We’ve Been Here, and We’ve Been Queer: 25 Gay Historical Figures

For centuries, queer people have been forced to stay silent, accept crumbs, hide in the shadows, and live in fear. Homophobic laws and attitudes have stifled countless LGBTQ individuals, denying them the freedom to express their true selves.

Fortunately, thanks to historians, we’re now more aware than ever of the famous gay people who staked their claim in the world so we could have ours. This LGBTQ History Month, we’re honoring some of the most influential gay historical figures who braved the social battlefield to be unapologetically themselves, whether out loud, through their actions, or with their art.

The significance of LGBTQ History Month

LGBTQ History Month is every October. It’s intended to highlight LGBTQ historical figures and movements, reminding us how far we’ve come while honoring those who brought us here. It’s a lovely celebration of diversity within our community that will hopefully inspire future generations to keep fighting against homophobia and angling for justice and equality.

Yestergay’s news: LGBTQ historical figures

1. Isaac Newton (1643–1727)

We’re starting off our list of gay people in history with a Bing Bang. Newton’s sexuality is often debated, but some historians have reason to believe he had sexual relationships with men. Whether or not he had an apple bottom fall on his head, he paved the way for classical mechanics and calculus, completely transforming modern science.

2. Oscar Wilde (1854–1900)

Was Oscar Wilde gay? The answer’s pretty obvious since he was open about his sexuality — despite it being criminalized in England. The Picture of Dorian Gray is still considered one of the most influential bits of gay entertainment, alongside Real Housewives reunions and brunch-time gossip.

3. Josephine Baker (1906–1975)

Josephine Baker was bisexual, sharing relationships with men and women alike. But her sexual proclivities were (like many of us) one of the least interesting things about her. She was a Black performer and civil rights activist that grew to stardom in the 1920s. As if that wasn’t enough, her distinct dance style had a foundational influence on modern-day voguing. Talk about an LGBTQ icon!

4. Frida Kahlo (1907–1954)

Frida Kahlo is one of the most renowned Mexican painters. Her portrayal of identity and femininity still resonates with people today. Her bisexuality was also pretty well-documented, but the real story of her life unfolded in her work, which often reflected her struggles with gender and sexuality. 

5. Alan Turing (1912–1954)

Alan Turing played a massive role in decoding the German Enigma machine during World War II. Apparently, that wasn’t enough to save him from discrimination. Turing was gay, making him a target for persecution in post-war Britain. Today, he’s recognized as one of the greatest contributors to computer science.

6. Alexander the Great (356–323 B.C.)

Alexander the Great, king of Macedonia and military genius, is often remembered for his conquests and empire-building (which weren’t necessarily Brat, but we digress). Historical accounts suggest that he may have had intimate relationships with both men and women, including his close companion, Hephaestion.

7. Caravaggio (1571–1610)

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio was an Italian painter known for his dramatic use of light and shadow. His work depicted a specific sensuality that’s hard to ignore.

Speaking of hard, historians think Caravaggio may have had relationships with male models. He certainly never painted a female nude. Regardless, he made an imprint on the world and inspired many artists to create, be gay, or both.

8. Alvin Ailey (1931–1989)

Alvin Ailey is the founder of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. He’s celebrated for helping modern dance become what it is today. This Black choreographer was openly gay and often used his platform to advocate for equality. 

9. James Baldwin (1924–1987)

James Baldwin was an influential gay writer known for his compelling essays, novels, and plays. His works didn’t shy away from social issues; in fact, they’d often gleefully explore themes of sexuality and identity. Baldwin was candid about his sexuality and the struggles he faced coming to terms with it. His voice is still referenced as one of the most influential regarding race and sexuality.

10. Laverne Cox (1972– )

Laverne Cox is the first entry on our list who’s still alive and thriving. But that doesn’t make this Emmy-nominated actress any less of a queer legend. She’s a trailblazer for transgender representation, thanks to her breakout role in Orange is the New Black. Cox has since used her platform to elevate LGBTQ voices and raise awareness about transgender issues.

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11. Angela Davis (1944– )

Angela Davis is another fierce defender of LGBTQ rights and racial equality. Davis identifies as a lesbian, and her commitment to social justice — alongside her work as a scholar and author — has solidified her as an American queer icon.

