Want to know who stood up first for LGBTQ+ rights and helped build the community we see today?
These aren’t just celebrities – they are the ones who broke barriers, challenged stereotypes, and made the world a little better.
From groundbreaking artists and activists to performers who redefined cool, these icons did more than exist – they changed how we see love, identity, and freedom.
Get ready to meet the heroes who turned visibility into power and difference into strength.
1. Sappho of Lesbos
“You may forget but let me tell you this: someone in some future time will think of us.”
Sappho, one of the earliest and most famous poets of ancient Greece, is remembered not only for her lyrical works but also for the way her poetry expressed love and desire between women.
Her legacy has remained an influential cornerstone in the history of LGBTQ+ culture, with the term “lesbian” derived from her home island, Lesbos.
2. Saint Sebastian
“I am not a mere object of art, but a symbol of strength in the face of persecution.”
A Christian martyr, Saint Sebastian’s image has excelled its religious roots, becoming a symbol of queer desire and courage. Depicted bound and pierced by arrows in various works of art, his image has been reinterpreted by LGBTQ+ artists throughout history.
He became a symbol of how LGBTQ+ people and other marginalized groups stay strong through pain and struggle.
His image, once seen only as a religious figure, now also represents a new perspective on strength, masculinity, and sacrifice.
3. Joan of Arc
“I am not afraid… I was born to do this.”
Joan of Arc’s courage and defiance of gender norms make her an impressive and lasting LGBTQ+ icon. She led the French army to victories during the Hundred Years’ War while dressed as a man, making her a symbol of gender nonconformity.
Her life and death relate to the LGBTQ+ community, whose experiences of rejecting societal expectations mirror her own rejection of rigid gender roles.
4. Marie Antoinette
“Let them eat cake!”
Though she was not gay herself, Marie Antoinette has become an icon of camp, rebellion, and extravagant self-expression within the LGBTQ+ community.
Her dramatic life from Austrian princess to French queen to revolutionary martyr represents courage, change, and a relentless pursuit of self.
Moreover, her legacy has been celebrated by queer culture for her unapologetic acceptance of identity and her defiance of societal constraints.
5. Oscar Wilde
“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”
Oscar Wilde’s sharp wit, literary genius, and tragic life have made him a hero of the LGBTQ+ community.
Wilde was ahead of his time, advocating for personal freedom and expression in an era when homosexuality was criminalized.
However, his imprisonment and subsequent fall from grace made him an iconic symbol of the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
6. Harvey Milk
“You gotta give ’em hope.”
Harvey Milk’s groundbreaking election as the first openly gay man to hold public office in California marked a turning point in the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
Milk’s bold leadership and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community, coupled with his powerful speeches on hope, made him a martyr for civil rights after his tragic assassination.
His legacy continues to inspire LGBTQ+ activists fighting for equality and visibility.
7. Marsha P. Johnson
“No pride for some of us without liberation for all of us.”
Marsha P. Johnson was not only a key figure in the Stonewall Riots but also a fierce advocate for transgender and queer rights. A drag queen, activist, and co-founder of the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR).
She spent her life fighting for the rights of homeless LGBTQ+ youth and for gender-nonconforming individuals. And her impact on the LGBTQ+ liberation movement remains immeasurable.
8. Allan Horsfall
“The fight for justice is long, but it’s worth it.”
Allan Horsfall was an innovator in the fight for gay rights in the UK. As the founder of the North Western Committee for Homosexual Law Reform, he led early campaigns to decriminalize homosexuality in the UK, laying the foundation for future progress.
His activism and bravery in the face of social adversity were instrumental in shaping the gay liberation movement in Britain.
9. Elton John
“The greatest thing is being able to live your truth and not hide who you are.”
Elton John has been a massive advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Coming out bisexual in the 1970s and later gay, he used his platform to raise awareness and support for the community, particularly through his work with HIV/AIDS research.
Beyond his musical career, he has been a philanthropic powerhouse. Moreover, his Elton John AIDS Foundation has raised millions for HIV/AIDS support and research.
10. Madonna
“I’m not interested in being a role model. I’m interested in being a star.”
Though not gay herself, Madonna has been a long-time ally and icon in the LGBTQ+ community. She championed gay rights when it was controversial, featured LGBTQ+ dancers in her shows, and used her platform to challenge homophobia and celebrate diversity.
Her music videos, performances, and cultural impact have consistently celebrated LGBTQ+ culture.
11. Judy Garland
“The world can be so tough, but you have to fight your way through it.”
Judy Garland became a beloved symbol of courage, particularly within the gay community. Her struggles with addiction, mental health, and the pressures of Hollywood made her an iconic figure for LGBTQ+ individuals who identified with her challenges.
