LGBTQ Heroes + Queer Pioneers
Historical Figures + Modern Notables
While researching QUEER PHOTO ALBUM, I discovered so many stories of Queer Pioneers throughout the ages. A few I knew. Most I didn’t. But I know now more. And look forward to learning about even more.
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ABRAHAM LINCOLN (1809-1865) 16th President of the United States, known for leading the country through the Civil War and abolishing slavery.
AGNES GOODSIR (1864-1939) Australian-born painter known for her portraits and figure paintings.
AI OF HAN (27-1BCE) Empress of the Han dynasty in ancient China, revered for her political acumen and benevolent governance.
AL-HAKAM II (915-976) Caliph of Córdoba in the 10th century, renowned for his patronage of scholars and artists.
ALAIN LOCKE (1885-1954) Philosopher, educator, and leader of the Harlem Renaissance, known for his contributions to African-American culture.
ALAN BALL (1957-) Screenwriter and producer, best known for creating the TV series "Six Feet Under" and "True Blood."
ALAN CUMMING (1965-) Scottish actor and activist, recognized for his versatile performances on stage and screen.
ALAN L. HART (1890-1962) Pioneering physician and trans rights advocate, one of the first known individuals to undergo gender-affirming surgery.
ALAN TURING (1912-1954) Mathematician and codebreaker, considered the father of theoretical computer science and artificial intelligence.
ALBRECHT BECKER (1906-2002) German artist known for his expressionist paintings and prints.
ALEXANDER THE GREAT (356BC-323BC) Ancient Macedonian ruler who created one of the largest empires in history through conquest and diplomacy.
ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT (1769-1859) Prussian polymath and explorer, renowned for his work in natural history and geography.
ALEXANDRA BILLINGS (1962-) American actress and trans rights advocate, notable for her roles in theater, television, and film.
ALICE AUSTEN (1866-1952) Early American photographer recognized for her documentary-style images capturing life in New York City.
ALICE RAHON (1904-1987) French-Mexican Surrealist painter and poet associated with the Mexican Surrealist movement.
ALICE WALKER (1944-) Author and activist, celebrated for her literary works exploring African-American culture and feminism.
ALVIN AILEY (1931-1989) Choreographer and founder of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, revolutionizing modern dance with his innovative choreography.
AMANDA BEARSE (1958-) Actress and director, best known for her role as Marcy D'Arcy on the sitcom "Married... with Children."
AMBROSIA TØNNESEN (1859-1948) Norwegian actress, one of the first female film directors in Norway, known for her pioneering work in silent cinema.
ANAÏS NIN (1903-1977) French-Cuban author known for her diaries and erotica, exploring themes of love, desire, and the human experience.
ANDERSON COOPER (1967-) Journalist and news anchor, known for his work on CNN and his coverage of international events.
ANDRÉ LEON TALLEY (1948-2022) Fashion journalist and former editor-at-large of Vogue magazine.
ANDREA JENKINS (1961-) American politician, poet, and trans activist serving on the Minneapolis City Council.
ANDREW HAIGH (1973-) British film director known for his work on "Weekend" and "45 Years."
ANDY WARHOL (1928-1987) American artist known for his pop art movement and studio, The Factory.
ANGELA DAVIS (1944-) Prominent political activist, scholar, and author known for her work in civil rights and feminism.
ANNA ELIZABETH KLUMPKE (1856-1942) American portrait and genre painter, notable for her friendship with French sculptor Rosa Bonheur.
ANNE (1665-1714) Anne Frank, known for her diary detailing her experiences hiding from the Nazis during World War II.
ANNE LISTER (1791-1840) 19th-century English landowner, diarist, and traveler, often referred to as the "first modern lesbian."
ANNIE LEIBOVITZ (1949-) Renowned American portrait photographer, known for her work with celebrities and for her Rolling Stone and Vanity Fair covers.
ANTHONY PERKINS (1932-1992) American actor best known for his role as Norman Bates in Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho."
ANYA GALLACCIO (1963-) British installation artist known for her naturalistic and ephemeral works using organic materials.
ARCHDUKE LUDWIG VIKTOR OF AUSTRIA (1842-1919) Austrian archduke and artist, known for his patronage of the arts and advocacy for gay rights.
ARMISTEAD MAUPIN (1944-) American author best known for his "Tales of the City" series, exploring LGBTQ culture in San Francisco.
AUBREY BEARDSLEY (1872-1898) English illustrator and author known for his distinctive black-and-white illustrations, often with erotic themes.
AUDRE LORDE (1934-1992) American writer, feminist, and civil rights activist known for her poetry and essays on race, class, and sexuality.
AUGUSTEN BURROUGHS (1965-) American writer known for his memoirs "Running with Scissors" and "Dry."
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BARBARA GITTINGS (1932-2007) Prominent American LGBTQ rights activist, considered one of the most influential figures in the gay liberation movement.
BARBARA HAMMER (1939-2019) American filmmaker known for her pioneering work in lesbian experimental cinema.
BARBARA JORDAN (1936-1996) American lawyer, educator, and politician, the first African American elected to the Texas Senate after Reconstruction.
BARBARA SMITH (1946-) American lesbian feminist and socialist who has played a significant role in Black feminism in the United States
BARBARA STANWYCK (1907-1990) Legendary American actress known for her versatility and starring roles in classic films such as "Double Indemnity."
BARON VON STEUBEN (1730-1794) Prussian-born American military officer known for his service in the American Revolutionary War.
BARRY SHILS (?) American filmmaker known for his work as a director, producer, and screenwriter.
BAYARD RUSTIN (1912-1987) American leader in social movements for civil rights, socialism, and gay rights, best known for his work with Martin Luther King Jr.
BAYARD TAYLOR (1825-1878) American poet, literary critic, translator, and travel author.
BEANIE FELDSTEIN (1993-) American actress known for her roles in films such as "Booksmart" and "Lady Bird."
BEAUFORD DELANEY (1901-1979) American modernist painter, remembered for his portraits of prominent figures and abstract works.
BEN KIMURA (1947-2003) Japanese American painter known for his abstract expressionist style.
BENVENUTO CELLINI (1500-1571) Italian goldsmith, sculptor, draftsman, soldier, musician, and artist of the Renaissance.
BERENICE ABBOTT (1898-1991) American photographer known for her black-and-white photography of New York City architecture and urban design.
BERNICE BING (1936-1998) American abstract expressionist painter and early lesbian feminist activist.
BEVERLY SMITH (1946-) Black feminist health advocate, writer, academic, theorist and activist
BILL CONDON (1955-) American screenwriter and director known for his work on films like "Gods and Monsters" and "Dreamgirls."
