Media plays a crucial role in shaping values, disseminating messages, validating identities, and normalizing ideals.

When it comes to sexual orientation and identity diversity, sometimes, it means choosing safety, stability, and career over living freely as who you are.

In the entertainment business, same-sex love interests were censored from the 1930s to the 1960s by what was called the Hays Code. When who you are is treated as wrong, a sin, or even a crime, being out is not always possible. Some artists have had to choose between their career and living their identities freely.

However, nowadays, queer representation is progressing and becoming not only more common but also more positive. Many celebrities are not only out, loud, and proud about their own identities and sexualities but also advocate for the entire LGBTQ community, understanding the collective power it has to bring about political change in the world.

Check out these celebrities who are proud to be themselves.