“Over the Rainbow,” her most famous song from The Wizard of Oz, remains a cherished anthem of hope, self-acceptance, and the search for belonging.
12. Cher
“A woman can be 80 and still be sexy.”
Cher’s career has been a continuous celebration of individuality and self-expression, making her a beloved icon in the LGBTQ+ community.
Known for her powerful voice, she broke barriers in both music and fashion, defying the norms of gender and age.
Her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility has made her an unshakable ally for the community.
13. RuPaul
“If you can’t love yourself, how the hell are you gonna love somebody else?”
RuPaul transformed the visibility of drag culture through his show RuPaul’s Drag Race, making him one of the most inspirational LGBTQ+ figures in entertainment.
As an advocate for self-love and acceptance, RuPaul’s catchphrase has become a mantra for LGBTQ+ individuals worldwide, encouraging them to accept themselves.
14. George Michael
“I would rather be dead than singing ‘Last Christmas’ at 40.”
George Michael’s music and personal story through the challenges of being gay in the public eye made him a pioneering LGBTQ+ figure.
After coming out, he became a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and HIV/AIDS awareness. His decision to accept his identity made him a role model for many who struggled with their own sexuality.
15. Prince
“I am a free spirit. I am not afraid to be who I am.”
Prince’s unisexual style and unorthodox approach to gender and sexuality challenged societal norms long before gender fluidity was widely accepted.
As a queer icon, his flamboyant performances, gender-bending fashion, and refusal to adhere to traditional masculine norms made him a symbol of self-expression and freedom for LGBTQ+ people.
16. Freddie Mercury
“I won’t be a rock star. I will be a legend.”
Freddie Mercury, the iconic frontman of Queen, is widely considered one of the greatest rock performers in history.
His boundary-pushing performances and unapologetic approach to his sexuality made him a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ representation in music.
Despite his private life, Mercury’s public persona as a fierce artist made him an extraordinary symbol of self-expression and acceptance.
17. Whitney Houston
“I’m not a superstar, I’m just a simple woman who loves music.”
While not gay herself, Houston became a massive gay icon through her powerful performances and emotional depth.
Her music and personal struggles related deeply with LGBTQ+ communities, particularly gay men who found.
The gay community accepted her during her most challenging personal times, demonstrating the deep connection between Houston and LGBTQ+ fans.
18. Lady Gaga
“Don’t you ever let a soul in the world tell you that you can’t be exactly who you are.”
A fierce LGBTQ+ ally who has consistently used her platform to support gay rights. Her song “Born This Way” became an anthem of self-acceptance and pride, explicitly celebrating LGBTQ+ identity.
Beyond music, Gaga has been a significant political advocate. She has worked to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” supported marriage equality, and used her platform to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ rights.
19. Diana, Princess of Wales
“Only do what your heart tells you.”
Diana, Princess of Wales, became an unexpected LGBTQ+ ally by publicly supporting HIV/AIDS patients during the crisis when many were still reluctant to do so.
Her compassion for those in need has made her an icon of kindness, empathy, and human connection.
20. Lea Salonga
“I do what I love and I do it well.”
A Filipino Broadway and West End star who has been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights. Her performances and advocacy have inspired many in the LGBTQ+ community, especially in Asian countries where representation is often limited.
Salonga has used her platform to challenge cultural norms and support diversity.
As a performer who has played numerous iconic roles, she’s demonstrated the power of representation and the importance of supporting marginalized communities.
21. Gilbert Baker
“The rainbow flag represents the world we want to live in peaceful, colorful, and joyful.”
The creator of the rainbow Pride flag, Baker, designed the original eight-color flag in 1978. His design became a universal symbol of LGBTQ+ pride and unity, transforming a symbol of oppression into one of celebration and resistance.
Baker’s flag was more than just a design; it was a political statement. Each color originally had a meaning, representing different aspects of the LGBTQ+ community.
22. Edith Windsor
“I just want to be able to be as happy as anyone else.”
A key plaintiff in the landmark Supreme Court case United States v. Windsor, which was crucial in achieving marriage equality in the United States.
Her fight against the Defense of Marriage Act was a major moment in LGBTQ+ legal history.
After being forced to pay significant estate taxes following her wife’s death, a burden that heterosexual married couples didn’t face, she challenged the system.
23. Maureen Colquhoun
“I was not afraid to stand up for myself and my community.”
The first openly lesbian member of the British Parliament, Colquhoun fought for LGBTQ+ rights and women’s rights, breaking significant political barriers and paving the way for future representation.