BILL CUNNINGHAM (1929-2016) Legendary American fashion photographer known for his candid street photography.
BILLIE HOLIDAY (1915-1959) Influential American jazz and blues singer known for her unique voice and emotive performances.
BILLIE JEAN KING (1943-) American former World No. 1 professional tennis player and advocate for gender equality in sports.
BILLY NAME (1940-2016) American photographer, filmmaker, and lighting designer, known for his association with Andy Warhol's studio, The Factory.
BILLY PORTER (1969-) Tony Award-winning actor and singer known for his role in the TV series "Pose" and his bold fashion choices.
BILLY STRAYHORN (1915-1967) American jazz composer, pianist, lyricist, and arranger, best known for his collaborations with Duke Ellington.
BOSCOE HOLDER (1921-2007) Trinidadian artist, dancer, choreographer, and musician known for his vibrant and colorful paintings.
BOY GEORGE (1961-) English singer, songwriter, DJ, fashion designer, and photographer, known as the lead singer of the band Culture Club.
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CANDIS CAYNE (1971-) American actress and performance artist, known for her pioneering role as a trans actress on television.
CANDY DARLING (1944-1974) American actress and Warhol Superstar known for her contributions to underground cinema in the 1960s.
CARAVAGGIO (1571-1610) Italian Baroque painter known for his dramatic use of lighting and intense realism in his religious works.
CARLOS ALMARAZ (1941-1989) Mexican-American artist known for his politically charged paintings and murals depicting Chicano culture.
CARSON MCCULLERS (1917-1967) American novelist, short story writer, playwright, essayist, and poet, known for her works such as "The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter."
CASIMIR PULASKI (1745-1779) Polish nobleman, soldier, and military commander who has been called "the father of the American cavalry."
CASTER SEMENYA (1991-) South African middle-distance runner and two-time Olympic gold medalist, known for her legal battles over her eligibility to compete in women's events.
CATHERINE OPIE (1961-) American fine-art photographer known for her portraits and landscapes that explore social and cultural themes.
CECIL BEATON (1904-1980) English photographer, known for his fashion editorials and and portraits of celebrities and royals.
CECILIA CHUNG (1968-) American trans activist and advocate for LGBTQ rights and HIV/AIDS awareness.
CHANNING GERARD JOSEPH (?) American writer and journalist known for his work on race, politics, and culture, including his book "House of Swann."
CHARLES DEMUTH (1883-1935) American watercolorist who turned to oils late in his career, known for his modernist depictions of urban scenes.
CHARLES HENRI FORD (1908-2002) Avant-garde poet, novelist, filmmaker, and editor known for his Surrealist collaborations.
CHARLEY PARKHURST (1812-1879) Stagecoach driver of the American West, famously known for living as a man despite being assigned female at birth.
CHARLOTTE CUSHMAN (1816-1876) 19th-century actress celebrated for her powerful portrayals of Shakespearean male roles.
CHELLA MAN (1998-) Deaf, trans artist, actor, and activist known for advocating for disabled and LGBTQ representation in media.
CHERYL DUNYE (1966-) Filmmaker recognized for her groundbreaking work exploring themes of race, sexuality, and identity.
CHEVALIER D’ÉON (1728-1810) French diplomat, spy, and soldier who lived as both a man and a woman during the 18th century.
CHIP KIDD (1964-) Innovative graphic designer and author renowned for his book cover designs, including Jurassic Park.
CHRIS BECKETT (1955-) Award-winning British science fiction writer known for his thought-provoking explorations of societal and ethical issues.
CHRISTABEL MARSHALL (1871-1960) British playwright and suffragist who wrote under the pen name "Christopher St. John".
CHRISTINA (1626-1689) Historical figure known for her complex relationship with Queen Christina of Sweden during the 17th century.
CHRISTINE JORGENSEN (1926-1989) Pioneering trans woman who gained worldwide attention as one of the first people to undergo sex reassignment surgery.
CHRISTOPHER ISHERWOOD (1904-1986) Novelist and playwright known for his autobiographical works, including "Goodbye to Berlin," which inspired the musical "Cabaret."
CHRISTOPHER MARLOWE (1564-1593) Influential Elizabethan playwright and poet, contemporary of William Shakespeare.
CHRISTOPHER WOOD (1901-1930) English painter associated with the Neo-Romantic movement, known for his vibrant and expressive landscapes.
CHUCK PALAHNIUK (1962-) Acclaimed author best known for his novel "Fight Club" and his distinctive, unconventional writing style.
CLARE ATWOOD (1866-1962) British sculptor and illustrator recognized for her contributions to the suffrage movement.
CLAUDE CAHUN (1894-1954) French artist, photographer, and writer known for their innovative self-portraits and surrealist work.
CLEA DUVALL (1977-) Actress and filmmaker known for her roles in LGBTQ themed films and TV shows.
CLEMENTINA ANSTRUTHER-THOMSON (1857-1921) British doctor and suffragist who advocated for women's rights and public health.
CLEVE JONES (1954-) LGBTQ rights activist and creator of the AIDS Memorial Quilt.
CLIVE BARKER (1952-) British author, director, and visual artist known for his horror and fantasy fiction.
COCO CHANEL (1883-1971) Fashion designer and businesswoman who revolutionized women's fashion in the 20th century.
COLETTE (1873-1954) French novelist and performer known for her exploration of female sexuality and independence.
CY TWOMBLY (1928-2011) American painter known for his abstract, graffiti-like style.
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DAN SAVAGE (1964-) Author, journalist, and LGBTQ activist, best known for his syndicated sex advice column "Savage Love".
DAVID FRANCE (1959-) Journalist and filmmaker known for his documentary "How to Survive a Plague" about the AIDS epidemic.
DAVID GEFFEN (1943-) Entertainment mogul and philanthropist, co-founder of DreamWorks SKG and founder of Geffen Records.
DAVID HOCKNEY (1937-) British artist considered one of the most influential figures in 20th-century art.DAVID MCDERMOTT (1952-1995) American artist known for his collaboration with Peter McGough in the duo McDermott & McGough.
DAVID SEDARIS (1956-) Humorist, author, and radio contributor known for his witty and insightful essays and stories.
DAVID WOJNAROWICZ (1954-1992) American artist, writer, and activist known for his provocative work addressing AIDS and LGBTQ issues.
DEAN DEBLOIS (1970-) Canadian film director, screenwriter, and animator known for co-writing and directing the "How to Train Your Dragon" films.
DEBBIE MILLMAN (1962-) Designer, author, and educator known for her influential podcast "Design Matters".
DEBORAH SAMPSON (1760-1827) Revolutionary War soldier who disguised herself as a man to serve in the Continental Army.
