Think about how nice it would be to see someone like you on TV — LGBTQ celebrities proudly owning their truth and thriving. Imagine what it would feel like to be seen and to hear someone like you say that all of your stories matter.
For a while now, LGBTQ+ celebrities have been trying to break the stigma and discrimination against the community. They’ve challenged stereotypes and shown they can be as talented, impactful, and capable as everyone else.
As you dive into their stories in this article, you’ll see how they have fought for change and stood up for you and themselves.
PIONEER LGBTQ CELEBRITIES In Entertainment
The entertainment industry has not always been inclusive. After all, the LGBTQ communities had to hide their identities for the majority of their lives. A lot of the LGBTQ shied under the risk of discrimination and criminalization, valid accounts of anxiety and depression mired multiples, and others worried about being killed.
The same was true for some LGBTQ celebrities, yet some risked their lives and careers to pave the way for everyone else. Here are two famous LGBTQ celebrities who pioneered more excellent community representation.
Rock Hudson
Rock Hudson was a major Hollywood star in the 1950s and 1960s, and he was best known for his romantic comedies such as Pillow Talk. While Hudson was mainly discreet about his sexuality, he outed himself as gay when he publicly disclosed his AIDS diagnosis in 1985. Hudson died shortly after his announcement. Tabloids published salacious details about his personal life.
Hudson then faced posthumous criticism due to a lawsuit filed by an ex-lover. After this was settled, his will revealed that he dedicated $250,000 to AIDS research.
Ellen DeGeneres
Ellen DeGeneres came out as gay both personally and through her sitcom Ellen in 1997. Following her announcement, DeGeneres faced significant backlash and criticism from the public. There were several articles about her in tabloids, the religious right condemned her, she received a multitude of hate mail and death threats, and sponsors withdrew from her show. After five seasons of Ellen, it was eventually canceled, and DeGeneres suffered from depression.
DeGeneres returned and was critically panned in 2001 as a gay character in a short-lived sitcom before successfully starting The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2003.
Breaking Barriers In Sports
Sports is a space long dominated by traditional values, which is why it’s so tricky for LGBTQ+ athletes to truly show who they are.
Here are two perfect examples of athletes who have broken the stigmatization against the community.
Billie Jean King
Billie Jean King was one of the first LGBTQ+ athletes. King was a well-known tennis player who won 39 Grand Slam titles across women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.
In 1981, King was publicly outed as a lesbian woman during one of her tournaments. In less than 24 hours, King lost all of her endorsement deals. While her lawyers were scared of the extreme backlash that King might receive, the public was primarily supportive of King’s bravery and comfort in her skin and sexuality.
Michael Sam
In 2014, Michael Sam made history as the first openly gay player drafted into the National Football League. Sam completed his college football career before publicly coming out as gay. While Sam had never played a regular-season NFL game, his coming out encouraged many teams to demonstrate that the LGBTQ+ community was welcome to play actively.
Advocates For Change
LGBTQ celebrities are powerful voices for social change; some have used their influence to advocate for the community’s rights, funding, and support.
Some notable examples of these are Elton John and Laverne Cox.
Elton John
Elton John came out as a bisexual man in 1976 during an interview with the Rolling Stones. He later came out as gay through the same magazine, but this time stated that coming out was the most liberating act he’s ever done. In a world where many struggled to reach out for help because of their sexuality, John’s interviews were groundbreaking for both physical and mental health initiatives.
Above all this, John’s AIDS Foundation raised hundreds of millions of dollars for AIDS research and supported LGBTQ+ health initiatives worldwide. He also uses his platform to destigmatize AIDS and push for LGBTQ+ inclusive healthcare.
Laverne Cox
Actress and equal rights advocate Laverne Cox is the first openly transgender person nominated for a Primetime Emmy for her role as Sophia Burset on Orange is the New Black.
Cox uses her visibility to educate the public about gender equality and the challenges faced by transgender individuals. Cox is known for not allowing these to hinder her from success and encouraging her audience to thrive despite their gender identity and sexuality.
Current LGBTQ+ Icons And Emerging Voices
Today’s famous LGBTQ celebrities continue to redefine what it means to be queer in the public eye. Here are some new icons that you may be more familiar with.
Chappell Roan
Chappell Roan is a rising pop artist known for giving queer youth a voice in mainstream pop music. With songs such as Good Luck, Babe, and Pink Pony Club, Roan illustrates the everyday LGBTQ+ experiences in an empowering, unique, and relatable way.
Lil Nas X
Lil Nas X is the perfect example of a bold and unapologetically queer persona in the entertainment industry. He made history with his song, Montero (Call Me By Your Name), and its equally controversial music video. Lil Nas X shows the youth that you can still be bold and thrive in traditional spaces such as hip-hop.
In Conclusion
LGBTQ celebrities have come a long way. From early pioneers like Elton John and Ellen DeGeneres to your new favorite artists such as Chappell Roan, they have helped multiple people like you to embrace themselves.
And with these changes coming into place as your idols continue to fight for your rights and educate the masses, opportunities for yourself and your health will surely come around. Whether you may be looking for accepting workplaces, access to mental health services, or LGBT friendly rehab, this growing inclusivity gives you a chance to thrive.
If you’re looking for LGBT rehab centers where you, your existence, and your progress are always worth celebrating, visit us at Cielo Treatment Center!
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