Her political career was marked by courage and activism. Colquhoun faced significant personal and professional challenges for being openly gay, but continued to fight for equality.
24. Kylie Minogue
“Being happy and being loved is what we all want.”
An international pop star who has been a long-time supporter and icon in the gay community. Her music and performances have been particularly popular in gay culture, providing a soundtrack of joy and motivation.
Minogue’s dance music and her unwavering support for LGBTQ+ rights made her a beloved figure. However, she has been a consistent ally, using her platform to celebrate diversity and support the community.
25. James Baldwin
“Love takes off the masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within.”
A literary genius who defied boundaries of race and sexuality, Baldwin was a powerful voice for marginalized communities.
As a Black, gay writer, he courageously explained complex themes of identity in groundbreaking works like “Giovanni’s Room.” His writing challenged racism, homophobia, and social injustice with unparalleled eloquence.
26. Sylvia Rivera
“I have been at the front lines of many battles… and I will continue fighting until there is justice for all.”
Sylvia Rivera was an establishing transgender activist and one of the co-founders of the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR).
She was a key figure in the Stonewall Uprising and tirelessly fought for the rights of trans and homeless LGBTQ+ youth.
Her bold advocacy laid the foundation for transgender activism and visibility within the broader LGBTQ+ movement.
27. Ian McKellen
“I am a man who loves other men, and I want my rights.”
Sir Ian McKellen is a legendary British actor, best known for his roles in The Lord of the Rings and X-Men. He came out publicly in 1988 and has since been an outspoken advocate for gay rights.
McKellen’s activism has made him a respected voice in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality, and he remains one of the most prominent openly gay actors in the world.
28. Ellen DeGeneres
“Follow your passion. Stay true to yourself. Never follow someone else’s path unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost and you see a path. By all means, you should follow that.”
Ellen DeGeneres is a comedian and TV host who made history by coming out both on her sitcom and in real life, opening the door for LGBTQ+ visibility in mainstream media.
She is known for her warm and humorous personality and has become a role model for the LGBTQ+ community, especially for queer representation in television.
29. Pedro Zamora
“I am more than just my disease. I’m a person. I’m a human being.”
Pedro Zamora was an AIDS educator and reality TV star who appeared on The Real World: San Francisco.
His courageous openness about his HIV-positive status helped raise national awareness about HIV/AIDS and the LGBTQ+ community.
Later, his work and tragic death from AIDS have made him an icon in the LGBTQ+ fight for health equality.
30. Laverne Cox
“When we stand up for ourselves, we stand up for each other.”
Laverne Cox is an Emmy-nominated actress best known for her role as Sophia Burset in Orange Is the New Black.
As a transgender advocate, Cox has broken barriers for trans representation in the media and is celebrated for being one of the first openly transgender people to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy.
31. Tom of Finland
“My art is all about joy, pleasure, and the freedom to be yourself.”
Tom of Finland, born Touko Laaksonen, was a Finnish artist whose bold homoerotic drawings became an emblem of gay liberation.
His iconic works, often portraying muscular, hyper-masculine men, celebrated sexual freedom and challenged traditional notions of masculinity.
His legacy continues to inspire LGBTQ+ culture today.
32. Divine (Harris Glenn Milstead)
“I am not an actor. I am a performer who simply loves performing.”
Divine was a drag performer and actor known for his collaborations with filmmaker John Waters.
He became an icon for challenging gender and beauty norms and is considered one of the first drag queens to achieve mainstream recognition.
Additionally, Divine’s larger-than-life persona made him a symbol of queer performance and rebellion.
33. Larry Kramer
“The fight for AIDS is a fight for all of us. It’s a fight for everyone.”
Larry Kramer was a playwright and activist best known for founding ACT UP, a radical LGBTQ+ organization that fought for the rights of those living with HIV/AIDS.
His outspoken advocacy for people with HIV made him one of the leading voices of the AIDS crisis.
34. Sylvester
“I want people to know that you can do what you want in life. You don’t have to conform to other people’s ideas of what you’re supposed to be.”
Sylvester, also known as the “Queen of Disco,” was a disco singer whose flamboyant style and music became anthems for the LGBTQ+ community.
His songs, including “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real),” became powerful expressions of self-empowerment and pride.
35. Bayard Rustin
“We need, in every community, a group of angelic troublemakers.”
Bayard Rustin was a civil rights leader and a key advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He was openly gay at a time when that was a highly controversial and dangerous stance to take.
Rustin’s influence in the civil rights movement, especially in organizing the 1963 March on Washington, remains unparalleled.
Each story shows how one person can change the world by simply existing loudly and proudly. Their support reminds us that love is love, and everyone deserves to shine exactly as they are.
