2008
La Roux
Elly Jackson, known professionally as La Roux, is an English singer-songwriter who gained prominence with the synth-pop duo La Roux, formed in 2008 alongside producer Ben Langmaid. Their self-titled debut album in 2009 achieved critical and commercial success, featuring hit singles like In for the Kill and Bulletproof. Following Langmaid's departure in 2012, Jackson continued La Roux as a solo project, releasing Trouble in Paradise in 2014 and Supervision in 2020. Her music is characterized by a blend of 1980s-inspired synth-pop and contemporary electronic sounds.
Beyond her musical career, Jackson has been candid about her experiences with gender identity and sexuality. She has expressed discomfort with traditional gender labels, stating, "I don't feel like I'm female or male," and has discussed the challenges of navigating her sexuality in the public eye. Jackson has also highlighted the pressure she felt from the LGBTQ+ community to label herself, despite identifying as gay, emphasizing her desire for personal authenticity over societal expectations. Her androgynous style and openness about her identity have made her a notable figure in discussions about gender and sexuality in the music industry.
2008
Tom Daley
Tom Daley, born on May 21, 1994, in Plymouth, England, is one of Britain's most celebrated divers. He began diving at the age of seven and quickly rose through the ranks, winning the British national junior platform title at just ten years old. Daley made his Olympic debut in 2008 at the Beijing Games, becoming the youngest British diver to compete at the Olympics. Over his career, he amassed a total of five Olympic medals, including a gold in the men's synchronized 10m platform at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. His achievements have solidified his status as a prominent figure in the world of diving.
In December 2013, Daley publicly came out as gay through a video on his YouTube channel, sharing that he was in a relationship with a man. This announcement was significant, as it marked one of the first times a high-profile British athlete had openly discussed their sexuality. Daley has since become an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, using his platform to promote inclusivity and acceptance in sports and beyond. He married screenwriter Dustin Lance Black in 2017, and the couple has two sons. Daley's openness about his personal life has contributed to broader conversations about representation and equality in athletics.
2007
Soko
Soko, born Stéphanie Alexandra Mina Sokolinski on October 26, 1985, in Bordeaux, France, is a multifaceted artist known for her work as a singer-songwriter, actress, and musician. She gained international attention with her 2007 single "I'll Kill Her," which became a hit in several European countries and Australia. Her debut album, "I Thought I Was an Alien," released in 2012, showcased her unique blend of indie pop and folk influences. Soko's music often delves into themes of love, loss, and identity, characterized by its raw emotional depth and introspective lyrics. Beyond music, she has appeared in various films, earning critical acclaim for her performances, including a César Award nomination for Most Promising Actress for her role in "À l'origine" (2009).
Open about her sexuality, Soko has identified as queer, emphasizing her attraction to individuals regardless of gender. In interviews, she has discussed how dating women made her feel more empowered and authentic, leading her to embrace the term "queer" over previous labels. Her personal experiences have significantly influenced her artistry, infusing her work with themes of self-discovery and emotional honesty. As a mother, she continues to challenge traditional norms, raising her child in a non-conventional family structure while maintaining her creative pursuits.
2006
Mary Mac
Mary Mac is a Scottish drag performer renowned for her dynamic stage presence and distinctive "tartan-wrapped" aesthetic. Hailing from Scotland, she has become a staple in the UK drag scene, captivating audiences with her powerful vocals and engaging performances. Mary Mac is celebrated for her live singing abilities, often delivering renditions of classic pop and musical theatre numbers, setting her apart in a field where lip-syncing is more common.
She first rose to prominence around 2006 after gaining recognition on the UK cabaret circuit, particularly through regular appearances at renowned London venues like The Two Brewers and Halfway II Heaven. These early performances marked the beginning of her reputation as one of the UK's top live vocal drag acts. Since then, Mary Mac has become a familiar face on the British drag scene, known for her humour, warmth, and powerhouse vocals.
