Famous gay women in history

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. It reminds you that you belong, that your voice matters, and that you have the power to make a difference.

LGBTQIA+ Women Who Changed History

Here are some of the most influential LGBTQIA+ women who made history across different fields.

For centuries, sapphics have been at the heart of key events and helped change the world as we know it. 

Ahead of International Women’s Day, here are six women who changed the world. 

Josephine Baker 

This French-American actor, singer, activist and everything in between was one of the most influential voices of the 20th century.

Aged 29, she won the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award, the youngest playwright to do so. 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.

Turing received his posthumous pardon from the Queen in 2012, and many others have since followed. 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.

Lorena also advocated fiercely for the rights of sex workers and worked to ensure that transgender people could live freely without fear of violence or discrimination.

Her tireless work has had a lasting impact on the transgender community, and her legacy inspires those who fight for justice and equality.

Notable Quote:"I don't want to be remembered for the things I did, but for the lives I changed."

Learn More: The Story of Lorena Borjas

Lorraine Hansberry (1930 - 1965)

Field: Playwriting, Activism

Lorraine Hansberry made history as the first Black woman to have a play performed on Broadway.

She suffered many cruel attacks in her lifetimes, with tabloids outing her as trans at the beginning of her modelling career.

Her divorce also led to a change in British law, as her husband wanted to separate because she was not legally identifiable as a female. She shows that you can be loud, proud, and unapologetically yourself.

Notable Quote:"When you feel powerful, you are willing to stand up for your rights, you are willing to stand up for what you believe in, you're more willing to stand up and be counted."

Learn more:Margaret Cho: Comedy & queer politics are 'absolutely linked'

Sylvia Rivera (1951 - 2002)

Field: Activism

Sylvia Rivera was a pioneering transgender activist and a foundational figure in the LGBTQIA+ rights movement.

The act behind the prosecution? She was an early member of the Gay Liberation Front and the Gay Activists Alliance. She never stopped fighting for the most vulnerable in society, particularly trans women and gender non-conforming people.

Notable Quote:"I have not given up the struggle, and I will never give up the struggle."

Learn more: Sylvia Rivera Biography