The entertainment and technology industries are highly demanding. But it becomes even more so when you’re expected to hide an intrinsic part of yourself. So it comes as no surprise that the LGBTQ+ community has played a pivotal role in stretching the bounds of the performing arts and technology.
Still, the fear of stigma and ridicule from fans and colleagues has often led many celebrities to take extreme measures to keep their personal orientation private. But that’s changing now, and we’re here for it. From your favorite musicians to actors and television personalities, we’ve put together a list of celebrities that openly associate with the LGBTQ+ community.
Andrew Scott—1976, Actor, Cisgender
Andrew Scott’s best claim to fame is the role of Jim Moriarty in the BBC series “Sherlock.” But while Scott has no problem with his being called gay, he takes exception to being described as openly gay. In an interview with GQ, he stated that the term implied defiance he doesn’t feel, especially as he’s been out for a while.
But, if anything, Scott, who enjoyed increasing recognition for his role in “Fleabag,” constantly proves that his personal orientation makes no difference in his ability to play a role. He plays Terje Rød-Larsen in the 2021 TV series “Oslo.” So if he chooses to be less vocal about his personal orientation than expected by fans, that’s perfectly fine.
Sarah Paulson—1974, Actress, Gender Fluid
Sarah Paulson is a multiple award-winning actress who began her acting career in New York City stage productions before featuring in TV series and films. Though she’s openly dated both men and women, Paulson shies from labeling her personal orientation. However, she confirmed in an interview that she understands why refusing to give any label to satisfy what people need can be problematic.
Yet to her, it’s the only way to be true to her authentic self. Paulson, who addresses her personal orientation as a fluid situation, has been in a relationship with actress Holland Taylor since 2015. She plays Linda Tripp in the 2021 release of the series “Impeachment: American Crime Story.”
Bella Thorne—1997, Actress, Cisgender
Bella Thorne is well known as an actress and singer. Since an uncredited role in the 2003 film “Stuck on You,” she’s gone on to land roles, including one in the 2021 thriller “Masquerade.” However, most of us may not know that Thorne directed an adult entertainment film in 2019.
She revealed she was attracted to both boys and girls via Twitter after posting a picture kissing a girl. While she’s retracted it, saying she understands herself better and relates better to the tag pans*xual, her affiliation with the LGBTQ+ community is unmistakable.