2006
Sarah Paulson
Sarah Paulson, born December 17, 1974, in Tampa, Florida, is an acclaimed American actress celebrated for her versatility across television, film, and stage. Her first key breakthrough came in 2006 when she was cast as Harriet Hayes on the television series Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, earning her a Golden Globe nomination. She later gained widespread recognition for her collaborations with producer Ryan Murphy, notably starring in multiple seasons of American Horror Story and portraying Marcia Clark in American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson, a role that earned her both Emmy and Golden Globe awards. Her film credits include 12 Years a Slave, Carol, Ocean's 8, and Run. In 2024, she won a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for her performance in Appropriate.
Paulson has been openly queer and has spoken about the fluidity of her sexuality. Since 2015, she has been in a relationship with actress Holland Taylor, who is 32 years her senior. The couple met in the early 2000s and reconnected years later through social media. They have chosen to maintain separate residences, a decision Paulson attributes to the health of their relationship. She has addressed public scrutiny regarding their age difference, emphasizing that their connection transcends societal expectations.
2006
Megan Rapinoe
Megan Rapinoe is a retired American soccer player and activist, celebrated for her achievements on the field and her advocacy off it. Born on July 5, 1985, in Redding, California, she joined the U.S. Women's National Team (USWNT) in 2006 and quickly became known for her skillful play and leadership. Rapinoe played a pivotal role in the USWNT's victories at the 2015 and 2019 FIFA Women's World Cups, as well as securing a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics. Her standout performance in the 2019 World Cup earned her both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball awards, recognizing her as the tournament's top scorer and best player. She concluded her international career with 203 caps, 63 goals, and 73 assists, announcing her retirement at the end of the 2023 season.
Off the pitch, Rapinoe has been a prominent advocate for social justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and gender pay equity. She publicly came out as gay in 2012 and has since used her platform to support various causes, including kneeling during the national anthem in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick's protest against racial injustice. In 2022, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, acknowledging her contributions to both sports and activism. Rapinoe is engaged to WNBA star Sue Bird, and together they have become influential figures in advocating for equality and inclusion.
2006
Daniel Sea
Daniel Sea, born on July 26, 1973, in Malibu, California, is an American actor, musician, and artist recognized for their groundbreaking role as Max Sweeney on Showtime's "The L Word." Sea identifies as trans, non-binary, gender expansive, and queer, using he/they pronouns. They grew up in a progressive household; their father came out as gay during Sea's childhood, and their stepfather introduced them to surfing before relocating the family to Hawaii. At 16, Sea left Los Angeles for the Bay Area, immersing themselves in the punk and queer art scenes, joining collectives like the Gilman Street Project and studying improvisational acting at Laney College. They also performed with punk bands such as The Gr'ups and Cypher in the Snow. Sea's artistic journey included traveling through Europe and Asia, engaging in street theatre, and performing as a fire juggler with a traveling circus in Poland. In 2006, Sea debuted as Max Sweeney on "The L Word," portraying the first recurring transmasculine character on mainstream television. While the character's storyline faced criticism for perpetuating stereotypes, Sea's authentic performance brought visibility to transmasculine individuals. They reprised the role in 2022 on "The L Word: Generation Q," offering a more nuanced and affirming portrayal of Max as a trans elder and parent. Beyond acting, Sea has appeared in films like "Shortbus" and "Itty Bitty Titty Committee," and has been involved in various musical projects, including The Thorns of Life and Bitch and the Exciting Conclusion. As a conceptual artist, Sea's work spans multiple mediums, focusing on themes of queer and trans liberation.
2005
Brokeback Mountain
Brokeback Mountain is a 2005 romantic drama directed by Ang Lee, based on a short story by Annie Proulx. Set between the 1960s and 1980s, the film follows Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal), two young men who meet while herding sheep in the Wyoming mountains. What begins as a brief and intense romantic connection develops into a decades-long relationship marked by longing, secrecy, and heartache, as both men struggle to navigate their love in a society that won't accept it.
