# List of gay, lesbian or bisexual people: W–Z

This is a partial list of notable people who were or are gay men, lesbian or bisexual.
The historical concept and definition of sexual orientation varies and has changed greatly over time; for example the general term "gay" wasn't used to describe sexual orientation until the mid-20th century. A number of different classification schemes have been used to describe sexual orientation since the mid-19th century, and scholars have often defined the term "sexual orientation" in divergent ways. Indeed, several studies have found that much of the research about sexual orientation has failed to define the term at all, making it difficult to reconcile the results of different studies. However, most definitions include a psychological component (such as the direction of an individual's erotic desire) and/or a behavioural component (which focuses on the sex of the individual's sexual partner/s). Some prefer to simply follow an individual's self-definition or identity.
The high prevalence of people from the West on this list may be due to societal attitudes towards homosexuality. The Pew Research Center's 2013 Global Attitudes Survey found that there is “greater acceptance in more secular and affluent countries,” with "publics in 39 countries [having] broad acceptance of homosexuality in North America, the European Union, and much of Latin America, but equally widespread rejection in predominantly Muslim nations and in Africa, as well as in parts of Asia and in Russia. Opinion about the acceptability of homosexuality is divided in Israel, Poland and Bolivia.” As of 2013, Americans are divided – a majority (60 percent) believes homosexuality should be accepted, while 33 percent disagree.

