Key Takeaways:
- Cole Escola became the first nonbinary person to win a Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play.
- Jonathan Bailey was named the first out gay man to be named People’s Sexiest Man Alive.
- Paige Bueckers had a record-breaking rookie season in the WNBA and was named Rookie of the Year.
- Paul Reubens came out posthumously in his documentary Pee-wee as Himself.
- Leisha Hailey and Kate Moennig released a memoir about queer friendship titled So Gay For You.
- Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers’ Las Culturistas Awards went viral with memorable performances and celebrity attendees.
- Dan and Phil came out as a couple after years of fan speculation.
- Lauren Chan became the first out lesbian to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s annual swimsuit issue.
Introduction to Queer Celebrities Making History
Queer celebrities have always been a source of entertainment and inspiration, but in 2025, they made us proud to call them part of our community. From breaking down barriers to winning awards, these famous LGBTQ+ individuals spent the year making queer history. We love to follow celebrities and become obsessed with their latest projects, but some years, these celebrities make us fall in love not just with their latest TV show or movie, but with the way they impact queer history. This year was no exception, with many queer celebrities making headlines and paving the way for future generations.
Breaking Down Barriers in the Entertainment Industry
One of the most notable moments of the year was when actor and comedian Cole Escola became the first nonbinary person to win a Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play. Escola’s performance in Oh, Mary! was met with critical acclaim, and their acceptance speech was a powerful moment in queer history. Wearing a red wig and ball gown, Escola cemented their place in the LGBTQ+ community and inspired many with their courage and talent. Another notable moment was when Jonathan Bailey was named the first out gay man to be named People’s Sexiest Man Alive. Bailey’s performance in Wicked: For Good was stellar, and his recognition as Sexiest Man Alive was a milestone moment for the LGBTQ+ community.
Sports and Athletics
The world of sports also saw a significant moment in queer history when Paige Bueckers, a WNBA star, came out and announced her love for UConn star Azzi Fudd. Bueckers had a record-breaking rookie season, averaging 19.2 points per game and earning a spot on the All-Star team. She also broke the Wings’ franchise rookie records and finished third all-time in both total rookie points and total rookie assists. Bueckers’ bravery and talent made her a role model for young LGBTQ+ athletes everywhere. Additionally, Lauren Chan made history by becoming the first out lesbian to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s annual swimsuit issue. Chan’s appearance was a milestone moment for LGBTQ+ representation in the sports world.
Coming Out and Self-Expression
Coming out is a significant moment for any LGBTQ+ individual, and this year saw several celebrities use their platform to share their truth. Paul Reubens, also known as Pee-wee Herman, came out posthumously in his documentary Pee-wee as Himself. Reubens’ story of being a closeted gay man in Hollywood was a powerful reminder of the importance of self-expression and authenticity. Dan and Phil, popular YouTubers, finally came out as a couple after years of fan speculation. While the news may not have been surprising, it took courage for the couple to make their private life public, especially as queer individuals.
Queer Friendship and Community
Queer friendship and community were also celebrated this year, particularly with the release of Leisha Hailey and Kate Moennig’s memoir, So Gay For You: Friendship, Found Family, & the Show That Started it All. The book is a heartwarming tribute to the power of queer friendship and the impact of the TV show The L Word on the LGBTQ+ community. Hailey and Moennig’s story is a reminder that queer friendship is just as important as romantic love and that found family can be just as meaningful as biological family.
Viral Moments and Cultural Impact
The Las Culturistas Awards, hosted by Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers, was a cultural touch point this year. The award show, which started as a small-scale event connected to the Las Culturistas podcast, featured huge celebrities like Reneé Rapp, Sasha Colby, and Lady Gaga. The event went viral, with many moments being shared on social media, including Yang and Rogers’ performance of Lady Gaga’s "Abracadabra." The event was a celebration of queer culture and a reminder of the power of social media to amplify LGBTQ+ voices and stories.
Conclusion and Future Impact
In conclusion, 2025 was a remarkable year for queer celebrities, with many making history and paving the way for future generations. From breaking down barriers in the entertainment industry to coming out and self-expression, these individuals have inspired us with their courage and talent. As we look to the future, it is essential to continue celebrating and amplifying LGBTQ+ voices and stories. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and accepting world where everyone can thrive and be their authentic selves. The impact of these queer celebrities will be felt for years to come, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for them and the LGBTQ+ community.