DEE REES (1977-) Filmmaker known for her critically acclaimed films "Pariah" and "Mudbound".
DEL MARTIN (1921-2008) Lesbian activist and co-founder of the Daughters of Bilitis, one of the first lesbian rights organizations in the United States.
DEL SHORES (1957-) Playwright, screenwriter, and director known for his work exploring LGBTQ themes in the Southern United States.
DEREK JARMAN (1942-1994) British filmmaker, artist, and activist known for his avant-garde films and his advocacy for LGBTQ rights.
DESIREE AKHAVAN (1984-) Iranian-American filmmaker and actress known for her film "Appropriate Behavior" and the TV series "The Bisexual".
DIANE ARBUS (1923-1971) Influential American photographer known for her portraits of marginalized individuals and unconventional subjects.
DICK LEITSCH (1935-2018) Gay rights activist and leader of the New York City chapter of the Mattachine Society.
DIVINE (1945-1988) Drag queen, actor, and singer known for his collaborations with filmmaker John Waters.
DOMINIQUE JACKSON (1975-) Actress, model, and LGBTQ advocate known for her role in the TV series "Pose".
DON BACHARDY (1934-) Portrait artist known for his depictions of cultural figures and his relationship with writer Christopher Isherwood.
DONATELLO (1386-1466) Italian Renaissance sculptor known for his groundbreaking work in bronze and marble.
DONNA DEITCH (1945-) Filmmaker known for her lesbian-themed film "Desert Hearts".
DORA CARRINGTON (1893-1932) British painter and decorative artist associated with the Bloomsbury Group.
DOROTHY ARZNER (1897-1979) Trailblazing American filmmaker and the only female director in the Hollywood studio system of the 1930s.
DUNCAN GRANT (1885-1978) British painter and member of the Bloomsbury Group known for his Post-Impressionist and Cubist style.
DUSTIN LANCE BLACK (1974-) Screenwriter and LGBTQ rights activist, known for his screenplay for the film "Milk.”
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E. M. FORSTER (1879-1970) British novelist known for his exploration of themes such as class difference and homosexuality in works like "Maurice".
EARDLEY KNOLLYS (1902-1991) British artist known for his illustrations and connections with the Bloomsbury Group.
EDDIE IZZARD (1962-) British comedian and actor known for his surreal humor and openness about his trans identity.
EDITH CRAIG (1869-1947) British theatre director, producer, and suffragist known for her contributions to the women's suffrage movement.
EDITH EMERSON (1888-1981) American sculptor and illustrator associated with the Arts and Crafts movement.
EDMONIA LEWIS (1844-1907) African-American and Native American sculptor known for her neoclassical works.
EDWARD BURRA (1905-1976) British painter associated with the Modernist movement, known for his bold and colorful compositions.
EDWARD II OF ENGLAND (1284-1327) King of England whose reign was marked by political conflict and his controversial relationships, notably with Piers Gaveston.
EGON SCHIELE (1890-1918) Austrian painter known for his expressive figurative works and association with the Vienna Secession movement.
ELAGABALUS (204-222) Roman Emperor known for his controversial reign and gender-bending behavior.
ELAINE NOBLE (1944-) First openly lesbian or gay candidate elected to a state legislature in the United States.
ELEANOR ROOSEVELT (1884-1962) Former First Lady, diplomat, and human rights activist.
ELLE PÉREZ (1989-) Contemporary photographer known for their evocative portraits.
ELLEN DAY HALE (1855-1940) 19th-century American painter associated with the Boston School.
ELLEN DEGENERES (1958-) Comedian, actress, and talk show host known for her eponymous daytime talk show.
ELLIOT PAGE (1987-) Actor known for roles in "Juno" and "The Umbrella Academy," prominent LGBTQ advocate.
ELLSWORTH KELLY (1923-2015) Abstract painter known for his colorful, minimalist works.
ELSA VON FREYTAG-LORINGHOVEN (1874-1927) Avant-garde artist and poet associated with the Dada movement.
ELSIE “LADY MENDL” DE WOLFE (1859-1950) Influential interior decorator and socialite, a pioneer of American interior design.
ELTON JOHN (1947-) British singer-songwriter known for his flamboyant style and timeless hits.
ELVIRA CHAUDOIR (c. 1910-1996) French actress and singer known for her performances in cabaret and music halls.
ERNSTINE ECKSTEIN (1941-1992) Early 20th-century German LGBTQ activist and writer.
ERTÉ (1892-1990) Russian-born French artist and designer known for his Art Deco creations.
EVA KOTCHEVER (AKA EVE ADAMS OR EVE ADDAMS) (1891-1943) LGBTQ activist and writer known for her involvement in the Greenwich Village lesbian community.
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FEDERICO GARCÍA LORCA (1898-1936) Spanish poet, playwright, and theatre director, a prominent figure of Spanish literature.
FELIX GONZALEZ-TORRES (1957-1996) Conceptual artist known for his poignant installations exploring love and loss.
FÉLIX VALLOTTON (1865-1925) Swiss/French painter and printmaker associated with the Nabis and Les XX.
FERNANDO WONG (?) Contemporary chef known for his innovative approach to Asian cuisine.
FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE (1820-1910) Pioneering nurse and social reformer known for her work during the Crimean War.
FLORINE STETTHEIMER (1871-1944) American painter, poet, and designer associated with the avant-garde movement.
FRANCESCA WOODMAN (1958-1981) Photographer known for her black-and-white self-portraits exploring themes of identity and femininity.
FRANCIS BACON (1909-1992) Influential Irish-born British painter known for his emotionally charged, raw imagery.
FRANK COOMBS (1906-1941) English painter, architect and art dealer.
FRANK KAMENY (1925-) American LGBTQ rights activist and astronomer, a prominent figure in the gay rights movement.
FREDDIE MERCURY (1946-1991) Legendary lead vocalist of the rock band Queen, known for his powerful voice and flamboyant stage presence.
FREDERICK GOTTHOLD ENSLIN (1755-?) Early 20th-century LGBTQ activist and writer.
FREDERICK THE GREAT (1712-1786) King of Prussia known for his military successes and patronage of the arts and Enlightenment ideals.
FRIDA KAHLO (1907-1954) Mexican painter known for her vivid self-portraits and exploration of identity, pain, and femininity.
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GEE VAUCHER (1945-) British artist known for her contributions to the punk rock movement, particularly as a designer for Crass.
GEENA ROCERO (1983-) Filipina trans model and activist, founder of Gender Proud.
GEORGE (GILBERT & GEORGE) (1942/1943-) With Gilbert, artistic duo known for their provocative and often confrontational artworks.
