The Supreme Court Can’t Stop the Love of These LGBTQA+ Celebrities

Marriage equality in the United States has been recognized since the Supreme Court’s 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges ruling. However, that landmark decision could potentially be at risk. Recent legal challenges and political rhetoric have sparked concern that the Court might reconsider the case, potentially undoing a decade of progress. Such a reversal would profoundly affect millions of LGBTQA+ Americans and their families, including multiple celebrities.

For decades, countless LGBTQA+ public figures have used their platforms to increase visibility, combat discrimination, and show that equality under the law is a matter of basic human rights. Their stories, careers, and courage have played an important role in shaping public opinion and cultural acceptance. Today, 247 Tempo honors these celebrities and how their impact may continue to play a vital role in politics and beyond.

Each of these celebrities has been open about their identity in the public eye, making them part of the ongoing conversation about representation, equality, and the very real stakes in today’s legal landscape. We've found over 40 queer celebs and why they matter, now more than ever. Sources include Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Out, and Advocate.

This post was updated on August 15th, 2025, to reflect the latest news on Obergefell v. Hodges.

David Bowie was an iconic musician whose artistry blurred boundaries of genre and gender. He identified as bisexual, though his public statements on sexuality shifted over the years.

Elliot Page, a trans male actor, came out publicly in 2020. He has since starred in projects like 'Close to You' and become a prominent advocate for trans rights.

Aubrey Plaza has openly identified as bisexual since 2016. She often discusses her attraction to both men and women in interviews.

Frank Ocean made headlines in 2012 when he shared that his first love was a man. Though he hasn’t labeled himself, he remains a rare queer voice in R&B.

Brendon Urie identifies as pansexual, saying he could fall in love with anyone regardless of gender. He’s spoken candidly about love being about the person, not their gender.

Neil Patrick Harris publicly came out in 2006. He has been married to David Burtka since 2014 and they share two children.

Kal Penn came out as gay in 2021, announcing his engagement to his partner of over a decade. He has since spoken about embracing his sexuality later in life.

Jason Collins became the first openly gay active NBA player in 2013. He has used his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports.

Margaret Cho has identified as bisexual but says the label doesn’t fully capture her. She has long used comedy to discuss sexuality and identity.

Sophia Bush identifies as queer, emphasizing that sexuality exists on a spectrum. She has been open about her relationships with both men and women.

BD Wong is an openly gay actor best known for his work in television and film. He has been out publicly since at least 2003.

Clea DuVall is a lesbian actress and director. She came out to friends and family at 16 and publicly acknowledged it in 2016.

Laverne Cox is a groundbreaking trans actress and activist. She was the first openly trans person to appear on the cover of Time Magazine.

Justice Smith came out as queer in 2020. He often uses his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility in media.

Janelle Monáe publicly came out as pansexual in 2018. They have since identified as nonbinary and use she/they pronouns.

Kristen Stewart is openly queer and has been vocal about the importance of representation. She has starred in numerous acclaimed films since coming out.

Sam Smith identifies as nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns. They have been open about their journey with gender identity and sexuality.

Lil Nas X came out as gay in 2019 at the height of his fame. He has since embraced his identity through bold music videos and public appearances.

Troye Sivan is a gay pop singer and actor from Australia. He has built a career on openly expressing queer experiences through his music.

Wanda Sykes came out publicly in 2008. She is married to her wife Alex Niedbalski and they share two children.

Ellen DeGeneres came out as gay in 1997 on her sitcom and in real life. She went on to become one of the most famous openly gay figures in television.

Jonathan Van Ness identifies as nonbinary and uses he/she/they pronouns. They became a fan favorite on 'Queer Eye' while advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.

RuPaul is a drag icon who has helped bring drag culture into the mainstream. He is openly gay and has been married since 2017.

Cynthia Nixon, best known for 'Sex and the City,' identifies as bisexual. She has been married to activist Christine Marinoni since 2012.

Nathan Lane is an openly gay actor with a storied Broadway and film career. He came out publicly in 1999 and has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.

Billy Porter is an openly gay actor and singer known for his bold red carpet looks. He uses his platform to advocate for equality and inclusion.

Sarah Paulson is openly queer and often speaks about rejecting labels. She has been in a long-term relationship with actress Holland Taylor.

Tessa Thompson has said she’s attracted to both men and women. She often speaks about the importance of representation in Hollywood.

Alan Cumming is bisexual and has long been an advocate for LGBTQ+ causes. He has been open about his identity for decades.

Anderson Cooper is an openly gay journalist and news anchor. He came out publicly in 2012 and is the father of two children.

Rosie O'Donnell is a comedian and actress who came out publicly in 2002. She has been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ families.

Demi Lovato identifies as nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns, though they also accept she/her. They have spoken openly about their fluid sexuality.

Colton Haynes, an actor and model, came out as gay in 2016. He has been candid about the pressures of Hollywood and coming out.

Ricky Martin came out as gay in 2010 after years of speculation. He is married with children and continues to perform internationally.

Halsey identifies as bisexual and uses she/they pronouns. They have incorporated their queer identity into their music and public image.

Kate McKinnon is an openly lesbian comedian and actress best known for 'Saturday Night Live.' She has been a visible figure in queer comedy.

Cara Delevingne identifies as pansexual. She has been open about her struggles with identity and mental health.

Adam Lambert rose to fame on 'American Idol' and came out publicly in 2009. He is openly gay and an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.

Matt Bomer is an openly gay actor known for roles in television and film. He has been married to Simon Halls since 2011.

Jonathan Groff is openly gay and has starred in both Broadway and television hits. He has been a visible supporter of LGBTQ+ causes.

George Takei is an actor and activist who came out publicly in 2005. He has been a prominent voice for LGBTQ+ rights ever since.

Pete Buttigieg is the U.S. Secretary of Transportation and openly gay. He is married to Chasten Buttigieg and they have two children.