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Whilst there are, thankfully, a growing number of prominent LGBT figures across the world from all walks of life today, when it comes to considering some of the most influential and/or prominent members of the LGBT community over the last 150 years, we have compiled the following top ten.
Of course, as always, let us know if there is anyone you think we have missed who should be on the list.
Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)
Wilde was a celebrated playwright, poet, and author, known for his brilliant wit, flamboyant style, and tragic imprisonment for “gross indecency” due to his homosexual relationships at a time when it was illegal to be gay in the UK. His works, including “The Importance of Being Earnest” and “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” continue to be celebrated for their wit and critique of social norms. Wilde is a symbol of the struggles faced by the LGBT community and the enduring spirit of defiance and resilience. In recent years he has been named as the “most quotable figure” in the history of the English language.
Alan Turing (1912-1954)
Turing was a pioneering mathematician, logician, and computer scientist whose work played a crucial role in breaking the Nazi Enigma code during World War II. Despite his contributions, Turing was prosecuted for homosexual acts and subjected to chemical castration, leading to his untimely death by suicide in 1954. He is remembered not only for his scientific genius but also as a symbol of the injustice faced by LGBT individuals.
Turing received an official apology from the then Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, on behalf of the UK Government in 2009, a posthumous royal pardon in 2013, and the “Alan Turing law” was introduced into the Policing and Crime Act 2017 to pardon men who were cautioned or convicted under historical legislation that outlawed homosexual acts that are no longer considered offences.
Harvey Milk (1930-1978)
Milk made history in 1977 as the first openly gay elected official in California, serving on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. His advocacy for gay rights, significant involvement in the introduction of anti-discrimination legislation on the basis of sexual orientation, defeat of a proposed ban for gay and lesbian teachers and his tragic assassination made him a martyr for the LGBT movement, inspiring political activism aimed at ending discrimination against LGBT people and helping to create the liberal, inclusive city which San Francisco was to become.
Milk’s story was publicised to a modern audience in the award-winning 2008 film “Milk”, with the gay rights activist and politician brought to life by Sean Penn who won an Oscar for the role.
Elton John (nascido em 1947)
The world-renowned musician and composer has been an outspoken advocate for LGBT rights and HIV/AIDS awareness for decades. His Elton John AIDS Foundation – which was established in 1992 following the death of close friends including Freddie Mercury – has raised over $600 million for AIDS research and treatment, and he has used his platform to champion equality and acceptance.
Elton John has been formally recognised for his philanthropy twice, with a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II in 1998 and with his appointment to be a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour in 2020.
Freddie Mercury (1946-1991)
The lead vocalist and frontman for the rock band Queen, Mercury was known for his spectacular voice and stage presence. While he did not publicly come out as gay during his lifetime, his sexuality became an important aspect of his legacy, challenging norms and inspiring the LGBT community through his music and life.
Having been diagnosed with AIDS in 1987, Mercury died in 1991 at the age of 45, the day after formally announcing his diagnosis to the world. The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert for AIDS Awareness was organised by the remaining members of Queen the following year in tribute to Freddie and to raise funding for and awareness of AIDS.
Ellen DeGeneres (nascida em 1958)
DeGeneres made television history when she came out as a lesbian on her sitcom “Ellen” in 1997, becoming a trailblazer for LGBT representation in the media. She has since been a prominent advocate for LGBT rights, using her platform to promote acceptance and equality.
Ellen has also supported numerous charities over the years, donating nearly half a billion dollars via The Ellen DeGeneres Show to charity supporting children, animals, cancer sufferers and many others.
RuPaul (nascido em 1960)
As the first openly gay television host in 1996, RuPaul changed the landscape of television with “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” bringing drag culture into mainstream consciousness and fostering a greater understanding and acceptance of the LGBT community.
RuPaul has used his platform to advocate for LGBT rights and raise awareness about issues affecting the community. Through his show, public appearances, and social media, he has spoken out on topics ranging from marriage equality to anti-discrimination laws, encouraging his followers to engage with their communities and push for change. RuPaul has also supported charities and causes that benefit the LGBT community. This includes raising awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS research and support services, as well as organisations that support LGBT youth.
Jodie Foster (nascida em 1962)
An acclaimed, multi-award winning actress and director, Foster has been a prominent figure in Hollywood for decades. Whilst she had publicly acknowledged her long-term relationship with producer Cydney Bernard years earlier, Foster’s on stage reference to her sexuality at the 70th Golden Globe Awards in 2013 was seen as a significant moment for LGBT visibility in the entertainment industry, showcasing the importance of representation.
Jim Parsons (nascido em 1973)
Best known for his role as Dr Sheldon Cooper on the award-winning TV sitcom, “The Big Bang Theory“, Parsons has been open about his sexuality and married life with husband Todd Spiewak, contributing to the normalisation of gay relationships in mainstream media and serving as a role model for young LGBT individuals.
Through his career choices, Parsons has often chosen roles and productions that advocate for LGBT rights and tell true-life LGBT stories. This includes the play “8,” which is a reenactment of the trial that led to the overturning of California’s Proposition 8, banning same-sex marriage, or the recent play and film versions of the 1968 play The Boys in the Band, which was groundbreaking for its depiction of gay life.
Elliot Page (nascido em 1987)
Formerly known as Ellen Page, Hollywood actor Elliot initially came out as gay in 2014 before coming out as transgender in December 2020, making him one of the most high-profile trans individuals in the entertainment industry. His openness about his transition has been praised for increasing visibility and understanding of transgender issues and advocating for equality and acceptance.
Page is a dedicated activist for the trans community and LGBTQ rights and has also spoken out in support of the Me Too movement and abortion rights, receiving the Human Rights Campaign Vanguard Award in 2015.
All of these individuals, through their courage, talent, and advocacy, have made significant contributions to the visibility and rights of the LGBT community, using their platforms to foster a world that celebrates diversity and inclusion.
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