Film and television wouldn’t be what it is today without these LGBTQ+ trailblazers. These actors broke down barriers with their performances, bringing a new definition of star power into theaters and homes worldwide. As if that wasn’t enough, they’re wildly talented as well.

Swipe ahead for LGBTQ+ acting icons to celebrate Pride Month.

Ellen DeGeneres

When Ellen DeGeneres decided to come out to the world, she did it in a way that would be impossible for anyone to ignore. On April 30, 1997, Ellen’s came out as gay on her sitcom Ellen, simultaneously outing herself while making her character, Ellen Morgan, the first openly gay lead on a network TV show. She’s since gone on to have one of the most successful careers in entertainment history.

Photography: Warner Bros. Television

Elliot Page

After breakout success in his younger years, Elliot Page came out as transgender in 2020. He revealed he never felt like a girl and even as a child tried to pee standing up. Since then, Page’s character on The Umbrella Academy also transitioned while Page has shared his story with the world in the form of a memoir titled Pageboy.

Photography: Netflix

Ian McKellen

Ian McKellen has been a champion for LGBTQ rights, first coming out as gay back in 1988 when it was a potentially career-ending move to be out. The news, however, didn’t seem to slow his career one bit. McKellen has gone on to play some of the most iconic roles of all time, including Gandalf and Magneto.

Photography: Warner Bros. Pictures

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox has an undeniable star power that steals the scene anytime she’s on screen. Cox became loved by fans around the world after her role as Sophia Burset, a transgender woman in prison for credit card fraud. Cox also had a standout supporting role in 2020’s Promising Young Woman.

Photography: Netflix

Kate McKinnon

Kate McKinnon has been in some of the most memorable Saturday Night Live sketches of all time, but her greatest contribution to the show was in her casting. McKinnon was the first openly gay woman to be a join the SNL cast in season 39. Unlike all of her side-splitting appearances, that’s no laughing matter.

Photography: NBC

Billy Eichner

Billy Eichner has never been shy about sharing who he is with the world. The openly gay comedian exploded on the internet with viral videos that led to his Billy On The Street TV show and Parks and Recreation guest appearances. Billy broke industry barriers with his movie Bros which was the first major studio film featuring an all LGTBQ+ cast.

Photography: Universal Pictures