8 LGBTQ+ actresses you should know

In you missed it, a new trend on X is making its rounds through the constantly changing app. X users are boldly sharing with the world something that can make or break friendships, relationships, and family dynamics – the actresses they stan.

That’s right, folks are releasing some pretty intimate information on the actresses they’ll always “be seated” for. Some fans are dying for the next time Margot Robbie graces the silver screen, whereas other can’t wait for Zendaya to come back to television. We, at INTO, are no different than the rest of X users and have our own list of actresses we love to see in everything.

So, without further ado, here are the queer and trans actresses we’ll always be seated for. 

Kiersey Clemons

This Dope actress never ceases to amaze us. Kiersey Clemons is currently starring in Monarch: Legacy of Monsters on Apple TV+, which is no easy feat when Godzilla is on the loose, but Clemons’ acting resume shows she has the talent to back it up. From roles in Antebellum with Janelle Monáe, The Young Wife with Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Prime Video’s Swarm with Dominique Fishback, Clemons has proven that she can easily stand alongside titans, both in acting and in the world of monsters.

Stephanie Beatriz

Stephanie Beatriz became everyone’s favorite “tough as nails” character with her breakthrough role as Rosa Diaz on Brooklyn Nine-Nine. She did a 180 by taking on the lead role of Mirabel in Disney’s Encanto and showed off her vocal abilities to Lin-Manuel Miranda-created songs as well. Now, she’s starring alongside Anthony Mackie in Peacock’s Twisted Metal and we couldn’t be happier to see her in the action-packed, video game-inspired series. 

Hari Nef

Not many people can jump between different genres, let alone switch between film and TV, but Barbie girl Hari Nef can. The actress, writer, and model slays every role she takes on, whether that’s starring in Sam Levinson’s Assassination Nation and The Idol, to testing out her comedic chops in And Just Like That and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, or becoming a scream queen in Bad Things. If Nef is in it, then we’re watching it. 

Lily Gladstone

While Lily Gladstone has been acting for years, it’s her career-turning role in Martin Scorsese’s Flowers of the Killer Moon that has everyone talking. Prior to her role as Mollie Burkhart in Flowers of the Killer Moon, The Montana-native could be seen in Room 104, Reservation Dogs, and Certain Women, of which she was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Actress. Now, with her name at the top of the list for numerous acting awards, expect to see her face everywhere. 

Reneé Rapp

Sure this “Snow Angel” singer has a blessed vocal ability, but Reneé Rapp is just as talented in the acting department. Known for her role as Leighton in Mindy Kaling-created The Sex Lives of College Girls, she also has stage credits as queen bee Regina George in the musical of Mean Girls. And she’ll be back again as the leader of “the Plastics” in January 2024 when the musical film version comes to theaters. We’ll have our tickets and seats ready. 

Keke Palmer 

No one does it quite like Keke Palmer. The self-proclaimed millennial diva is notorious for always having a new gig. Whether it’s hosting, singing, or producing, Palmer can do it all. And when it comes to acting, well, her resume speaks for itself. With films such as Hustlers, Nope, Pimp, and Alice under her belt, Palmer has been captivating silver screens since she was a child. And also, we still have a soft spot for her breakout role in Akeelah and the Bee.

Patti Harrison

50% comedian, 50% actress, and 100% phenomenal, Patti Harrison brings the laughs to every role. While many will remember her correspondent work on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Harrison has had scene-stealing roles in Shrill, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, and Theater Camp. When Harrison shows up on-screen, know that you’ll be ROFL soon. 

Auli’i Cravalho

Not many teens can say that they got their start in a Disney movie, but Auli’i Cravalho definitely has bragging rights. After voicing the titular character of Moana, Cravalho has starred in sapphic teen romcom Crush, the supernatural comedy Darby and the Dead, and even took stage roles as Ariel in The Little Mermaid Live! and Eva Peron in Evita. She’ll be back on the silver screen in January 2024, along with Reneé Rapp, in Mean Girls as an updated version of Janis Ian. We’ll be ready to hear her soaring vocals once again in this musical film rendition. 

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