Whether it’s Hollywood, sports or politics – these famous same-sex couples are making a difference. And, they’re doing it in ways that’ll keep us coming back for more.
A lot of them are high-profile celebrities, but they also marry people with more normal lives, such as writers and costume designers. They’re not just paving the way for other gay couples, they’re a true example of how it’s possible to live a happy, fulfilling life.
Billie Jean King
Billie Jean King is a tennis player who has won over 39 Grand Slam titles and has been the leader of a generation of women who challenged gender discrimination. She has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and has become an activist for women’s rights.
She also has a long history of advocating for the LGBTQ+ community. In 1981 she came out as a lesbian and lost all her endorsement deals, but she still continues to be a powerful force in the LGBTQ+ movement.
Lauren Morelli
Lauren Morelli is an American screenwriter and producer best known for her work on the Netflix original series Orange Is the New Black. She has Italian, English and German ancestry.
She was born on July 22, 1982, in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, suburb of McCandless. She graduated from Winchester Turnstone School before attending Marymount Manhattan College.
Alice Walker
Born in Eatonton, Georgia, Alice Walker has become one of America’s most important literary figures. Her books, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Color Purple, have sold more than 15 million copies worldwide.
She has also become a well-known activist, campaigning against the Israeli occupation of Palestine. She was married to Jewish civil rights lawyer Melvyn Rosenman Leventhal from 1967 to 1976.
Ellen DeGeneres
Actress Ellen DeGeneres is one of the most celebrated personalities in Hollywood. She’s an Emmy award-winning television host, comedian, and actress.
In 1997, she became the first leading TV character to come out as a lesbian. This bold move paved the way for other LGBTQ+ couples in Hollywood.
Lily Tomlin
Lily Tomlin is one of the most celebrated comedy actresses of all time. She’s been an out lesbian since the 70s and has a career that spans both stage and film.
She’s won critical acclaim in films like Robert Altman’s Nashville, Short Cuts and A Prairie Home Companion. She also starred alongside Jane Fonda in the Netflix comedy Grace and Frankie.
Jane Wagner
Jane Wagner is an American actress, writer, and producer. She is best known as Lily Tomlin’s comedy writer and life partner.
They first met in the early 1970s and have been together ever since. Their relationship has been an inspiration to many women in Hollywood.
Meredith Baxter
Meredith Baxter was born in South Pasadena, California. Her father was radio announcer Tom Baxter and her mother was actress Whitney Blake (born 1926).
She got her break when she appeared on the sitcom Bridget Loves Bernie (1972-1973) alongside her co-star David Birney. The show was controversial for its subject matter.
Portia de Rossi
Portia de Rossi is an Australian actress and model who is best known for her roles on Ally McBeal and Arrested Development. She also portrayed Veronica Palmer on Better Off Ted and Olivia Lord on Nip/Tuck.
Born Amanda Lee Rogers, de Rossi changed her name to Portia de Rossi when she was 15. She picked the Italian stage surname from her favorite Shakespearean play, The Merchant of Venice.
Ashlyn Harris
Ashlyn Harris is one of the best goalkeepers in the world right now. She’s a part of the US women’s national team and also plays for Gotham FC.
The soccer star came out as gay in March of this year. She married her partner Ali Krieger in 2019.
Ali Krieger
Ali Krieger is an American soccer player and two time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion. She plays for Orlando Pride and has over 100 caps for the US National Team.
She recently announced she’s retiring from professional soccer at the end of the season. We’re going to miss her on the field!