12. Emily Dickinson (1830–1886)

Emily Dickinson, one of America’s greatest poets, is known for her unique writing that explored themes of love, death, and nature. Although Dickinson never publicly identified as gay, many scholars believe she had romantic feelings for women, particularly her close friend and sister-in-law, Susan Gilbert Dickinson.

13. Barney Frank (1940– )

Barney Frank is best known as a former U.S. Congressman. As one of the first openly gay members of Congress, he’s been instrumental in advancing legislation for LGBTQ equality. His advocacy helped shape many of the protections and policies our community enjoys today.

14. Langston Hughes (1901–1967)

Langston Hughes was a leading figure of the Harlem Renaissance, known for his poetry, essays, and plays that celebrated African American culture and identity. Hughes is widely speculated to have been gay, with veiled references throughout his work. More explicitly, his writing often explored themes of race, sexuality, and social justice.

15. Marsha P. Johnson (1945–1992)

A Black transgender activist and pivotal figure in the LGBTQ rights movement, Marsha P. Johnson is among the top queer historical figures you absolutely have to know. Johnson played a pivotal role in the Stonewall riots and cofounded the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) to support homeless transgender and LGBTQ youth.

16. The Lady Chablis (1957–2016)

The Lady Chablis was a performer and actress known for portraying herself in the film Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. As a transgender woman, she broke barriers in the entertainment industry and became a beloved figure in the LGBTQ community. 

17. Harvey Milk (1930–1978)

Harvey Milk is one of the most important gay figures in American history. He was the first openly gay elected official in California, serving on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Milk was a passionate advocate for LGBTQ rights and worked tirelessly to promote equality and acceptance. He was tragically assassinated, but his story still symbolizes the hope and perseverance necessary to enact change in the fight for gay rights.

18. Sappho (~630–570 BC)

Sappho was an ancient Greek poet from the island of Lesbos. Her lyrical poetry often expressed love and desire for women, inspiring the modern terms “sapphic” and “lesbian.” Nobody else in history has that much LGBTQ street cred.

19. Stephen Sondheim (1930–2021)

Stephen Sondheim is a legendary gay composer and lyricist known for his contributions to musical theater. His works, particularly Sweeney Todd and Into the Woods, have enraptured audiences and terrorized audition accompanists for decades.

20. Gertrude Stein (1874–1946)

Gertrude Stein was an influential American writer and art collector known for her modernist works and her prominence in the Parisian literary scene. She was openly lesbian and had a long-term relationship with Alice B. Toklas. 

21. Pyotr Tchaikovsky (1840–1893)

Pyotr Tchaikovsky was a Russian composer known for his emotional and expressive music, including the still-beloved ballets Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. Tchaikovsky is widely agreed to have been gay due to his close and passionate relationships with men (and a short-lived dumpster fire of a marriage to a woman).

22. Glenn Burke (1952–1995)

Professional baseball player Glenn Burke played for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Oakland Athletics in the late 1970s. He faced immense discrimination in Major League Baseball due to his sexuality, which eventually pushed him out of the league. Still, he made history as the first MLB player to come out.

Also, he coinvented the high five, which is pretty historic if you ask us.

23. Tim Cook (1960– )

Tim Cook is the CEO of Apple Inc. and one of the world’s most prominent openly gay business leaders. He’s used his platform to advocate for gay rights and inclusion in the workplace. He once described his sexuality as “God’s greatest gift to me.” He probably doesn’t mind his multimillion-dollar salary, either.

24. Dan Choi (1981– )

Dan Choi is an Iraq War veteran and activist known for his role in the fight against “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Choi, who is openly gay, became a prominent voice for LGBTQ rights in the military and has continued to advocate for equality and acceptance.

25. Simone de Beauvoir (1908–1986)

Simone de Beauvoir was a French philosopher, writer, and feminist known for her groundbreaking book, The Second Sex. De Beauvoir was openly bisexual and had relationships with both men and women. Her writings on gender, sexuality, and existentialism have influenced feminist theory and LGBTQ thought.

Have a blast for the past

These examples represent just a few of the countless queer trailblazers throughout history. Tragically, many gay historical figures have had their sexualities erased. Was Leonardo Da Vinci gay? What about JFK? Genghis Khan? (OK, that last one might be a stretch.)

Fortunately, we can look back on influential LGBTQ people with appreciation, even if they didn’t get their dues at the time. Now, they live proudly in our history books. 

Want to celebrate your authentic gay self? Trying to find a relationship that will go down in history? Start by meeting other members of the community on Grindr. Download the Grindr app today and get started.