As Pride approaches, it is only right that we celebrate all those outspoken people who have come forward and been themselves unapologetically. Queer representation in the media and in films is needed now more than ever. Seeing someone like you refelcted back at you gives you the permission to embrace everything that you are!
This article will shine a light on the queer icons of the here and now, but make sure you make yourself aware of those who paved the way for us all.
Lena Waithe
Lena Waithe is an masculine-presenting, openly queer black writer, producer and actor. In 2017, Waithe won an Emmy and used her acceptance speech to talkabout queer empowerment. Waithe is the creator of Twenties, a semi-autobiographical show that follows a queer black woman navitagating her way through LA during her 20’s.
When talking about her writing, Waithe said, ‘Art is supposed to be controversial, polarizing. It’s supposed to be debated and talked about…You can keep making sh*t, or you can run away. Like it or not, I’m not going anywhere. I’m going to keep making sh*t.’
Elliot Page
In Decemeber of 2020, Elliot Page came out as transgender. Page has always been an advocate for the queer community, as he identified as a lesbian before his transition. Page has and continues to use his high status profile to speak out against social issues, such as transphobia, veganism and abortion rights.
In April 2021, Page appeared on the cover of Time magazine, making him the first openly trans man to do so. He asked for Wynne Neilly to photograph him, as he wanted another trans person to capture him for the cover. In the interview, Page said he was recovering from ’not only life-changing, but life-saving’ top surgery.
JoJo Siwa
Dance Moms dancer turned teen superstar Jojo Siwa came out as pansexual in 2021. Siwa has since been outspoken about being queer, stating ‘I’m the happiest that I’ve ever been, and that’s what matters.’
In 2021, Siwa, along with her partner Jenna Johnson, became the first same-sex couple on Dancing With The Stars. Siwa has millions of fans, most of whom are young teenagers or even younger. It is amazing that the younger generations have icons to look up to who are unapologetic within themselves, such as Jojo Siwa.
Janelle Monae
Actress and singer Janelle Monae has been a fierce figure in the LGBTQ + community for many years now. In 2018, Monae came out as pansexual and during a Red Table Talk in April 2022, they revealed they now identify as non-binary.
Monae’s signature look seems to be a tuxedo. They said, ‘I feel like I have a responsibility to my community and other young girls to help redefine what it looks like to be a woman. I don’t believe in men’s wear or women’s wear, I just like what I like. And I think we should just be respected for being an individual.’
Monae’s lyrics frequently reference queer love and life, for example, ‘I was made to believe there’s something wrong with me, and it hurts my heart. Lord have mercy, ain’t it plain to see?’
If your thirst for queer excellence hasn’t been quenched, then be sure to check these people out: