Gay Celebs Who Are Outspoken About Mental Health

Being LGBTQ+ and in the public eye can be especially tough on a person’s mental health. Many well-known LGBTQ+ celebrities openly talk about their own battles with things like anxiety, depression, and addiction. This honesty is helping to break down the stigma around mental health and encouraging others to reach out for support when they need it. These stars demonstrate that even success doesn’t protect you from emotional difficulties. Here are some gay and queer celebrities who are sharing their mental health experiences.

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga, the internationally famous singer, has openly shared her battles with PTSD and ongoing pain. She started the Born This Way Foundation to help young people with their mental health. She often talks about how a difficult experience with sexual assault when she was younger impacted her mental well-being for years. Her documentary, ‘Gaga: Five Foot Two,’ gives an honest and personal look at the challenges she’s faced both physically and emotionally. She consistently highlights the value of being kind to yourself and showing courage when dealing with mental health issues.

Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry, a well-known British actor and writer, received a diagnosis of bipolar disorder when he was 37 years old. He made a documentary, ‘The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive,’ to share his personal experiences with the condition and its effects on his life. As a former president of Mind, a UK mental health charity, Fry has been a vocal advocate for understanding mental illness. He openly discusses his struggles with suicidal thoughts and the intense emotional swings he faces, working to educate the public about the realities of living with a serious mental health condition.

Elton John

Elton John, one of the most famous musicians of all time, has openly shared his difficult struggles with cocaine addiction and bulimia during his peak years. He often talks about the feelings of shame and loneliness he experienced before getting sober. Beyond founding the Elton John AIDS Foundation, he’s a strong advocate for mental health services, believing they’re essential to overall health. He says reaching out for help was the turning point that saved his life, a journey powerfully depicted in his film ‘Rocketman’.

Wentworth Miller

Wentworth Miller, the actor, has become a strong advocate for mental health awareness. He opened up about his own struggles after seeing a meme that criticized his weight, explaining that he had gained weight while battling suicidal thoughts and using food as a coping mechanism. Miller has dealt with depression since he was young and now encourages others to seek help. He openly shares his experiences with depression on social media, helping to break down the stigma surrounding mental health, especially for men.

Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato has openly shared their struggles with bipolar disorder and eating disorders while living in the public eye. Their documentary, ‘Dancing with the Devil,’ chronicles a serious overdose and their journey to recovery. Lovato is a strong advocate for better mental health care and works to reduce the stigma around addiction. They often talk about the challenges of fame and how it affects mental health, and they express these feelings through their music.

Colton Underwood

Colton Underwood, known from reality television, battled depression before sharing that he is gay. He admitted to having thoughts of suicide because he felt he had to hide who he really was. His docuseries, ‘Coming Out Colton,’ shows how much it affected his mental health to keep his identity a secret for so long. Now, Underwood is a mental health advocate, especially within the LGBTQ+ community and the world of sports. He believes that accepting himself fully was key to improving his mental well-being.

Cara Delevingne

Cara Delevingne, the model and actress, has been very open about her struggles with dyspraxia and serious depression. She’s talked about times when she felt completely emotionally numb and even considered suicide as a teenager. Delevingne says that writing and practicing yoga helped her cope with these feelings. She shares her story to let young people know it’s okay to feel overwhelmed by school and social pressures, and to highlight the challenges that can come with becoming famous at a young age. Her willingness to be honest helps to shed light on the difficult side of early success.

Olly Alexander

Olly Alexander, the lead singer of Years & Years, made a documentary called ‘Olly Alexander: Growing Up Gay’ to explore how being LGBTQ+ can affect mental health. In the film, he openly shares his own struggles with bulimia and self-harm. Alexander explains how inadequate sex education and a lack of support can lead to feelings of shame for young LGBTQ+ people. He’s using his voice to advocate for improved mental health support in schools, drawing attention to the unique challenges faced by gay youth.

Ellen DeGeneres

After publicly coming out in the late 1990s, Ellen DeGeneres experienced a period of deep depression when her television show was cancelled. She’s described feeling incredibly isolated and rejected by both Hollywood and the public. To cope, she turned to meditation and writing. DeGeneres often emphasizes the power of kindness when dealing with negativity and bullying, and her story is a powerful example of overcoming adversity and public criticism.

