Famous gay women in history

Johnson Biography

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.

Despite the stigma attached to the LGBT+ community, a stigma that is thankfully reducing all the time, there are plenty of examples of brave people who proudly remained themselves, even if it meant going against the grain or, in some cases, risking their lives.

So let’s look more closely at some of these fantastic figures and how they blazed a trail against the status quo in the name of equality.

Anne Lister

Dubbed the world’s “first modern lesbian”, Anne Lister has recently been portrayed by Suranne Jones in the popular television series Gentleman Jack, based on her rather unkind nickname.

Today, Marsha is remembered as a symbol of resilience and power and one of the greatest historical figures in the American LGBTQIA+ community.

Notable Quote:"As long as my people don't have their rights across America, there's no reason for celebration."

Learn More: Marsha P. Johnson Biography

Audre believed that embracing one's identity was a form of resistance and that every voice mattered.

Her writing inspires activists and creatives today to stand up for themselves and others.

Notable Work:Sister Outsider (1984)

Learn More: Audre Lorde Biography

So dream big, stay bold, and know that you have the power to make history, too.

If you're looking for a place to find community and support, Out Youth is here for you. As her nickname suggests, Lister opted for a more masculine look openly throughout her life and single-handedly maintained her family home, Shibden Hall.

Alan Turing

An undeniable genius in his field, Alan Turing invented one of the earliest ever computers in 1936.

Let their stories inspire you to dream big and be fearless in chasing your goals.

She was an early member of the Gay Liberation Front and the Gay Activists Alliance. 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.

They showed up, spoke out, and lived authentically. Music-wise, she was one of the most celebrated musicians of the first half of the 1900s. She was a prominent figure in the Stonewall Uprising, one of the key turning points to gaining rights for queer people in America. STAR was a group focused on advocating for homeless transgender people, particularly transgender women of color, and providing them with shelter, food, and support.

Sylvia's bold activism and commitment to marginalized communities laid the groundwork for the modern transgender rights movement.

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. Martin consistently achieves new heights for herself and the LGBT+ community by competing in some of the hardest-fought motor racing competitions across Europe and the UK.

Martin was also the first-ever transgender person to compete in the iconic Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race.

Quentin Crisp

Quentin Crisp is the inspiration behind The Police’s song Englishman in New York due to his enduring and open commitment to his sexuality, despite the dangers. He will also be the new face of the £50 note, proving his state as a true British icon.

April Ashley

One of the first people in Britain to undergo gender-affirming surgery, April Ashley stood for thousands and was a leading voice in the earliest days of trans rights.

Sally's story is a reminder that there are no limits to what you can achieve.

Notable Achievement: First American woman in space (1983)

Learn More: Sally Ride Biography

In 1963, she was the only woman to speak at the March on Washington by the side of Martin Luther King Jr. 

Marsha P. Johnson 

This American activist was central to improving the rights of the LGBTQIA community everywhere. Aged 29, she won the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award, the youngest playwright to do so.