GEORGE BELLOWS (1882-1925) American realist painter known for his depictions of urban life and sports scenes.
GEORGE CECIL IVES (1867-1950) British poet, writer, and LGBTQ rights activist.
GEORGE CUKOR (1899-1983) Film director known for his classic Hollywood films, including "My Fair Lady" and "The Philadelphia Story."
GEORGE MICHAEL (1963-2016) Pop icon and singer-songwriter known for hits like "Careless Whisper" and "Faith."
GEORGE PLATT LYNES (1907-1955) American photographer known for his portraits and male nudes, influential in the world of fashion photography.
GEORGE QUAINTANCE (1902-1957) Pioneering American artist known for his homoerotic physique photography and paintings.
GEORGE TAKEI (1937-) Actor and LGBTQ activist best known for his role as Hikaru Sulu on "Star Trek."
GEORGE TOOKER (1920-2011) American figurative painter associated with the Magic Realism movement.
GEORGIA O’KEEFFE (1887-1986) American artist known for her paintings of flowers and New Mexico landscapes.
GERDA WEGENER (1886-1940) Danish painter known for her portraits and her pioneering trans subject matter.
GERTRUDE “MA” RAINEY (1866-1939) Influential American blues singer known as the "Mother of the Blues."
GERTRUDE STEIN (1874-1946) American writer, poet, and art collector, a central figure in the modernist movement.
GILBERT (GILBERT & GEORGE) (1942/1943-) With George, artistic duo known for their provocative and often confrontational artworks.
GILBERT BAKER (1951-2017) Artist and gay rights activist who created the Rainbow Pride Flag.
GLADYS BENTLEY (1907-1960) Blues singer, pianist, and entertainer known for her gender-defying performances.
GLENN LIGON (1960-) Contemporary artist known for his explorations of race, language, and identity.
GLORIA ANZALDÚA (1942-) Chicana scholar, writer, and feminist theorist known for her influential work on borderlands and identity.
GLUCK (1895-1978) British painter known for her portraits and floral still lifes, associated with the Bloomsbury Group.
GLYN PHILPOT (1884-1937) British painter known for his portraits and figure paintings with a classical influence.
GORE VIDAL (1925-2012) American writer known for his essays, novels, and political commentary.
GRANT WOOD (1891-1942) American painter famous for "American Gothic."
GREER LANKTON (1958-1996) American artist known for her intricate dolls and sculptures exploring gender identity.
GREGG ARAKI (1959-) American filmmaker recognized for his bold and provocative LGBTQ-themed movies.
GRETA GARBO (1905-1990) Swedish actress known for her enigmatic beauty and performances in classic Hollywood films.
GRETHE JÜRGENS (1910-1997) Danish painter known for her vibrant and expressive abstract compositions.
GUGLIELMO PLÜSCHOW (1852-1930) German photographer celebrated for his pioneering work in male nude photography.
GUINEVERE TURNER (1968-) American actress and screenwriter known for her collaborations with director Mary Harron.
GUS VAN SANT (1952-) American filmmaker acclaimed for his unique visual style and exploration of LGBTQ themes.
GWEN JOHN (1876-1939) Welsh painter associated with the Post-Impressionist movement known for her intimate portraits and still lifes.
H
HADRIAN (76-138AD) Roman emperor known for his extensive building projects, including the famous Hadrian's Wall in Britain.
HALSTON (1932-1990) American fashion designer synonymous with 1970s luxury and minimalistic elegance.
HANNAH HÖCH (1889-1978) German Dada artist renowned for her photomontages challenging gender and societal norms.
HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN (1805-1875) Danish author famous for his fairy tales like "The Little Mermaid" and "The Ugly Duckling."
HARRIET HOSMER (1830-1908) American sculptor recognized for her neoclassical works and pioneering role as a female artist.
HARRY HAY (1912-2002) American gay rights activist, founder of the Mattachine Society, and early advocate for LGBTQ rights.
HARVEY FIERSTEIN (1954-) American actor and playwright known for his Tony Award-winning play "Torch Song Trilogy."
HARVEY MILK (1930-1978) American politician and the first openly gay elected official in the history of California.
HATSHEPSUT (1507-1458BC) Ancient Egyptian pharaoh, one of the few women to rule as a king in her own right.
HAYLEY KIYOKO (1991-) American singer, songwriter, and actress known for her advocacy for LGBTQ rights and visibility.
HENRY GERBER (1892-1972) German-born American activist who founded the Society for Human Rights, one of the earliest LGBTQ rights organizations in the United States.
HENRY SCOTT TUKE (1858-1929) British painter admired for his depictions of male nudes and coastal scenes.
HERCULINE BABIN (1838-1868) French intersex person whose life was documented by philosopher Michel Foucault.
HINALEIMOANA WONG-KALU (1972-) Native Hawaiian teacher, leader, and activist for the rights of trans people in Hawaii.
HOLLAND TAYLOR (1943-) American actress known for her roles in television shows like "Two and a Half Men" and "The Practice."
HOLLY JOHNSON (1960-) British musician best known as the lead vocalist of the 1980s band Frankie Goes to Hollywood.
HOLLY WOODLAWN (1946-2015) Puerto Rican trans actress and Warhol Superstar, known for her role in "Trash."
HOWARD HODGKIN (1932-2017) British painter known for his abstract and colorful works inspired by memories and emotions.
HUBERT “JAY” STOWITTS (1892-1953) American painter and illustrator celebrated for his homoerotic depictions of male figures.
HUBERT DE GIVENCHY (1927-2018) French fashion designer known for his elegant and innovative designs, famously dressing Audrey Hepburn.
HUGH STEERS (1962-1995) American painter known for his emotionally charged figurative paintings, often addressing the AIDS crisis.
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IFTI NASIM (1946-2011) Pakistani-American poet and LGBTQ activist known for his groundbreaking poetry collection "Narman."
INDYA MOORE (1995-) American actress and model, known for her role in the television series "Pose" and advocacy for trans rights.
IRENE SHARAFF (1910-1993) American costume designer who won five Academy Awards for her work, including "West Side Story."
ISAAC JULIEN (1960-) British artist and filmmaker known for his visually stunning and politically engaged film installations.
ISABELLA (1741-1763) Spanish queen who sponsored Christopher Columbus's voyages to the New World.
ISMAIL MERCHANT (1936-2005) Indian film producer known for his collaborations with director James Ivory, forming the Merchant Ivory Productions.
J
J.C. LEYENDECKER (1874-1951) American illustrator known for his ads and magazine covers, including the Arrow Collar Man.
JACK BAKER (1942-) American gay rights activist who, with his partner Michael McConnell, was involved in a landmark marriage equality case in the 1970s.
