Right now is a remarkable time in Hollywood. Currently, the Writer’s Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA are on strike for fair wages for writers and actors. More and more in the entertainment industry are out, loud, and proudly supporting one another. Prior to the strike, the stories that were being created for the LGBTQ+ community were written and played by LGBTQ+ actors. These remarkable times wouldn’t be possible without the cross-generational trailblazers in Hollywood today. As Pride Month is nearing its end, it’s important to recognize those who are paving the way for future generations.
Within the LGBTQ+ community, a few names are widely known for their efforts in equality. Marsha P. Johnson is known as the Mother of Pride for her trailblazing. In her footsteps, actresses like Laverne Cox and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez made waves in their respective shows Orange is the New Black and Pose. Yet so many others like the aforementioned women exist in Hollywood. Like Alexandra Billings whom you may recognize from her cameo in How to Get Away With Murder. Or non-binary comic and actor Mae Martin, who has a new stand-up special you cannot miss on Netflix. Further, some trailblazers are behind the scenes, like Euphoria writer Jeremy O. Harris. Below are more LGBTQ+ trailblazers and their amazing accomplishments.
13 Lea DeLaria
In addition to her role as Big Boo on Orange is the New Black, actress Lea DeLaria is a bona fide star. DeLaria has been in plenty of TV shows like Will and Grace and the animated series The Oblongs. But what makes her a trailblazer is that she was the first openly gay comedian on TV, including an appearance on The Arsenio Hall Show. DeLaria is also a talented jazz singer and has been in musicals like The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
12 Alexandra Billings
As the first trans person to portray a trans person on TV, actress Alexandra Billings is a pioneer for her community. She is also open about her HIV diagnosis and recovery from addiction in her book This Time For Me, as The Body explains. Billings is best known for her role as Davina in Transparent. She has also appeared in How to Get Away with Murder and The Peripheral.
11 Margaret Cho
Another Arsenio Hall alum, comedian Margaret Cho got her start in comedy at 14 years of age. She has broken barriers as a Korean-American comedian who is bisexual and carved a pathway for herself as well as others who were marginalized. She has been recognized by the ACLU, GLAAD, National Organization for Women, and other organizations for her work in anti-racism, anti-bullying, and gay rights.
10 Ilene Chaiken
In 2004, The L Word premiered on Showtime and took the world by storm. The series was the first of its kind to portray lesbians, bisexual women, and others in a reflective way rather than through a lense. When the series was rebooted, the main writer and creator Ilene Chaiken was brought in to oversee rather than run, according to NBC. Chaiken is a trailblazer because she represents queer women who are confident in who they are and demand space in Hollywood.
9 Eden Atwood
The “I” in LGBTQIA stands for intersex people. Jazz singer and actress Eden Atwood is intersex and started a foundation for other intersex people called The Interface Project. In addition to her music career, Atwood has starred in The Good Life, The Commish, and Loving.
8 Kate McKinnon
Known for her amazing imitations of celebrities and as a Ghostbuster, comedian Kate McKinnon’s early comedy days were the tip of the iceberg. While McKinnon isn’t the first queer cast member of SNL, she is the first openly lesbian cast mate. She has used her popularity to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, including tearing apart anti-gay legislation on SNL.
7 Mae Martin
Non-binary comedian Mae Martin started as a writer for the Baroness Von Sketch Show and eventually appeared in The Flight Attendant. They currently have a stand-up special on Netflix called SAP in which they use some of their time to discuss their coming out. Martin is also the youngest comedian to have won the Tim Sims Encouragement Fund Award. This honor is awarded to new Canadian comedians who show a lot of promise.
6 Dan Levy
In addition to making Canadian TV a top contender for new comedy shows, the success of Schitt’s Creek also paved the way for creator and lead actor Dan Levy’s co-stars. For example, Emily Hampshire who played Stevie has since published a book. Levy also wrote the infamous wine analogy for pansexuality that many people have used to come out.
5 Megan Ellison
Activists and advocates aren’t always on the front lines of change but silently do their part, which is just as important. Producer Megan Ellison is one such queer advocate. When she is in charge of finding directors or crew for a production, Ellison makes sure to place queer people in the room. She has done this for films like Kajillionaire.
4 Hannah Gadsby
Netflix has become synonymous with stand-up specials for up and coming or iconic comedians. From Iliza Shlesinger to Mae Martin, a Netflix comedy special is certain to make one a household name. Queer comedian Hannah Gadsby has just released her third Netflix special, Something Special. In an interview with NPR, Gadsby revealed that writing this special was difficult since she’s been so happy and comedy is often derived from sadness.
3 Jeremy O. Harris
Before writing and consulting on productions like Zola and Euphoria, Jeremy O. Harris was writing plays. His most famous Broadway play, Slave Play, was attended by celebrities and Hollywood executives galore. Though, even with this successful of a show under his belt, Harris made sure a good chunk of the tickets were a fair price. His current project is starring as Matthew in The Sweet East.
2 Billy Porter
The most anticipated actor to walk the red carpet is Billy Porter. Yet it’s not only his fashion that makes him a trailblazer in Hollywood. Porter is the first openly gay Black man to have won an Emmy. He recently received the honor of being immortalized by Madame Tussaud’s Wax Figure Museum.
1 Queer Eye Cast
Carrying on the torch of the previous cast, Netflix’s Queer Eye cast are more than a makeover show. Each of the Fab Five have written several books, partnered with major organizations, all of which has solidified them as queer icons. On the show, each of the Fab Five share personal anecdotes in order to connect with the Heroes they boost.
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