7 standout LGBTQ+ allies and how they show up

It's powerful when celebrities use their platform to advocate for marginalized groups, and the LGBTQ+ community has long benefited from the support of vocal allies. Here are seven figures known for their consistent and meaningful allyship.

1. Michelle Visage:

• Known For: Judge on RuPaul's Drag Race and television personality.
  
• How They Demonstrate Allyship: Michelle Visage has been a vocal and visible ally to the LGBTQ+ community for decades. She often speaks about the importance of acceptance, self-love, and celebrating individuality. She's actively involved in LGBTQ+ events, using her platform on RuPaul's Drag Race to amplify queer voices and perspectives. Visage is known for her tough love, but her unwavering support and dedication to the drag community and LGBTQ+ rights are undeniable.

2. Daniel Radcliffe:

• Known For: Actor, best known for his role as Harry Potter in the Harry Potter film series.
  
• How They Demonstrate Allyship: Daniel Radcliffe has been a long-time supporter of LGBTQ+ rights. Critically, in 2020, he publicly and directly responded to J.K. Rowling's controversial comments about transgender women. He wrote an essay for The Trevor Project stating, "Transgender women are women. Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people and goes against all advice given by professional health care associations who have far more expertise on this subject matter than either Jo or I." Radcliffe's stance was praised for its clarity and unwavering support for the trans community. He has also been involved with The Trevor Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth.

3. Cher:

• Known For: Legendary singer, actress, and entertainer.
  
• How They Demonstrate Allyship: Cher's advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community stretches back to the early days of the movement. She has spoken out against discrimination, used her platform to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ issues, and consistently supports LGBTQ+ organizations. She has publicly defended the LGBTQ+ community on numerous occasions, demonstrating her steadfast commitment to equality.

4. David Tennant:

• Known For: Acclaimed actor, best known for roles in Doctor Who and Good Omens.
  
• How They Demonstrate Allyship: David Tennant is a staunch ally who has consistently used his platform to support LGBTQ+ rights and defend them from attacks from the media and politicians. He frequently wears pride pins and ribbons to awards shows and other public events, making a visual statement of his support. He has spoken out against discrimination and homophobia, and has participated in LGBTQ+ awareness campaigns.

5. Josh Hutcherson:

• Known For: Actor, best known for his role in The Hunger Games film series.
  
• How They Demonstrate Allyship: Josh Hutcherson co-founded the "Straight But Not Narrow" campaign, which encourages straight men to support their LGBTQ+ friends and challenge homophobia. Through this campaign, Hutcherson has worked to promote understanding, acceptance, and allyship within the broader community. He has also been involved in various LGBTQ+ advocacy efforts.

6. Kerry Washington:

• Known For: Award-winning actress known for her role as Olivia Pope in the TV series Scandal.
  
• How They Demonstrate Allyship: Kerry Washington has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ equality, using her platform to amplify LGBTQ+ voices and challenge discrimination. She's known for her inclusive and intersectional approach to activism, recognizing the importance of addressing the multiple forms of discrimination that LGBTQ+ individuals may face. She actively supports LGBTQ+ organizations and speaks out on social media and in interviews about the importance of equality.

7. Oprah Winfrey:

• Known For: Media executive, talk show host, television producer, actress, author, and philanthropist.
  
• How They Demonstrate Allyship: Oprah Winfrey has used her vast platform to bring LGBTQ+ stories to a wider audience. She has featured LGBTQ+ individuals and families on her talk show, raising awareness about their lives and experiences. She has also spoken out against discrimination and supported LGBTQ+ organizations through her philanthropic efforts. Her consistent visibility and advocacy have made her a strong ally to the community.

These seven people have shown that allyship is more than just words; it's about consistent action, advocacy, and using one's platform to uplift and support the LGBTQ+ community. The more open and proud advocacy from ally voices, the better!

Sign up for myGwork's 'Becoming an Ally: Active Support in the Workplace' panel to learn practical ways to support LGBTQ+ colleagues and create an inclusive work environment.