JACK HALBERSTAM (1961-) American cultural theorist and gender studies scholar known for their work on queer theory and trans studies.
JACKIE SHANE (1940-2019) American trans soul singer who gained fame in the 1960s, known for her captivating performances.
JAMES BALDWIN (1924-1987) American novelist, essayist, and activist known for his profound exploration of racial and social issues.
JAMES BEARD (1903-1985) American chef, cookbook author, and television personality, often considered the "Dean of American Cookery."
JAMES BUCHANAN (1791-1868) 15th President of the United States, often speculated to have been the first gay president.
JAMES DEAN (1931-1955) American actor and cultural icon known for his roles in films like "Rebel Without a Cause" and "East of Eden."
JAMES IVORY (1928-) American film director and screenwriter known for his collaborations with producer Ismail Merchant.
JAMES VI AND I (1567-1625) King of Scotland as James VI and King of England and Ireland as James I, known for commissioning the King James Bible.
JAMES WHALE (1889-1957) British film director best known for his work in classic horror films like "Frankenstein" and "Bride of Frankenstein."
JAN MORRIS (1926-2020) Welsh historian, travel writer, and trans woman known for her candid memoir "Conundrum."
JANE ADDAMS (1860-1935) American social reformer and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, known for her pioneering work in social work and women's suffrage.
JANET MOCK (1983-) American writer, director, and trans rights activist known for her memoir "Redefining Realness."
JANIS JOPLIN (1943-1970) American singer-songwriter known for her powerful blues vocals and hits like "Piece of My Heart" and "Me and Bobby McGee."
JARED FRENCH (1905-1988) American painter associated with the Precisionist movement, known for his figurative works and murals.
JASON MRAZ (1977-) American singer-songwriter known for his folk-pop style and hits like "I'm Yours" and "I Won't Give Up."
JASPER JOHNS (1930-) American painter, sculptor, draftsman, and printmaker.
JEAN COCTEAU (1889-1963) French artist known for his versatility in various mediums, including film and literature.
JEAN GENET (1910-1986) French novelist, playwright, and political activist known for his provocative works.
JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT (1960-1988) Influential American artist whose graffiti-inspired works gained international acclaim.
JEANNA BAUCK (1840-1926) Sorry, I couldn't find information on this individual.
JEFFREY SCHWARZ (1969-) American filmmaker known for his documentaries on LGBTQ subjects.
JENNI OLSON (1962-) American filmmaker and LGBTQ film historian.
JESS COLLINS (1923-2004) American artist associated with the Surrealist movement.
JIM FALL (1962-) American film director known for his work in romantic comedies.
JIMMY DE SANA (1949-1990) American photographer known for his provocative and experimental works.
JODIE FOSTER (1962-) Acclaimed American actress and director.
JOE BRAINARD (1942-1994) American artist and writer associated with the New York School.
JOE ORTON (1933-1967) English playwright known for his darkly comedic and subversive works.
JOEL SCHUMACHER (1939-2020) American film director known for his diverse range of movies.
JOHN AUGUST (1970-) American screenwriter known for his work on films like "Big Fish" and "Charlie's Angels".
JOHN CAGE (1912-1992) Influential American composer and pioneer of experimental music.
JOHN CAMERON MITCHELL (1963-) American actor, director, and writer known for "Hedwig and the Angry Inch".
JOHN MAYNARD KEYNES (1883-1946) British economist whose ideas greatly influenced modern macroeconomics.
JOHN SCHLESINGER (1926-) British film director known for his films like "Midnight Cowboy" and "Sunday Bloody Sunday".
JOHN SINGER SARGENT (1856-1925) American painter known for his portraits and landscapes.
JOHN WATERS (1946-) American filmmaker known for his cult films like "Pink Flamingos" and "Hairspray".
JONATHAN CAOUETTE (1972-) American filmmaker known for his autobiographical documentary "Tarnation".
JOSÉ SARRIA (1922-2013) American drag queen and LGBTQ rights activist.
JOSEPHINE BAKER (1906-1975) American-born French entertainer and civil rights activist.
JULIE MEHRETU (1970) Ethiopian-American artist known for her large-scale abstract paintings.
JULIUS CAESAR (100Bc-44BC) Ancient Roman statesman and military general who played a critical role in the demise of the Roman Republic.
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K.D. LANG (1961-) Canadian singer-songwriter known for her powerful vocals and activism.
KARL HEINRICH ULRICHS (1825-1885) German writer and early advocate for LGBTQ rights.
KATE MILLETT (1934-2017) American feminist writer and activist.
KEHINDE WILEY (1977) American artist known for his vibrant portraits of African Americans.
KEITH HARING (1958-1990) American artist and social activist known for his graffiti-inspired art.
KEITH VAUGHAN (1912-1977) British painter known for his figurative works.
KEN “SNAKEHIPS” JOHNSON (1914-1941) British jazz musician and bandleader.
KENNETH ANGER (1927-2023) American filmmaker and author known for his avant-garde and experimental films.
KEVYN AUCOIN (1962-2002) American makeup artist and author known for his work with celebrities.
KIM COCO IWAMOTO (1968-) American attorney, educator, and trans rights activist.
KIYOSHI KUROMIYA (1943-2000) Japanese-American activist and AIDS educator.
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LADY GAGA (1986) American singer, songwriter, and actress known for her avant-garde style and activism.
LANA WACHOWSKI (1965) American film director, screenwriter, and producer known for "The Matrix" trilogy.
LANGSTON HUGHES (1901-1967) Influential American poet, social activist, and playwright of the Harlem Renaissance.
LARRY KRAMER (1935-2020) American playwright and LGBTQ rights activist.
LARRY RIVERS (1923-2002) American artist, musician, and filmmaker associated with the Pop Art movement.
LATRICE ROYALE (1972-) American drag performer and reality television personality.
LAVERNE COX (1972) American actress and trans rights advocate.
LEE DANIELS (1959) American film director, producer, and screenwriter known for "Precious" and "Empire".
LENA WAITHE (1984) American actress, producer, and screenwriter known for "Master of None" and "The Chi".
LEONARD BERNSTEIN (1918-1990) Renowned American composer, conductor, and music educator.LEONARD MATLOVICH (1943-1988)
American Air Force sergeant known for his role in the LGBTQ rights movement.
LEONARDO DA VINCI (1452-1519) Renaissance polymath known for his art, inventions, and scientific studies.
LEONOR FINI (1907-1996) Surrealist painter and artist known for her provocative and dreamlike works.
LEONORA CARRINGTON (1917-2011) Surrealist painter and writer celebrated for her fantastical and mystical art.
