In a year marked by both progress and backlash against LGBTQ rights, 2024 witnessed a wave of public figures stepping into the light and sharing their true selves with the world. Celebrities from various fields — Hollywood, sports, music, and even political spheres — have openly embraced their identities, enriching the cultural conversation around visibility and representation.
Sophia Bush
In a heartfelt interview earlier this year, actress Sophia Bush shared her queer identity with the world. Bush spoke candidly about her relationship with soccer star Ashlyn Harris and reflected on the sense of safety and belonging she has always felt in the LGBTQ community. “Right now, I think the word that best defines it is queer. I can’t say it without smiling, actually. And that feels pretty great,” she expressed. Her openness added a meaningful layer to the ongoing dialogue about queer representation in Hollywood.
Amber Ruffin
Comedian Amber Ruffin chose humor and authenticity when she shared her identity with fans. Posting a photo in a shirt proudly emblazoned with the word “Queer,” Ruffin wrote, “Be proud of who you are, little babies! I know I am!” Her lighthearted yet powerful message resonated deeply, showcasing the importance of visibility and joy in queer narratives.
Julia Fox
Actress Julia Fox made headlines when she addressed her sexuality in a viral TikTok video. With her trademark humor, Fox declared, “I was that lesbian,” sparking widespread conversations about sexual fluidity and self-discovery. Her openness offered fans a glimpse into her evolving identity and underscored the diverse ways people arrive at their truth.
Maren Morris
Country music star Maren Morris came out during Pride Month, proudly identifying as bisexual. Morris, known for her strong advocacy for LGBTQ rights, used her platform to amplify voices from the community. Her statement added visibility to bisexual representation in a music genre often criticized for its conservative values.
Trey Cunningham
Olympic hopeful Trey Cunningham made the brave decision to publicly come out as gay this year. While he had been out to close friends and family for years, Cunningham described coming out publicly as “the scariest thing I’ve ever done.” His courage serves as an inspiration to countless LGBTQ athletes navigating similar journeys.
Louisa Jacobson
Actress Louisa Jacobson celebrated her identity in a vibrant Instagram post, coming out as a lesbian. Her announcement coincided with her mother Meryl Streep’s milestone birthday, making the moment even more poignant. Jacobson’s openness added to the growing chorus of queer voices reshaping Hollywood’s landscape.
Sasheer Zamata
Comedian and former Saturday Night Live star Sasheer Zamata described herself as a “late-in-life lesbian.” Reflecting on years of being cast in queer roles, Zamata shared how those experiences prompted her to examine her own identity. Her story highlighted the complexities and beauty of self-discovery at any stage of life.
Amanda Tori Meating
Drag performer Amanda Tori Meating used her platform on RuPaul’s Drag Race to share her journey with gender identity. While she’s still exploring labels, Amanda described herself as a “t-girl at the moment,” emphasizing the fluidity of identity and the ongoing process of self-understanding.
Maya Massafera
Brazilian influencer Maya Massafera came out as a trans woman in an emotional Instagram post to her millions of followers. She later reflected on her journey in a heartfelt essay, writing, “There’s a saying that life begins at 40. Mine literally started at 43.” Massafera’s courage resonated with many and sparked conversations about transgender visibility in South America.
Bruce Joel Rubin
Screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin, known for Ghost, came out as gay at the age of 81. Rubin shared his truth in his memoir, reflecting on decades of silence and the support he received from his family. His story serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to embrace one’s true identity.
Ilana Glazer
Comedian Ilana Glazer quietly updated her pronouns to they/she before publicly sharing her nonbinary identity. Glazer explained how pregnancy played a role in their self-discovery, helping them embrace both their masculinity and femininity without shame. Their story offered a deeply personal perspective on gender identity.
Chloë Grace Moretz
Actress Chloë Grace Moretz came out publicly in a social media post supporting Vice President Kamala Harris. Declaring herself a gay woman, Moretz emphasized the importance of political representation and protections for LGBTQ individuals. Her advocacy added weight to her personal revelation.
Detox
Drag performer Detox came out as transgender during a live performance, declaring, “I’m trans now!” The candid and celebratory moment was met with cheers from the audience. Detox later reflected on the experience online, embracing her truth with humor and resilience.
Brenda Biya
In a bold act of defiance, Brenda Biya, the daughter of Cameroon’s president, came out publicly despite her country’s harsh anti-LGBTQ laws. Biya’s courage sent shockwaves across social media and highlighted the immense risks faced by LGBTQ individuals in countries where being queer is criminalized.