Jonathan Van Ness

Jonathan Van Ness, known for his uplifting role on ‘Queer Eye,’ not only guides others in self-care but also openly confronts his own personal struggles. In his memoir, he shared that he is living with HIV and has overcome addiction. Van Ness is also a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, and he explains how this trauma impacted his life. He’s a strong advocate for reducing the stigma around HIV and getting mental health care, and he balances his vibrant public image with honest discussions about his path to recovery.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter, a Tony Award-winning actor, has publicly revealed he’s been living with HIV for over ten years. He shared that the shame and negative perceptions surrounding the diagnosis deeply affected his mental health. Porter found a way to work through his emotions and grief by connecting with his character on the TV show ‘Pose.’ He’s also spoken about the challenges of being a Black, gay, and religious man, and the impact it had on his well-being. Ultimately, Porter’s work centers around overcoming shame to achieve genuine freedom.

Ruby Rose

I really admire Ruby Rose for being so open about her struggles with mental health. She’s dealt with things like depression and even dissociative amnesia, and she’s bravely shared her past, including times she’s attempted suicide and been hospitalized. What strikes me most is how she points out that mental illness doesn’t care who you are – it can affect absolutely anyone, even people who seem to have it all together. She’s also amazing at using her platform to check in on her fans and share resources for mental wellness. Honestly, her honesty is so important; it’s helping to make it okay to talk about really tough mental health experiences.

Lil Nas X

Lil Nas X has openly discussed his struggles with depression, even as his music career was taking off. Despite achieving huge success, he’s admitted to feeling overwhelmed and even having suicidal thoughts. He uses his music and videos to share his feelings of loneliness and anxiety, and he encourages fans to acknowledge their sadness, even when life appears to be going well. This honesty has particularly connected with younger audiences, like Gen Z.

Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus has openly shared her experiences with getting sober and how it’s helped her feel more focused and clear-headed. She’s talked about the shame surrounding addiction within her family and her determination to change that pattern. Cyrus also admits to feeling anxious when performing or in the public eye. To protect her well-being, she’s learned to set limits with the media and fans. Her personal growth highlights how important self-care is for anyone wanting to have a lasting career.

Dan Levy

Dan Levy, the creator of ‘Schitt’s Creek,’ struggled with significant anxiety while making the popular show. He’s talked about how stress caused him physical pain, like a stiff neck, and how he experienced panic attacks early in his career. Levy is a strong supporter of seeking help through therapy and medication, emphasizing that these are important tools for managing mental health. He also wants other people in creative fields to know that burnout is a real danger and needs to be taken seriously.

Kristen Stewart

As a film fan, I’ve always admired Kristen Stewart, and I was really moved by what she’s shared about her struggles with anxiety and panic attacks in her early twenties. She talked about feeling constantly unwell and completely out of control, which sounds incredibly difficult. What really resonated with me is how she learned to cope by accepting that she can’t control everything. It’s inspiring to hear her talk about how getting older and gaining life experience helped her find a more peaceful headspace. It just shows that even through tough times, it’s possible to grow and find stability, and I think that’s a really powerful message.

Ricky Martin

Ricky Martin, the internationally famous singer, has openly shared his struggles with anxiety and PTSD. These challenges arose after his father became ill and following devastating natural disasters in his home country of Puerto Rico. He also described the fear he experienced while keeping his sexuality private. To manage his mental health, Martin practices meditation and attends therapy. Through his foundation, he actively supports the mental wellness of children and people affected by disasters. His experiences demonstrate how difficult life events can significantly impact one’s internal emotional state.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson, a celebrated actress, has shared that she takes medication to manage her anxiety, especially when facing stressful situations. She admits to being naturally prone to worry and often anticipates negative outcomes. By openly discussing her experiences, Paulson hopes to demonstrate that even successful people can struggle with mental health. She famously carried her anxiety medication with her to the Met Gala, wanting to be prepared for the overwhelming event. Her candor helps to reduce the stigma around using prescription medication for mental well-being.