LESLIE FEINBERG (1949) Author and activist, best known for their groundbreaking work, "Stone Butch Blues."
LESLIE JORDAN (1955-2022) Actor and comedian recognized for his roles in television and film.
LIBERACE (1919-1987) Flamboyant pianist and entertainer renowned for his extravagant performances.
LILLY WACHOWSKI (1967-) Filmmaker and screenwriter, co-director of "The Matrix" trilogy.
LILY ELBE (1882-1931) One of the first known recipients of gender confirmation surgery, subject of "The Danish Girl."
LILY TOMLIN (1939-) Emmy-winning actress and comedian.
LISA CHOLODENKO (1964-) Film director and screenwriter acclaimed for her work on "The Kids Are All Right."
LISETTE MODEL (1901-1983) Austrian-born American photographer known for her street photography.
LOLA FLASH (1959-) Photographer recognized for her portraits of LGBTQ individuals of color.
LORD IVAR MOUNTBATTEN (1963-) Member of the British royal family and advocate for LGBTQ rights.
LORRAINE HANSBERRY (1930-1965) Playwright and author of "A Raisin in the Sun," a seminal work in American theater.
LOUISE ABBÉMA (1853-1927) French painter, sculptor, and designer known for her portraits and murals.
LUCHITA HURTADO (1920-2020) Venezuelan-American painter celebrated for her surrealist and abstract works.
LUDWIG II OF BAVARIA (1845-1886) Bavarian king known for his eccentric behavior and support of the arts.
LUISA ISABEL ÁLVAREZ DE TOLEDO (1936-2008) Spanish aristocrat and LGBTQ rights activist.
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MAGNUS HIRSCHFELD (1868-1935) German physician and sexologist, pioneer in LGBTQ rights and trans studies.
MARCEL DUCHAMP (AKA RROSE SÉLAVY) (1887-1968) Influential artist associated with Dadaism and Surrealism.
MARCEL PROUST (1871-1922) French novelist best known for his monumental work, "In Search of Lost Time."
MARGARET CHO (1968-) Stand-up comedian, actress, and LGBTQ advocate known for her frank and fearless humor.
MARGARETHE “GRETHE” CAMMERMEYER (1942-) Retired Colonel of the Washington National Guard and LGBTQ rights activist.
MARIE LAURENCIN (1883-1956) French painter and printmaker associated with the Cubist movement.
MARIJANE MEAKER (1927-2022) Author known for her groundbreaking lesbian pulp fiction under the pseudonym "Vin Packer."
MARLENE DIETRICH (1901-1992) Actress and singer known for her androgynous style and sultry voice.
MARLON BRANDO (1924-2004) Legendary actor and cultural icon celebrated for his method acting.
MARSDEN HARTLEY (1877-1943) Modernist painter associated with the American avant-garde movement.
MARSHA P. JOHNSON (1945-1992) LGBTQ rights activist and prominent figure in the Stonewall uprising.
MARTHA SHELLEY (1943-) Writer and LGBTQ activist, one of the founders of the Gay Liberation Front.
MARTIN KIPPENBERGER (1953-1997) German artist known for his diverse body of work spanning various mediums.
MARY “DICK” BAXTER ELLIS CBE (1892-1968) British commanding officer of the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (FANY) .
MARY LOWNDES (1857-1929) British stained-glass artist and suffragette, pioneer in the Arts and Crafts movement.
MARY ROZET SMITH (1868-1934) Philanthropist and companion of suffragist Jane Addams.
MATILDA MARY HAYS (1820-1897) British actress and writer, known for her pioneering work in theater management.
MATTHEW SHEPARD (1976-1998) University student and LGBTQ hate crime victim, sparking nationwide activism.
MAUD ALLAN (1873-1956) Canadian-born dancer celebrated for her interpretations of classical works and her advocacy for women's rights.
MAY “TOUPIE” LOWTHER (1874-1944) British tennis player leader of all-female unit ambulance drivers during WWI.
MELISSA ETHERIDGE (1961-) Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and LGBTQ activist.
MERCE CUNNINGHAM (1919-2009) Influential choreographer and dancer, known for his avant-garde approach to dance.
MICHAEL DILLON (1915-1962) Trans pioneer, the first trans man to undergo phalloplasty surgery.
MICHAEL MCCONNELL (1942-) LGBTQ rights activist and plaintiff in landmark marriage equality case, McConnell v. Richardson.
MICHAEL MUSTO (1955-) Journalist and LGBTQ culture critic known for his work in "The Village Voice."
MICHAEL PATRICK KING (1954-) Writer, director, and producer known for his work on "Sex and the City."
MICHAEL SAM (1990-) Former professional football player, first openly gay player to be drafted in the NFL.
MICHAEL STIPE (1960-) Lead singer of the band R.E.M. and LGBTQ activist.
MICHAELA JAÉ RODRIGUEZ (1991-) Actress and LGBTQ advocate, known for her role in "Pose."
MICHEL DE MONTAIGNE (1533-1592) French philosopher known for popularizing the essay as a literary form.
MICHEL FOUCAULT (1926-1984) Influential French philosopher and social theorist, known for his work on power and sexuality.
MICHELANGELO (1475-1564) Renowned Italian artist, sculptor, and architect of the High Renaissance.
MICKALENE THOMAS (1971-) Contemporary artist known for her vibrant and empowering portraits.
MIKE WHITE (1970-) Screenwriter, actor, and director known for his work on "School of Rock" and "Enlightened."
MILEY CYRUS (1992-) Singer-songwriter and actress known for her advocacy for LGBTQ rights.
MINOR WHITE (1908-1976) American photographer and influential figure in the development of modern photography.
MISHIMA YUKIO (1925-1970) Japanese author, playwright, and nationalist whose works explore themes of sexuality and death.
MISS MAJOR (1940-) Trans rights activist and community leader, pivotal figure in the Stonewall riots.
MONTGOMERY CLIFT (1920-1966) American actor known for his sensitive portrayals in films such as "From Here to Eternity" and "A Place in the Sun."
MURRAY BARTLETT (1971-) Actor known for his roles in LGBTQ-themed shows like "Looking" and "Tales of the City."
MWANGA II (1868-1903) Former king of Buganda known for his complex legacy, including his persecution of Christians and alleged homosexuality.
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NAN GOLDIN (1953-) Photographer known for her intimate and raw portraits, particularly of LGBTQ communities.
NANCY CÁRDENAS (1954-) Mexican artist and LGBTQ rights activist, known for her feminist and queer art.
NEIL PATRICK HARRIS (1953-) Actor, singer, and magician known for his roles in "How I Met Your Mother" and his advocacy for LGBTQ rights.
