a comedy force ever since. From Ghostbusters to Barbie and her uncanny impressions on SNL, she brings queer energy and comedic brilliance to everything she touches. Her career began on The Big Gay Sketch Show, and she’s often spoken about how fictional icon Dana Scully helped her recognize her own identity. A full-circle moment if ever there was one.
12. Sarah Paulson
Where there’s Ryan Murphy, there’s likely scene-stealer Sarah Paulson. From unforgettable roles in American Horror Story to Ratched to Carol and many more, Paulson’s range knows no bounds. She’s a multi-award winner, a queer icon, and her long-term relationship with Holland Taylor is adored by fans. In the past decade and a half, Paulson’s career has soared, making her one of the most respected actors in the industry.
11. Lily Tomlin
As one of the least number of laugh factories to be a trailblazer, Lily Tomlin has been the pleasure-giver to the crowd for many years. She is like a one-in-a-million whose likeness you’ve never seen stunt, which is to say that her characters in Grace and Frankie, Murphy Brown, and The West Wing are so different, and then to think she is the voice of Ms. Frizzle too! In the queer movie Grandma and Tea with Mussolini, Tomlin is a queer character. Tomlin’s artistic collaboration, and also the love story of her and Jane Wagner, which hardly anybody knows, but it’s one of the loveliest of the Hollywood queer ones, has made a great number of people happy.
10. Queen Latifah
Queen Latifah conquered music, film, and then television with ease. She has played queer characters in Bessie and Set It Off; her influence as a performer and producer stretches across almost 50 projects. But as a trailblazer for queer women of color, Latifah’s legacy reaches far beyond her on-screen roles.
9. Aubrey Plaza
Known for her trademark deadpan humor and unpredictable energy, Aubrey Plaza has become a queer fan favorite. She’s played queer characters in Happiest Season and Addicted to Fresno, and her openness about being attracted to people of multiple genders has only deepened her connection with LGBTQ+ audiences. Her resume-from Parks and Rec to The White Lotus, is as eclectic as it is impressive.
8. Jodie Foster
With a career that started in the late ’60s, Jodie Foster is one of Hollywood’s most decorated performers. From Taxi Driver to The Silence of the Lambs, the list of her iconic roles goes on and on. She has also portrayed queer characters in Nyad and Hotel New Hampshire. Her Golden Globes coming-out speech became a defining moment in Hollywood’s queer history.
7. Wanda Sykes
One of the few bright lights of American comedy has been the witty and acerbic Wanda Sykes. Along with the sharp comedy in her stand-up, spiritual work in sitcoms, and voices in animated films, Wanda has managed to keep a stable of fans loyal over several decades. Sykes has an excellent sense of humor and is filled with happiness in all of her characters, be it Velma, Q-Force, or Broad City, where she is playing a queer role. Her advocacy as an outspoken advocate has been a significant factor in the increase in the number of LGBTQ+ comedians and performers across the industry.
6. Gillian Anderson
Gillian Anderson has been adored by queer people for a long time. When she is on The X-Files, she is dealing with mysteries about aliens, but what is really fascinating is the fact that Gillian Anderson transforms herself into complex women for The Fall and The First Lady. She made a public announcement that she used to have relationships with women, and her off-screen life, along with her on-screen characters, has now become the source of inspiration for people to see more of themselves through her.
5. Stephanie Beatriz
By portraying a multi-gender–attracted character on Brooklyn Nine-Nine and voicing Mirabel in Encanto, Stephanie Beatriz has given queer community a loud and clear voice in the mainstream entertainment world. On the subject of identity and representation, Stephanie is a very vocal person, and if you look at her work in In the Heights and Hazbin Hotel, you can tell she is not only one facet of a multifaceted artist, but she is also very talented.
4. Keke Palmer
Keke Palmer was the kind of infant actor who was getting major parts, and she is still going on the same route to this day by extending her variety of roles. Some of Keke’s queer roles can be found in Pimp, and Nope, and if you like sci-fi, then you might have heard that the doctor with the queer kink in The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy is Palmer’s voice. Palmer has been very candid about her personal life, and her fans’ unwavering support is mainly because she continues to live her life with her characteristic, unique style, which inspires people to be their most authentic selves.
3. Bella Thorne
The youngest performer on this list, Bella Thorne, has built a multifaceted career that runs the gamut from Disney hits to indie films to music. She’s played queer roles in The Duff and Midnight Sun, and her openness about loving people of different genders has resonated deeply with her fanbase.
2. Jane Lynch
From Glee to The L Word to Only Murders in the Building, Jane Lynch has one of those instantly recognizable faces-and voices-on TV. Quick-witted and possessed of impeccable comedic timing, she’s delivered hundreds of memorable characters over the years. Lynch’s unapologetic authenticity and decades of screen presence make her one of the most influential lesbian actors working today.
1. Lily Tomlin (Again, because she’s earned it)
The great Lily Tomlin is the rare performer who truly deserves double recognition. Having spent over 50 years in the business, she has paved the way for legions of queer women in entertainment. Her work, from 9 to 5 to Grace and Frankie, is iconic, joyful, and deeply influential. Her legacy is one of extraordinary profundity, and it continues to grow.
These women aren’t just prolific performers; they’re trailblazers. They’ve shattered barriers, expanded representation, and helped generations of queer viewers see themselves in stories that matter. Their work proves that representation isn’t just important-it’s transformative. And thanks to them, the future of LGBTQ+ visibility in film and television has never been brighter.