Lance Bass

As a huge fan of 90s music, it’s really heartbreaking to hear Lance Bass talk about what he went through during his NSYNC days. He’s shared how incredibly anxious and traumatizing it was to hide who he truly was, especially because he was so worried about the impact it would have on the other guys in the band. Now, he’s using his experience to make documentaries and content that really gets into the struggles of staying closeted and the toll it takes on your mental health. It’s amazing that he’s dedicated to helping create safer environments for young performers, because it’s clear living that double life was a huge weight to carry.

Portia de Rossi

In her memoir, ‘Unbearable Lightness,’ actress Portia de Rossi bravely shared her long and difficult battle with anorexia and bulimia. She once became seriously ill on a movie set, suffering organ failure as a result of her eating disorder. De Rossi reveals that her struggles with weight were connected to the pressure of keeping her sexuality a secret. Meeting Ellen DeGeneres and getting professional help were crucial to her recovery, and her book continues to offer important insights into the connection between eating disorders and personal identity.

Karamo Brown

Karamo Brown, a culture expert and former social worker, draws on his personal experiences to help others. He’s openly discussed his struggles with cocaine addiction and past abusive behavior in relationships. Brown explains how he reached a low point in his life and made the decision to change, emphasizing the importance of emotional healing and dealing with past trauma. His journey to recovery heavily influences his work on ‘Queer Eye’.

Hannah Gadsby

In her acclaimed special ‘Nanette’, comedian Hannah Gadsby openly shared her personal experiences with trauma. She talks about being diagnosed with autism and ADHD and how these conditions shape the way she sees the world. Gadsby deliberately avoids making self-deprecating jokes to mask the hurt caused by homophobia she faced growing up in Tasmania, and explores the harm that comes from accepting negative societal beliefs. Her work questions the common notion that artists need to suffer in order to be creative.

Halsey

Singer Halsey openly shares her experiences with bipolar disorder and is a strong voice for mental health awareness. She talks about how her creative work is affected by both the high and low points of her condition, and has also discussed the emotional impact of experiencing a miscarriage. Halsey challenges the tendency to glamorize mental illness, particularly within the music industry, and emphasizes the importance of remembering the individual beyond their diagnosis.

Willow Smith

Willow Smith recently shared her personal struggles with self-harm and intense anxiety on ‘Red Table Talk’. She explained that she felt powerless over her own life from a young age, and discussed the challenges of growing up in a famous family with high expectations. Smith emphasized the importance of paying attention to the emotional well-being of young people, and her openness sparked important conversations about self-harm, particularly within Black communities.

Troye Sivan

Troye Sivan, the popular singer, has opened up about his challenges with body image and the expectations placed on him as a gay man. He’s talked about feeling anxious about how he looks and how that impacts his work. Sivan often explores feelings of loneliness and desire in his music videos. He also emphasizes how important it is to have a strong community for staying mentally healthy. His honesty and openness really resonate with his young LGBTQ+ fans.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Jesse Tyler Ferguson, known for his role on ‘Modern Family,’ has opened up about his experiences with body dysmorphia. He shared that being bullied as a child significantly affected his self-esteem, and he continues to grapple with body image issues even now, despite his success. Ferguson is a strong advocate for kindness and creating inclusive environments in schools to help prevent bullying, emphasizing the long-lasting emotional impact that hurtful words can have.

Ben Platt

Ben Platt, a well-known actor, has lived with anxiety for years and frequently talks about it. He briefly stopped taking medication hoping to fully embrace his emotions for a role, but ultimately realized he needed it to manage his daily life. Platt has openly shared his fear of performing on stage and the mental work involved in preparing. He wants others to feel comfortable seeking help, including taking medication, and not be embarrassed by it. His honesty about his own experiences has been very meaningful to his fans.

RuPaul

RuPaul, the host of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race,’ often talks about the ‘inner saboteur’ – the negative voice inside our heads. He’s shared his own experiences with using drugs and alcohol to cope with difficult emotions, and now strongly encourages therapy and spiritual practices to stay mentally healthy. RuPaul believes self-love is the most important part of overcoming challenges and beautifully combines the art of drag with the idea of becoming mentally stronger.