NINA HAMNETT (1890-1956) Welsh artist and writer associated with the Bloomsbury Group, known for her bohemian lifestyle and art.
NZINGA OF NDONGO AND MATAMBA (1583-1663) Queen of the Ndongo and Matamba kingdoms, known for her resistance against Portuguese colonialism.
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OSCAR WILDE (1854-1900) Irish playwright, novelist, and poet known for his wit, flamboyant style, and tragic imprisonment.
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PARIS BARCLAY (1956-) Television director and producer, known for his work on "NYPD Blue" and advocacy for LGBTQ representation.
PAUL CADMUS (1904-1999) Painter and printmaker known for his homoerotic works and association with the American realist movement.
PAUL MONETTE (1945-1995) Writer and LGBTQ activist, known for his memoir "Borrowed Time: An AIDS Memoir."
PAUL MORRISSEY (1938-) Filmmaker associated with the New York underground scene and collaborator with Andy Warhol.
PAULI MURRAY (1910-1985) Civil rights activist, lawyer, and author, known for her advocacy for women's and LGBTQ rights.
PAVEL TCHELITCHEW (1989-1957) Russian-born surrealist painter known for his homoerotic and mystical works.
PEDRO ALMODÓVAR (1949-) Spanish filmmaker known for his colorful and provocative films exploring LGBTQ themes.
PETE TOWNSHEND (1945-) Musician and songwriter, best known as the guitarist and songwriter for The Who.
PETER HUJAR (1934-1987) Photographer known for his portraits, particularly of New York's downtown arts scene and LGBTQ community.
PETER TATCHELL (1967-) Human rights campaigner and activist.
PETER THIEL (1967-) Entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of PayPal.
PHILIP JOHNSON (1906-2005) Influential American architect known for his modern designs.
PHILIPPE I (1640-1701) King of Belgium from 1831 to 1865.
PHYLLIS LYON (1924-2020) LGBTQ rights activist and co-founder of the Daughters of Bilitis.
POLIZIANO (1454-1494) Italian Renaissance humanist, poet, and scholar.
PRINCE AZIM OF BRUNEI (1982-2020) Prince of Brunei known for his philanthropy.
PRINCE EGON VON FÜRSTENBERG (1946-2004) German prince and fashion designer.
PYOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Russian composer known for his ballets and symphonies.
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QUENTIN CRISP (1908-1999) English writer, raconteur, and actor.
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RACHEL MADDOW (1973-) Television host and political commentator.
RADCLYFFE HALL (1880-1943) English poet and author known for her lesbian-themed works.
RAFFI FREEDMAN-GURSPAN (1987-) Trans rights activist and the first openly trans person to work in the White House.
RAINER WERNER FASSBINDER (1945-) German filmmaker and playwright.
RANDAL KLEISER (1946-) American film director known for "Grease" and "The Blue Lagoon".
RENEE RICHARDS (1934-) American ophthalmologist and trans tennis player.
REV. TROY PERRY (1940-) Founder of the Metropolitan Community Church.
RITA MAE BROWN (1944-) American writer and feminist activist.
ROB EPSTEIN (1955-) American filmmaker known for his documentaries on LGBTQ topics.
ROBERT DE NIRO SR. (1922-1993) American abstract expressionist painter.
ROBERT GOODLOE HARPER PENNINGTON (1854-1920) American artist and illustrator.
ROBERT INDIANA (1928-2018) American artist known for his "LOVE" sculpture.
ROBERT MAPPLETHORPE (1946-1989) American photographer known for his provocative images.
ROBERT RAUSCHENBERG (1925-2008) American painter and graphic artist.
ROBIN ROBERTS (1960-) Television broadcaster and anchor on ABC's "Good Morning America".
ROCK HUDSON (1925-1985) American actor and Hollywood heartthrob.
ROMAINE BROOKS (1973-1970) American painter associated with the Rite of Passage movement.
RONI HORN (1955-) American visual artist and writer.
ROSA BONHEUR (1822-1899) French animalière, realist artist, and sculptor.
ROSE TROCHE (1964-) American filmmaker known for "Go Fish" and "The L Word".
ROTIMI FANI-KAYODE (1955-1989) Nigerian-British photographer known for his portraits.
RUPAUL CHARLES (1960-) American drag queen, singer, and television personality.
RUSSELL TOVEY (1981-) English actor known for his roles in "Being Human" and "Years and Years".
RUTH BERNHARD (1905-2006) German-born American photographer known for her nude studies.
RUTH ELLIS (1899-2000) Known for being the oldest surviving open lesbian at the age of 101. Subject of documentary "Living With Pride: Ruth C. Ellis @ 100."
RYAN MURPHY (1965-) Television writer, director, and producer known for "Glee" and "American Horror Story.”
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SADAO HASEGAWA (1945-1999) Japanese artist known for his woodblock prints.
SALLY RIDE (1951-2012) American astronaut, physicist, and the first American woman in space.
SALVADOR DALÍ (1904-1989) Spanish surrealist painter known for his eccentricity.
SANDRA BERNHARD (1955-) American comedian, actress, and singer.
SAPPHO (600s-500s BC) Ancient Greek lyric poet known for her poetry on love and desire.
SARA JOSEPHINE BAKER (1873-1945) American physician known for her contributions to public health and hygiene.
SARAH EMMA EDMONDS (1841-1898) Canadian-born American soldier who fought disguised as a man in the American Civil War.
SASCHA SCHNEIDER (1870-1927) German symbolist painter and sculptor.
SELMA LAGERLÖF (1858-1940) Swedish author and the first female writer to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.
SIEGFRIED SASSOON (1886-1967) English poet, writer, and soldier.
SIMEON SOLOMON (1840-1905) English Pre-Raphaelite painter known for his depictions of Jewish life and same-sex desire.
SIMON NKOLI (1957-) South African anti-apartheid activist and LGBTQ rights campaigner.
SIMONE DE BEAUVOIR (1908-1986) French writer, existentialist philosopher, and feminist theorist.
SIR CLAUDE PHILLIPS (1846-1924) English art historian and curator.
SIR FREDERIC LEIGHTON (1830-1897) English painter and sculptor associated with the Victorian neoclassicism movement.
SIR IAN MCKELLEN (1939-) English actor known for his roles in "The Lord of the Rings" and "X-Men".
SOCRATES (470-399 BC) Ancient Greek philosopher and a central figure in Western philosophy.
STEPHEN FRY (1957-) English actor, comedian, and writer known for his wit and intellect.
STEPHEN SONDHEIM (1930-2021) American composer and lyricist known for his work in musical theater.
STEVE ENDEAN (1948-1993) American LGBTQ-rights activist and co-founder of the Human Rights Campaign.
