LGBTQ+ parents have been, and will always be, here! While we often hear about famous LGBTQ+ individuals like Neil Patrick Harris, Anderson Cooper, and Andy Cohen, there are lesser-known celebrities who grew up with queer parents. Icons like Jodie Foster and Robert De Niro had LGBTQ+ parents, and even the Jenner family has connections to the community. Let’s explore some notable celebrities you might not have known were raised by LGBTQ+ parents. ️
Jay Z
The rapper sang about his mother’s sexuality in his 2017 album ‘4:44.’ His mom, Gloria Carter, collaborated with him on one of the tracks in which they talk about her identifying as lesbian for years but having to remain in the closet.
50 Cent
- In a 2012 interview, 50 Cent publicly spoke about his mother being a lesbian
- He mentioned his mother passing away when he was young and then living with his grandmother
- Similar to the details you provided, 50 Cent also recounted his grandmother helping him understand his mother’s sexuality later in life
Robert De Niro
In the documentary, De Niro offers a glimpse into his father’s hidden world through excerpts from his journals, revealing a lifelong battle with accepting his sexuality.
Kendall and Kylie Jenner
Caitlyn Jenner, previously known as Bruce Jenner and the father of Kendall and Kylie, came out as transgender in 2015. Born male, Caitlyn underwent gender-affirming surgery and now lives as a woman.
In addition to the two girls, Caitlyn Jenner has four other children, Brody Jenner, Brandon Jenner, Cassandra Marino, and Burt Jenner.
Daniela Sea
“L Word” actress shares a personal connection to the LGBTQ+ community – her own father came out as gay when she was just three. Interestingly, the actress herself also identifies as gay.
Jena Malone
Stealing hearts in “The Hunger Games,” this Golden Globe-nominated actress grew up in a loving household led by her lesbian mom and her mom’s partner, who she affectionately called her godmother. In an interview with LA Weekly, she revealed a childhood where labels weren’t a focus: “It just felt normal. They never made a big deal about it, though my godmom was more open than my mom.”
Jodie Foster
In a twist mirroring her iconic role in “The Silence of the Lambs,” the actress was raised solely by her mother, Evelyn Foster, and her mother’s partner. Years later, following her own powerful performances, Foster herself came out as gay at the 2013 Golden Globe Awards.
Judy Garland
The talented actress and singer had a gay father.
According to Forbes, her mother and father’s marriage ended after her father’s homosexual infidelity was revealed. Ironically, Garland would follow in the footsteps of her mother and marry a closeted gay man.
Liza Minnelli
That’s a strong clue! The actress you’re referring to is most likely Liza Minnelli.
Liza Minnelli is Judy Garland’s daughter and followed in her mother’s footsteps, becoming a successful singer and actress on both film and stage. Both faced struggles with addiction and the pressures of fame.
Kaitlin Colombo
Lily Tomlin is a well-known American comedian, actress, writer, and producer. She’s known for her comedic characters like Ernestine the telephone operator and Edith Ann. Interestingly, her character portrayals often touch upon themes of gender and sexuality.
Nicole Bobek
The American figure skater grew up in a household with her mom and her mom’s partner. Her biological father wasn’t part of the picture.
Rene Russo
The actress’s early life took an unexpected turn when her father left. But her story isn’t defined by that. She was raised by a strong mom, supported by a wonderful circle of her mom’s lesbian friends. In a 2002 interview on Good Morning America, Russo highlighted this upbringing, saying, “I want people to know that after my dad left, it was the amazing women in my life, the gay women in my life, who raised me, helped me grow, and nurtured me.”