Elliot Page

I was so moved by Elliot Page sharing his experiences. He talked about how incredibly difficult things were before he transitioned, specifically the depression and discomfort with his body. He explained that simply having to wear dresses for events would actually make him physically sick from the stress. Now, he says he feels such a sense of relief and happiness just being himself, and it’s amazing to hear. He’s become a real advocate for things like gender-affirming care, explaining it’s not just helpful, but can truly save lives. His memoir really shows that journey from a dark place to finally accepting who he is, and it’s incredibly inspiring.

Hayley Kiyoko

Hayley Kiyoko, affectionately nicknamed “Lesbian Jesus” by her fans, has openly shared her battles with depression and fear of being rejected. After a serious concussion led to ongoing post-concussion syndrome and worsened her depression, she found solace in songwriting as a way to cope with feelings of loneliness. Kiyoko is a strong advocate for greater LGBTQ+ representation, believing it’s crucial for the mental well-being of young queer people. Overcoming challenges and staying strong is a key part of how she presents herself to the world.

Simon Amstell

Simon Amstell, a British comedian, made the film ‘Benjamin’ as a personal exploration of his difficulties with connecting with others and his experiences with depression. He’s talked about how he’s used both ayahuasca and therapy to work through past issues. Amstell also reflects on the isolation that can come with being famous. Through his stand-up, he playfully examines his own anxieties and worries, offering audiences a humorous yet touching glimpse into the often-troubled inner workings of an anxious mind.

Alan Cumming

In his memoir, ‘Not My Father’s Son,’ actor Alan Cumming bravely shares the story of the abuse he experienced as a child at the hands of his father. He explores how this trauma impacted his mental well-being into adulthood. Cumming is a strong advocate for those who have survived domestic abuse and for raising awareness about mental health, believing that sharing personal stories can be a powerful step in healing. His openness about his own past has been incredibly inspiring to others who have faced similar challenges.

Evan Rachel Wood

Evan Rachel Wood, a survivor of domestic violence who also lives with PTSD, created the Phoenix Act to give victims more time to pursue legal action. She openly shares her experiences with the lasting psychological effects of abuse, like panic attacks and nightmares, and uses her voice to fight for justice and support for others. Her work as an advocate is deeply connected to her own journey of healing.

Kehlani

Kehlani, a well-known singer, has publicly shared her experience with a suicide attempt and subsequent hospital stay. She’s talked about how intense online bullying affected her mental health, and encourages others to disconnect from the internet when needed to protect their well-being. Kehlani also openly discussed her struggles with depression both during and after her pregnancy. Her story highlights the damaging effects of online harassment and serves as a reminder to prioritize mental health.

Lili Reinhart

Lili Reinhart, known for her role in ‘Riverdale,’ openly speaks about the importance of accepting yourself and taking care of your mental health. She’s been honest about her own struggles with depression and how she sometimes feels insecure about her body. Reinhart also calls out the entertainment industry for promoting unrealistic beauty expectations. She uses poetry as a way to share her feelings and be real, which is a refreshing contrast to the often-perfect images people post on Instagram.

Dove Cameron

Dove Cameron, known from her time on Disney Channel, has been openly sharing her struggles with both severe trauma and anorexia. She’s talked about the deep sadness following her father’s suicide and how she’s coping with that loss. Cameron is a strong advocate for therapy and emphasizes that taking care of your mental health is more important than focusing on work. She often shares honest updates about how she’s feeling, wanting to show people the reality behind a glamorous public image. By being so open, she’s helping to make it more normal to talk about grief.

Kit Connor

Kit Connor, known for his role in ‘Heartstopper,’ felt pressured to publicly come out as bisexual because of relentless online harassment. He expressed his distress over people feeling they had a right to know details about his personal life. Connor also pointed out the damage caused by trying to define or limit others’ identities within the LGBTQ+ community, and emphasized that everyone deserves privacy for their mental health. His situation led to widespread discussions about the harm of forcing someone to reveal their sexuality before they are ready.