The film was groundbreaking in its portrayal of queer love in mainstream cinema. Its tender, tragic depiction of two men grappling with internal and external homophobia brought LGBTQ+ stories into the spotlight in a way that few Hollywood films had done before. Brokeback Mountain won numerous awards, including three Academy Awards, and has become a touchstone in queer film history. It continues to resonate for its emotional depth and its powerful critique of the limits society places on love.
2004
Katherine Moennig
Katherine Moennig made an unforgettable impact as Shane McCutcheon in the original The L Word, which first aired in 2004. With her androgynous style, dry wit, and emotionally complex vibe, Shane quickly became an iconic queer character—someone many lesbians either crushed on, related to, or both. Shane was the heartbreaker hairstylist with a soft centre, a character who often sabotaged her own chances at happiness, but was deeply loyal to her chosen family. Moennig’s portrayal was subtle but powerful, and her natural charisma made Shane a touchstone for a generation of queer viewers who hadn’t seen themselves on TV before.
The original L Word was groundbreaking for its time, offering the first mainstream lesbian ensemble cast on American television. While it was sometimes critiqued for its lack of diversity, it broke barriers by centering lesbian and bisexual women's lives, friendships, and relationships. Shane stood out in that world as the queer antihero—charming, messy, mysterious. Off-screen, Katherine Moennig became a style icon in her own right, known for her tailored suits and laid-back queer cool. She didn’t come out publicly for years, but she was a key figure in giving many queer women permission to explore their own identities.
2004
Leisha Hailey
Leisha Hailey, born on July 11, 1971, in Okinawa, Japan, is an American actress and musician best known for her role as Alice Pieszecki in Showtime's "The L Word" (2004–2009) and its sequel, "The L Word: Generation Q" (2019–2023). Raised in Bellevue, Nebraska, she moved to New York City at 17 to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Hailey began her career in music, forming the pop duo The Murmurs in 1991, which later evolved into the band Uh Huh Her. Her portrayal of Alice, a witty and openly bisexual journalist, made her a standout character and a fan favorite in the series. Beyond acting, Hailey co-hosts the podcast "PANTS" with fellow "L Word" star Kate Moennig, where they discuss their experiences and insights from the show.
Openly lesbian since the age of 17, Hailey has been a prominent figure in LGBTQ+ representation in media. She has been involved in various relationships, including with singer k.d. lang (1996–2001) and musician Camila Grey (2011–2016). In 2011, Hailey and Grey were involved in a publicized incident where they were asked to leave a Southwest Airlines flight after a dispute regarding public displays of affection. Hailey's openness about her sexuality and her advocacy have made her an influential voice in the LGBTQ+ community.
2002
Alice Braga
Alice Braga is a Brazilian actress and producer known for her dynamic performances in both Brazilian and international cinema. Born on April 15, 1983, in São Paulo, she hails from a family of performers—her mother, Ana Braga, and her aunt, Sônia Braga, are both actresses. Braga began her acting career in commercials and school plays, making her film debut in the short Trampolim (1998). Her breakout role came in 2002 as Angélica in the critically acclaimed film City of God, which garnered her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the Cinema Brazil Grand Prize.
Braga's international career took off with her role opposite Will Smith in I Am Legend (2007). She continued to build her Hollywood resume with performances in films like Predators (2010), Elysium (2013), and The Suicide Squad (2021). From 2016 to 2021, she starred as Teresa Mendoza in the USA Network series Queen of the South, marking her first lead role in an American television series. In 2024, she appeared in the Apple TV+ science fiction series Dark Matter.
In her personal life, Braga is openly queer. She publicly acknowledged her relationship with Brazilian actress Bianca Comparato in 2020, revealing they had been together since 2017. As of March 2024, Braga is reportedly in a relationship with producer Renata Brandão. Her openness about her personal life has made her a visible figure within the LGBTQ+ community.
