The Girl He Left Behind (1956)

When did the kids start this “gay thing”, anyway? A while ago, folks. Much longer than you might realize.

Since queer people existed thousands of years ago, it goes to figure they were around 50, 70, or 100 years ago. And the film industry was far from devoid of LGBTQ+ representation – in fact, it wasn’t just a stereotype that gay people flocked to movies, music, and theatre. It was one place where they were just a tiny bit more welcome.

With Pride Month only a month away, let’s take a proud look back at our forefathers, foremothers, and foreparents of queerness in the movie industry.

Here are 5 openly gay Hollywood stars you should know about.