George Takei

George Takei, famous for his role in Star Trek, spent his childhood in Japanese-American internment camps, an experience that deeply affected him. He has spoken openly about the shame and fear he felt growing up, labeled as an enemy of the state and hiding his sexuality. Now, he uses his platform to teach others about this painful period in American history and the emotional scars it left. Takei is a strong voice for human rights and the dignity of all people, and his life story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

Anderson Cooper

Anderson Cooper, a well-known journalist, has openly shared his experiences with the suicide of his brother, Carter. He delves into the difficult emotions of grief and the unanswered questions that often follow such a loss. For years, Cooper kept his feelings hidden, but he eventually began to address them. Now, he hosts a podcast dedicated to helping others cope with grief and loss. His willingness to be open and honest about his own pain brings a deeper understanding to his coverage of tragic events.

Cheyenne Jackson

Cheyenne Jackson, an actor, has shared that he secretly struggled with addiction for many years, all while continuing to work. He battled with alcohol and pills but managed to keep his career on track. Now sober, he openly celebrates his milestones hoping to inspire others facing similar challenges. He emphasizes the liberating feeling of living honestly and free from addiction, proving that anyone can hide their struggles, even behind a successful public image.

Abby Wambach

Soccer star Abby Wambach was arrested for driving under the influence, which led her to address her struggles with addiction to prescription medications and alcohol. She explains that retiring from professional sports left her feeling empty, and she turned to substances to cope. Wambach now champions open communication about addiction and the importance of formal recovery programs. She also highlights the challenges athletes often face when transitioning away from their sport and losing their professional identity, and she’s dedicated to helping others regain control of their lives.

Megan Rapinoe

Megan Rapinoe, a World Cup winner, shares her experiences with the stress and pressure that come with being a well-known athlete and activist. She explains the mental strength it took to kneel during the national anthem and deal with worldwide attention. Rapinoe believes fighting for equal pay and LGBTQ+ rights is vital for the mental health of those who are often overlooked. She also stresses how important it is to have people who support you when you’re facing difficult times, and highlights that her self-assurance comes from believing in herself.

Brittney Griner

WNBA player Brittney Griner went through a deeply traumatic experience while being held in a Russian prison. She’s described the fear and loneliness she felt while imprisoned, and is now working to secure the release of other Americans wrongly detained abroad. Griner is also openly discussing the emotional and mental challenges of being held captive. As she returns to public life, she’s dealing with the lasting effects of what happened, and her case shines a light on the psychological impact of international conflicts.

Rosie O’Donnell

Rosie O’Donnell, a well-known comedian, has openly shared her experiences with depression, including Seasonal Affective Disorder. She emphasizes the positive impact of both medication and therapy, even exploring options like inversion therapy. O’Donnell is a strong advocate for talking openly about mental health, believing it’s crucial to reduce the stigma. She regularly shares her feelings on her blog and social media, and her honesty has resonated with many women who struggle with depression, helping them feel understood and less isolated.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes is a comedian who bravely shares her personal health battles, including having a double mastectomy. She focuses on the strength it takes to recover from serious surgery, but also touches on the challenges of being a Black lesbian in America and how she uses humor to deal with them. Sykes encourages people to be true to themselves, believing it’s the key to finding inner peace. Her honesty and resilience are major reasons why audiences connect with her.

Andrew Rannells

In his memoir, Broadway actor Andrew Rannells opens up about his struggles with anxiety and the intense pressure to make it in the acting world. He explores how the unpredictable nature of the profession fuels his self-doubt, but also emphasizes the value of learning from failures. Rannells uses both humor and honesty to share his experiences, offering a relatable and realistic portrayal of what it’s like to work as an actor.

Matt Bomer

For years, actor Matt Bomer kept his personal life private, fearing it could harm his career and family. He’s talked about how freeing it felt to finally share that he’s married with children. Now, Bomer works to support LGBTQ+ young people, especially those facing homelessness, and emphasizes the importance of finding supportive communities – what he calls ‘chosen family.’ Many admire his grace and quiet strength.

Lauren Jauregui

Lauren Jauregui, a member of Fifth Harmony, has publicly shared her experiences with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. She’s talked about how the demanding schedule of being in the girl group negatively impacted her mental health. Jauregui believes it’s important to be true to yourself and to take breaks from public life to focus on healing. She urges her fans to prioritize their own happiness and well-being, even if it means going against what others expect. Her music as a solo artist often reflects her personal journey towards finding peace within herself.

2026-02-06 03:51