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LGBTQ* Basics: ‘Femmes’ You Should Know

(please note that while they may possess characteristically feminine features, it is not for us or for anyone else to define their identity).

(Following from Femme on a Mission)

1. Cynthia Nixon

Famous for her starring role on Sex and the City, Cynthia surprised even herself when she fell in love with a woman in 2004. 

2. Sarah Paulson

Actress Sarah Paulson was nominated for a Golden Globe for her performance in NBC’s Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. She came out publicly when she kissed then-girlfriend Cherry Jones when Jones won a Tony Award in 2005.

3. Amber Heard

Actress Amber Heard (Pineapple Express, The Stepfather, Drive Angry) came out in 2010 at GLAAD’s 25th Anniversary event. 

4. Beth Ditto

Lead singer for indie rock band Gossip, Beth Ditto is an outspoken activist for LGBT and women’s rights.

5. Jill Bennett

Out actress Jill Bennett is famous in lesbian circles for her role in Along Came Lola. She is now producing a webseries entitled “We Have to Stop Now” with partner Cathy DeBuono. 

6. Jennifer Knapp

Musician Jennifer Knapp began her career as a Contemporary Christian folk singer; two of her early albums were nominated for Grammy Awards. In 2010, Knapp announced that she is gay, and has since faced the predictable fall-out among her Christian fan base.

7. Tracy Ryerson

One of the stars of Season 1 of The Real L Word, Tracy is a producer and model turned reality-TV star. 

8. Portia DeGeneres

Actress Portia DeGeneres, née de Rossi, was known (before coming out and marrying the most famous lesbian in the world) for her role on Ally McBeal. She has since starred on Better Off Ted  and Arrested Development. In 2010 she wrote a book titled Unbearable Lightness, which discusses her struggle with anorexia as well as her sexuality.

9. Bridget McManus

Out comedian Bridget McManus is known for her hilarious stand-up act as well as for her role as a leader in the lesbian community. She writes for AfterEllen as well as hosting two shows on Logo (Brunch with Bridget and That Time of the Month).

10. Chely Wright

Country music singer-songwriter Chely Wright made headlines last year when she announced that she is gay. Her touching memoir, Like Me, details the struggles she faced in the closet that led to her near-suicide attempt, as well as her subsequent acceptance of herself and public coming out.

For their coming out videos, check out Femme on a Mission’s article here.)

Related Posts: 10 Famous Lesbian and Bisexual Women of Color.