2002
David Delfin
David Delfín (born Diego David Domínguez González in 1970 in Ronda, Spain) was a visionary Spanish fashion designer and artist renowned for his provocative, avant-garde approach to fashion. He co-founded the brand Davidelfin in 2001 alongside the Postigo siblings and model Bimba Bosé. His 2002 debut at Madrid Fashion Week with the collection "Cour des Miracles" garnered significant attention and controversy, featuring models with hoods and nooses—a bold commentary that challenged societal norms and sparked widespread discussion.
Delfín's work was characterized by its fusion of fashion with art, performance, and social commentary. He was a prominent figure in Spain's LGBTQ+ community, openly gay, and his designs often explored themes of gender fluidity and identity. In 2016, he received Spain's National Award for Fashion Design, recognizing his unique and daring contributions to the fashion industry. Tragically, Delfín passed away in 2017 at the age of 46 after battling brain cancer, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and influence contemporary fashion.
2002
Yotam Ottolenghi
Yotam Ottolenghi is an Israeli-born British chef, restaurateur, and bestselling author known for his vibrant, vegetable-forward cuisine that blends Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors. Born in Jerusalem in 1968, he originally studied comparative literature before moving to London in 1997 to train at Le Cordon Bleu.
In 2002, he co-founded his first deli in Notting Hill with Palestinian chef Sami Tamimi. Their creative, flavor-rich food quickly gained a loyal following and helped reshape modern British dining. Ottolenghi has since opened several acclaimed restaurants in London, including NOPI and ROVI, and authored numerous influential cookbooks such as "Plenty," "Jerusalem," and "Simple."
Ottolenghi is openly gay and a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. He married his partner, Karl Allen, in 2012, and they have two sons born via gestational surrogacy. He has spoken publicly about queer parenthood and continues to use his platform to promote inclusivity and acceptance, both in and beyond the food world.
2000
Brian Robinson
Brian Robinson is a British film programmer and curator renowned for his extensive work in promoting LGBTQ+ cinema. Born in Northern Ireland, he studied law at Sussex University, where he established a gay film society. In the early 1980s, he co-founded Square Peg, a radical queer cultural magazine that ran from 1982 to 1991. Robinson joined the British Film Institute (BFI) in 1987 as a press officer and later became a programmer at BFI Southbank. Since 2000, he has been a senior programmer for BFI Flare: London LGBTQ+ Film Festival, playing a pivotal role in curating and expanding the festival's reach.
Throughout his career, Robinson has been instrumental in bringing diverse queer narratives to the forefront of cinema. He has emphasized the importance of showcasing stories that reflect the complexities of LGBTQ+ lives, moving beyond traditional coming-out tales to include narratives about love, aging, and identity. His dedication to highlighting underrepresented voices has helped BFI Flare become a significant platform for emerging and established queer filmmakers. Robinson's contributions have not only enriched the festival but have also had a lasting impact on the visibility and appreciation of LGBTQ+ cinema worldwide.
2000
Tegan and Sarah
Tegan and Sara Quin, identical twin sisters born on September 19, 1980, in Calgary, Alberta, are a Canadian indie pop duo known for their emotionally resonant songwriting and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. They began their musical journey in high school, forming a band called Plunk in 1995. Their early work led to a contract with Neil Young's Vapor Records, and they released their debut album, This Business of Art, in 2000. Over the years, they have released ten studio albums, including So Jealous (2004), The Con (2007), Heartthrob (2013), and Crybaby (2022). Their music, characterized by catchy melodies and introspective lyrics, has earned them critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
Both Tegan and Sara are openly lesbian and have been vocal advocates for LGBTQ+ rights throughout their careers. In 2016, they established the Tegan and Sara Foundation, aiming to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ women and girls by addressing issues of health, economic justice, and representation. The foundation has supported numerous grassroots organizations and initiatives, amplifying marginalized voices within the LGBTQ+ community.In addition to their musical endeavors, Tegan and Sara authored a memoir titled High School, published in 2019, which chronicles their teenage years and experiences with identity, love, and music. The memoir was later adapted into a television series, further expanding their influence beyond music.