Famous gay women in history

When police arrested her repeatedly for wearing men's clothing, Nancy taught herself the law and challenged the system.

Her bravery helped change the law and protect queer people in Los Angeles — and her story reminds us that standing up for yourself can create real change.

Notable Achievement: Fighting and overturning discriminatory laws against gender nonconformity.

Learn More: The Chicana butch lesbian who defied the LAPD – and won: ‘I couldn’t be someone else’

Margaret Cho (1968 - Present)

Field: Comedy, Acting, Activism

Margaret Cho is a Korean-American comedian, actress, and LGBTQIA+ activist known for her fearless and hilarious stand-up comedy.

This is what she is best known for, but she was also a queer woman who attracted a clientele of lesbian couples and women seeking birth control.

Lorraine Hansberry

Lorraine was the first Black woman to have a play performed on Broadway. The salon hosted artists including Claude Debussy, Isadora Duncan, Colette, and Claude Monet.

We learn about these women to ensure their stories live on and continue to inspire.

Seeing yourself reflected in history is powerful. The Gender Recognition Act 2004 used her case as a precedent and finally saw her recognised as female in the eyes of the law. But in 1983 and 1984, Sally proved what we all know – women are just as good as men when it comes to physics and every other science. 

Dr Margaret Chung

Speaking of science, Margaret was the first known Chinese-American female doctor.

She founded the Lorena Borjas Community Fund to support transgender immigrants and provide resources to those in need. Her 1983 journey aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger proved that women could do anything.

Sally kept her relationship with her partner, Tam O'Shaughnessy, private during her lifetime, but she is now remembered as a trailblazing astronaut and advocate for women in science.

Marsha was fearless, joyful, and dedicated to fighting for the rights of queer and trans people, especially those who were unhoused or struggling.

Her courage and love for her community changed the world. As her nickname suggests, Lister opted for a more masculine look openly throughout her life and single-handedly maintained her family home, Shibden Hall.

Alan Turing

An undeniable genius in his field, Alan Turing invented one of the earliest ever computers in 1936.

Her fashion sense helped define the Roaring ‘20s. From fighting for civil rights to breaking barriers in art, politics, and science, these women changed the world.

If you dream of becoming an astronaut, an activist, a writer, or anything in between, the women in this list prove that anything is possible. STAR was a group focused on advocating for homeless transgender people, particularly transgender women of color, and providing them with shelter, food, and support.

Sylvia's bold activism and commitment to marginalized communities laid the groundwork for the modern transgender rights movement.

If you like what we do, then get behind LGBTQIA media and keep us going for another generation. So dream big, stay bold, and know that you have the power to make history, too.

If you're looking for a place to find community and support, Out Youth is here for you. Her story shows that art can change the world, and you can too.

Notable Work:A Raisin in the Sun (1959)

Learn More: Lorraine Hansberry Biography

Miss Major Griffin-Gracy (1940 - Present)

Field: Activism

Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, often simply known as Miss Major, has spent her entire life fighting for trans women of color and people impacted by the prison system.

The act behind the prosecution? He didn’t care what embracing his sexuality might mean. And you can change history, too.