Gay Actors Who Are Religious

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Many well-known gay actors continue to practice their faith, demonstrating that LGBTQ+ identity and spirituality can coexist. These performers, representing a range of religions like Christianity, Buddhism, and Judaism, have openly discussed how their beliefs shape their lives and careers. Despite past conflicts between religious institutions and the LGBTQ+ community, these actors show that it’s possible to stay true to both one’s faith and one’s identity.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter often talks about growing up in the Pentecostal church and how it helped him develop his talents for music and theater. Even though he faced difficulties as a child, he’s remained deeply spiritual throughout his career. He frequently uses gospel music and religious ideas in his work, like in ‘Kinky Boots’ and ‘Pose’. Porter sees his art as a way to share his beliefs and support others. He continues to consider himself a religious person and hopes to connect his community with the church.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo, an Academy Award nominee recognized for his performances in films like ‘Rustin’ and ‘The Color Purple,’ frequently discusses the significant role faith plays in his life and work. He considers himself a spiritual person whose religious upbringing provides him with strength, especially while working in Hollywood. Domingo sees his talent as a gift he wants to use to inspire others and share stories with purpose. Throughout his career, he’s demonstrated a dedication to honesty and a belief in something greater than himself, which shapes both his personal life and his choices as an actor.

George Takei

George Takei, best known for playing Hikaru Sulu in ‘Star Trek,’ is a devoted Buddhist who often speaks about how Buddhist principles like compassion and mindfulness guide his life. He believes his faith helped him stay positive even during challenging times, such as when he was held in a Japanese American internment camp as a child. Takei frequently uses Buddhist ideas to support his work for social justice and equality, and his commitment to these values is clear through his long record of activism and public service.

Wilson Cruz

Wilson Cruz is a well-known actor, famous for his roles in shows like ‘My So-Called Life’ and ‘Star Trek: Discovery’. He’s a devout Catholic who has openly supported LGBTQ+ inclusion in the church throughout his life. Cruz frequently discusses the spiritual strength he finds in his faith community and how important it is for LGBTQ+ people to be represented within religious organizations. He’s collaborated with several groups to encourage conversations between the church and the LGBTQ+ community, demonstrating that it’s possible to be both a person of faith and embrace one’s identity.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer is an accomplished actor known for roles in projects like ‘The Normal Heart’ and ‘Fellow Travelers’. Growing up in a traditionally religious family in Texas has significantly shaped his perspective. Despite embracing his identity, Bomer has shared that he maintains his faith, finding a way to balance it with who he is. He appreciates the strong moral principles he learned growing up and aims to pass those values on to his children. His life story demonstrates the often complicated, yet lasting connection between personal beliefs and finding oneself in today’s world.

Ben Platt

Ben Platt, the Tony Award-winning star of ‘Dear Evan Hansen’, is openly Jewish and often talks about how important his religion and culture are to him. He actively participates in Jewish traditions and proudly celebrates his heritage through his work and public life. He’s shared that Judaism gives him a strong sense of community, history, and belonging, and his faith continues to be a key part of who he is and how he expresses himself creatively.

Tuc Watkins

Tuc Watkins is a well-known actor, best remembered for his roles on ‘One Life to Live’ and ‘Desperate Housewives’. He’s a Christian who openly shares how important his faith is, especially as a gay man and a father. Watkins has explained that his religious beliefs guide his morals and give him a sense of calm. He’s involved in his church and dedicated to raising his twin sons with a religious upbringing. His life shows how he successfully combines his faith and his identity.

Andrew Rannells

Andrew Rannells became well-known for his work in the Broadway hit ‘The Book of Mormon’ and the TV show ‘Girls’. Growing up in Nebraska in a strict Catholic family, he’s often written about his experiences with the church. While he’s been critical of religious institutions, he still feels a strong connection to the traditions and community he was raised in. Rannells frequently examines these ideas in his writing, thinking about how Catholicism influenced who he is, and continues to recognize the lasting impact of his religious upbringing on his life.

Nathan Lee Graham

Nathan Lee Graham is a successful actor and singer, recognized for his work in films like ‘Zoolander’ and ‘Hitch’. He’s also a devout Christian who frequently talks about how his faith has helped him navigate the challenges of a long career in the entertainment industry. Graham emphasizes the importance of spirituality for staying balanced in such a competitive field, and sees his talent as a gift from God. Throughout his career, he’s consistently combined his dedication to acting and singing with his strong religious beliefs.

We’d love to hear which actor’s story about their beliefs or personal journey resonated with you the most – please share in the comments!

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2026-02-18 08:18