STORMÉ DELARVERIE (1920-2014) Drag king, lesbian, and LGBTQ-rights activist known for her role in the Stonewall Riots.
SUNIL GUPTA (1953-) A photographer known for his documentary-style images capturing LGBTQ life.
SYLVESTER JAMES JR. (1947-1988) A flamboyant disco and soul singer.
SYLVIA RIVERA (1951-2002) A trans activist and a key figure in the LGBTQ- rights movement.
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TALLULAH BANKHEAD (1902-1968) Actress known for her wit and charisma.
TAMARA DE LEMPICKA (1898-1980) A renowned Art Deco painter celebrated for her stylish portraits.
TAMMY BALDWIN (1962-) The first openly gay person to be elected to the United States Senate.
TENNESSEE WILLIAMS (1911-1983) A playwright known for A Streetcar Named Desire and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.
THOMAS EAKINS (1844-1916) A realist painter celebrated for his portraits and scenes of American life.
TIM COOK (1960-) The CEO of Apple Inc., succeeding Steve Jobs in 2011.
TIM GUNN (1953-) A fashion consultant and television personality, best known for his role on "Project Runway."
TODD HAYNES (1961-) A filmmaker known for his visually stunning and emotionally complex films such as "Far From Heaven" and "Carol."
TOM FORD (1961-) A fashion designer and film director renowned for his sleek, luxurious style.
TOM OF FINLAND (AKA TOUKO LAAKSONEN) (1920-1991) An influential artist known for his homoerotic fetish art.
TONY RICHARDSON (1928-) A British film director known for his work in the British New Wave cinema movement.
TOVE JANSSON (1914-2001) A Finnish author and illustrator, best known for creating the Moomins.
TRACY CHAPMAN (1964) A singer-songwriter known for her soulful voice and socially conscious lyrics.
TRUMAN CAPOTE (1924-1984) An American author known for his works "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and "In Cold Blood."
TSENG KWONG CHI (1950-1990) A photographer known for his humorous and insightful portraits of the downtown New York art scene.
TSUKIOKA YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892) A Japanese artist known for his ukiyo-e woodblock prints, including the series "One Hundred Aspects of the Moon."
TY DEFOE (1984-) A Two-Spirit artist and activist known for their work in Indigenous performance art and advocacy.
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UDO KIER (1944-) A German actor known for his roles in cult horror films and collaborations with director Lars von Trier.
UMBERTO II (1904-1983) The last king of Italy, reigning for just over a month in 1946 before the monarchy was abolished.
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VERNON LEE (AKA VIOLET PAGET) (1856-1935) A British writer known for her supernatural fiction and cultural criticism.
VINCENT PRICE (1911-1993) An American actor known for his distinctive voice and roles in classic horror films such as "House of Wax" and "The Pit and the Pendulum."
VINCENT VAN GOGH (1853-1890) A Dutch Post-Impressionist painter whose emotionally evocative works have become iconic in the art world.
VIOLET OAKLEY (1874-1961) An American artist known for her murals, particularly those at the Pennsylvania State Capitol.
VIRGINIA “GINNY” APUZZO (1941-) An LGBTQ rights activist and co-founder of the National LGBTQ Task Force.
VIRGINIA PRINCE (1912-2009) A trans activist known for her advocacy work and the publication of "Transvestia" magazine.
VIRGINIA WOOLF (1882-1941) A pioneering English writer known for her modernist novels such as "Mrs. Dalloway" and "To the Lighthouse."
VITA SACKVILLE-WEST (1892-1962) A British writer, poet, and gardener, known for her unconventional life and her affair with Virginia Woolf.
VITO RUSSO (1946-1990) An LGBTQ activist, film historian, and author of "The Celluloid Closet," a groundbreaking analysis of LGBTQ representation in film.
VIVIAN FORBES (1891-1937) English soldier, painter and poet in the early 20th century, and the longtime partner of painter Glyn Philpot.
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W. H. AUDEN (1907-1973) An English-American poet known for his distinctive style and works such as "Funeral Blues" and "The Age of Anxiety."
WALT WHITMAN (1819-1892) An American poet known for his groundbreaking collection "Leaves of Grass" and his celebration of democracy and individualism.
WANDA SYKES (1964-) A comedian and actress known for her sharp wit and roles in television shows like "The New Adventures of Old Christine."
WE’WHA (1849-1896) A Zuni Native American, recognized as a lhamana (an individual who takes on the role of both man and woman in their society) and a cultural ambassador.
WILFRED OWEN (1893-1918) A British poet and soldier, best known for his harrowing poems about World War I.
WILHELM VON GLOEDEN (1856-1931) A German photographer known for his idealized, homoerotic portraits of Sicilian youths.
WILLA CATHER (1873-1947) An American writer known for her novels depicting life on the American frontier, such as "My Ántonia" and "O Pioneers!"
WILLEM ARONDEUS (1894-1943) A Dutch artist and member of the Dutch resistance during World War II, known for his bravery in the fight against the Nazis.
WILLI NINJA (1961-2006) A dancer and choreographer known for his pioneering contributions to voguing and ballroom culture.
WILLIAM DORSEY SWANN (1860-1925) An American activist and the first known person to self-identify as a "queen of drag," organizing early LGBTQ balls in the late 19th century.
WILLIAM HAINES (1900-1973) An American actor and interior designer, known for his successful transition from silent films to sound and his subsequent career in design.
WILLIAM S. BURROUGHS (1914-1997) An American writer and a leading figure of the Beat Generation, known for his experimental novels such as "Naked Lunch."
WOLFGANG TILLMANS (1968-) A German photographer known for his diverse body of work exploring themes of youth culture, politics, and identity.
WU TSANG (1982-) An artist and filmmaker exploring themes of gender, race, and identity through film and performance.
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YANNIS TSAROUCHIS (1910-1989) A Greek painter known for his depictions of male figures and exploration of Greek identity and history.
YOSHIKO KAWASHIMA/RYŌSUKE (1907-1948) A Japanese princess, spy, and cross-dresser who operated during the Second Sino-Japanese War.
YUKIO MISHIMA (1925-1970) A Japanese author and nationalist known for his intense and controversial novels, as well as his dramatic death by seppuku.
YVES SAINT LAURENT (1936-2008) Yves Saint Laurent was a French fashion designer who revolutionized women's fashion with his modern designs.
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ZACHARY QUINTO (1977-) Actor known for his roles in "Heroes" and as Spock in the rebooted "Star Trek" film series.
ZANELE MUHOLI (1972-) A South African visual activist and photographer known for their powerful portraits of the LGBTQ community in South Africa.