A golden star lesbian is a term used to describe cis women who exclusively date other cis women. The term emerged from a deeply transphobic 2021 BBC article that insinuated cis lesbian porn performer Lily Cade was a gold-star lesbian.
The actress has racked up so many gigs that she’s hard to count. She’s appeared in everything from a short-lived Logo sitcom to regular roles on 24 and E.R.
Megan Cavanaugh
Known for her role as Marla Hooch in the short-lived lesbian Logo sitcom Exes and Ohs, the 57-year-old has an impressive resume. She’s been in a ton of TV shows, from series regular spots on 24 and Five Days at Memorial to recurring roles on Defending Jacob, What Makes a Family and The Handmaid’s Tale.
She’s also starred in several movies and provided the voice of Judy Neutron in Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius.
Cherry Jones
Cherry Jones is a talented stage actress who has made waves in the film industry as well. She has appeared in a variety of films including The Horse Whisperer, Erin Brockovich, and Signs.
She is also a two-time Tony Award winner for her work in The Heiress and Doubt. She has also been nominated for several other awards.
Besides her acting, she has been an activist for the LGBT community. She has openly spoken about her sexuality and is a strong supporter of gay rights.
Alia Shawkat
Alia Shawkat has been one of the most popular lesbian stars. The actress is best known for her work on the show Arrested Development. She has also worked in films and television shows like State of Grace and Search Party.
She is an award-winning actress. She has starred in the television series State of Grace and played Maeby FA 1/4nke on the hit show Arrested Development.
The actress recently came out as bisexual in an interview with Out Magazine. She was speaking about her new movie Duck Butter, in which she plays a lesbian couple.
Niecy Nash
Niecy Nash grew up in South Central California and was inspired by the television appearances of Lola Falana. She made her TV debut in 1995 and starred in several shows such as NYPD Blue, Judging Amy, Reba, Girlfriends, and ER.
She is best known for her role as Deputy Raineesha Williams on Reno 911! and Getting On. She currently stars as Desna Simms in the TNT sisterhood drama Claws.
Jessica Betts
Jessica Betts is a popular American singer, songwriter, rock and soul performer, entrepreneur, and social media influencer. She has a melodic voice and has performed many mega-hit songs. She also runs a self-titled YouTube channel and is known for her rock performances.
Niecy Nash gave Gay Twitter the gift of a lifetime when she surprised everyone by announcing that she married musician Jessica Betts. The two stars have been dating for some time, and Betts has made guest appearances on Nash’s TNT comedy-drama Claws.
Tegan & Sara
Tegan and Sara, identical twin sisters from Calgary, Alberta, are renowned for their live shows and for being outspoken lesbians. Their independent debut, Under Feet Like Ours, caught the attention of Neil Young’s Vapor Records, and their first major-label album, This Business of Art, was produced by Hawksley Workman.
With each album their writing sharpens in precision and vulnerability, with differing lyrical voices exploring complex relationship dynamics. They tackle sexism, homophobia and stereotyping in their music and have founded the Tegan and Sara Foundation that fights for LGBTQ rights.
Kehlani
Kehlani broke into the music industry as a member of the teen group Poplyfe. The band made it to the sixth season of America’s Got Talent but ultimately finished in fourth place.
Her first mixtape Cloud 19 was listed on Complex’s 50 Best Albums of 2014. In 2015, she released her second album You Should Be Here.
The artist has a lot to say about her sexual orientation. In an article for The Advocate, she explains the privilege she feels as a straight-presenting person in a heteronormative world and industry.
Brandi Carlile
Grammy Award-winning Brandi Carlile rose from busker at Seattle’s Pike Place Market to marquee A+ list star, thanks to her incredibly powerful singing voice and unique musical style. She’s also an advocate and activist, and a part of the progressive all-female quartet Highwomen alongside Amanda Shires, Maren Morris, and Natalie Hemby.
In addition, she’s been featured on multiple television shows, including Grey’s Anatomy, where her songs “The Story” and “Throw It All Away” were played.
Kate O’Moennig
The L Word’s Kate O’Moennig broke hearts as the sexy androgynous Shane McCutcheon. She’s continued to work steadily since the show ended, starring in TV series like Three Rivers and in films like Gone, The Lincoln Lawyer, and Everybody’s Fine.
She’s also starred in the Off Broadway play Guardians and is a regular on the Showtime series Ray Donovan, where she plays Professor Paige Hewson. She’s a lesbian star who’s not afraid to speak up for her community.