## W

| Name | Lifetime | Nationality | Notable as | Notes |
| Lana Wachowski | b. 1965 | American | Director, screenwriter, producer | L |
| Joel Wachs | b. 1939 | American | Politician | G |
| Tom Waddell | 1937–1987 | American | Athlete, founder of the Gay Games | G |
| Riyad Vinci Wadia | 1967–2003 | Indian | Film director | G |
| Jane Wagner | b. 1935 | American | Writer, film director, film producer | L |
| Siegfried Wagner | 1869–1930 | German | Classical music composer | B |
| Sam Wagstaff | 1921–1987 | American | Art curator, collector | G |
| Clyde Wahrhaftig | 1919–1994 | American | Geologist | G |
| Binyavanga Wainaina | 1971–2019 | Kenyan | Writer | G |
| Rufus Wainwright | b. 1973 | Canadian | Pop musician | G |
| Keisha Waites | b. 1972 | American | Politician | L |
| Lena Waithe | b. 1984 | American | Actor, writer | L |
| Dave Wakeling | b. 1956 | English | Ska and pop singer, musician (The Beat, General Public) | B |
| Anton Walbrook | 1896–1967 | Austrian | Actor | G |
| Tillie Walden | b. 1996 | American | Cartoonist | L |
| Claire Waldoff | 1884–1957 | German | Kabarett singer | L |
| Jerzy Waldorff | 1910–1999 | Polish | Writer, literary critic | G |
| Czeslaw Walek | b. 1975 | Polish-Czech | Lawyer, LGBT activist | G |
| Blanka Waleská | 1910–1986 | Czech | Actor | L |
| Kira Walkenhorst | b. 1990 | German | Beach volleyball player | L |
| Alice Walker | b. 1944 | American | Author, poet | B |
| Darren Walker | b. 1959 | American | Nonprofit executive, lawyer, investment banker | G |
| Jackie Walker | 1950–2002 | American | Football player | G |
| Paul A. Walker | 1946–1991 | American | Social psychologist | G |
| Rebecca Walker | b. 1969 | American | Author | B |
| Vaughn R. Walker | b. 1944 | American | Federal judge | G |
| Brady Walkinshaw | b. 1984 | American | Politician | G |
| Louisa Wall | b. 1972 | New Zealand | Politician, netball player, rugby player | L |
| Travis Wall | b. 1987 | American | Dancer | G |
| Ji Wallace | b. 1977 | Australian | Trampoline gymnast | G |
| Yona Wallach | 1944–1985 | Israeli | Poet | B |
| Linda Wallem | b. 1961 | American | Actor, writer, producer | L |
| Stephen Wallem | b. 1968 | American | Actor | G |
| John Wallowitch | 1926–2007 | American | Cabaret performer, songwriter | G |
| Hugh Walpole | 1884–1941 | English | Writer | G |
| Dearbhla Walsh | b. ? | Irish | Director | L |
| María Elena Walsh | 1930–2011 | Argentine | Writer, musician | L |
| Michaela Walsh | b. 1993 | Irish | Boxer | L |
| Michaela Walsh | b. 1998 | Irish | Hammer thrower, shotputter | L |
| Sarah Walsh | b. 1983 | Australian | Footballer, sports administrator | L |
| Tonie Walsh | b. 1960 | Irish | LGBT rights activist, DJ | G |
| Amy Walter | b. 1969 | American | Political analyst | L |
| Charles Walters | 1911–1982 | American | Director, choreographer | G |
| Abby Wambach | b. 1980 | American | Soccer player | L |
| John Abdallah Wambere | b. 1973 | Ugandan | LGBT rights activist | G |
| Jeffrey Wammes | b. 1987 | Dutch | Gymnast | G |
| Alex Wan | b. 1967 | American | Politician | G |
| Gok Wan | b. 1974 | British | Fashion consultant | G |
| Alexander Wang | b. 1983 | American | Fashion designer | G |
| Jim Ward | b. 1941 | American | Body piercer | G |
| Ryan Ward | b. 1989 | American | Gymnast | G |
| Sophie Ward | b. 1964 | English | Actor | L |
| Tony Ward | b. 1963 | America | Actor, model | B |
| Marsha Warfield | b. 1954 | American | Actor, comedian | L |
| Andy Warhol | 1928–1987 | American | Artist | G |
| Marilyn Waring | b. 1952 | New Zealand | Politician, feminist | L |
| Krzysztof Warlikowski | b. 1962 | Polish | Theatre director | G |
| Sarah Warn | b. ? | American | Writer, editor | L |
| Jackie Warner | b. 1968 | American | Personal trainer, TV personality | L |
| Michael Warner | b. 1958 | American | Writer, Queer theorist | G |
| David Warren | b. ? | American | Theatre and TV director | G |
| Patricia Nell Warren | 1936–2019 | American | Writer | L |
| Rusty Warren | 1930–2021 | American | Comedian, singer | L |
| Tony Warren | b. 1936 | English | TV writer | G |
| Vincent Warren | 1938–2017 | Canadian | Dance historian | G |
| Richard Warwick | 1945–1997 | English | Actor | G |
| Bryan Washington | b. 1993 | American | Writer | G |
| Haleigh Washington | b. 1995 | American | Volleyball player | B |
| Mary L. Washington | b. 1962 | American | Politician | L |
| Michał Waszyński | 1904–1965 | Polish | Film director | G |
| Matthew Waterhouse | b. 1961 | English | Actor, writer | G |
| Rosie Waterland | b. 1986 | Australian | Author, TV personality | B |
| Ethel Waters | 1896–1977 | American | Jazz musician, actor | B |
| John Waters | b. 1946 | American | Film director | G |
| Mike Waters | b. 1967 | South African | Politician | G |
| Miriam Van Waters | 1887–1974 | American | Prison reformer, Feminist social worker | L |
| Sarah Waters | b. 1966 | Welsh | Novelist | L |
| David Watkin | 1925–2008 | English | Cinematographer | G |
| Ian "H" Watkins | b. 1976 | Welsh | Pop musician (Steps), actor | G |
| Perry Watkins | 1949–1996 | American | Soldier | G |
| Tuc Watkins | b. 1966 | American | Actor | G |
| David Watmough | 1926–2017 | Canadian | Novelist, playwright | G |
| Anthony G. Watson | b. ? | English | Business and technology executive, activist | G |
| Benjamin Charles Watson | b. ? | Canadian | Actor | G |
| Edith Watson | 1861–1943 | Canadian | Photographer | L |
| Giz Watson | b. 1957 | English-Australian | Politician | L |
| Jim Watson | b. 1961 | Canadian | Politician, first openly gay mayor of Ottawa | G |
| Kylie Watson | b. 1978 | Australian | Actor | L |
| Danny Watts | b. 1979 | English | Racing driver | G |
| Ann Wauters | b. 1980 | Belgian | Basketball player | L |
| Chaunté Wayans | b. 1982 | American | Comedian, writer, editor | L |
| Rembert Weakland | b. 1927 | American | Roman Catholic Archbishop | G |
| Lois Weaver | b. 1949 | American | Artist, writer, director | L |
| Scotty Joe Weaver | 1986–2004 | American | Murder victim | G |
| Clifton Webb | 1889–1966 | American | Actor | G |
| Kathy Webb | b. 1950 | American | Politician | L |
| Lawrence Webb | b. ? | American | Politician, academic administrator | G |
| Ben Weber | 1916–1979 | American | Classical composer | G |
| Bruce Weber | b. 1946 | American | Photographer | G |
| Dreya Weber | b. 1961 | American | Actor | B |
| Rowie Webster | b. 1987 | Australian | Water polo player | L |
| Nancy Wechsler | b. ? | American | Politician | L |
| Apichatpong Weerasethakul | b. 1970 | Thai | Filmmaker | G |
| Wei Changsheng | 1744–1802 | Chinese | Qinqiang actor of the Qing dynasty | G |
| Alice Weidel | b. 1979 | German | Politician | L |
| Mark Weigle | b. 1967 | American | Folk-rock musician | G |
| Ric Weiland | 1953–2006 | American | Computer software pioneer | G |
| Karlheinz Weinberger | 1921–2006 | Swiss | Photographer | G |
| Randi Weingarten | b. 1957 | American | Labor leader, attorney | L |
| Johnny Weir | b. 1984 | American | Figure skater | G |
| Anna Elisabet Weirauch | 1887–1970 | German | Author | L |
| Shatzi Weisberger | 1930–2022 | American | Nurse, activist | L |
| Jörn Weisbrodt | b. 1973 | German | Arts administrator | G |
| Kenneth Weishuhn | 1997–2012 | American | Youth who committed suicide due to anti-gay bullying | G |
| Bari Weiss | b. 1984 | American | Opinion writer, editor | B |
| Aerlyn Weissman | b. ? | Canadian | Filmmaker | L |
| Cady Wells | 1904–1954 | American | Painter | G |
| John C. Wells | b. 1939 | English | Phoneticist, author of the main Esperanto dictionary | G |
| Lilian Welsh | 1858–1938 | American | Physician, educator, suffragist, advocate | L |
| Rick Welts | b. 1953 | American | Sports executive | G |
| Jann Wenner | b. 1946 | American | Publisher | G |
| Joan Werner Laurie | 1920–1964 | English | Journalist | L |
| Juliusz Wertheim | 1880–1928 | Polish | Musician | G |
| Glenway Wescott | 1901–1987 | American | Writer | G |
| Rutina Wesley | b. 1979 | American | Actor | B |
| Crissle West | b. ? | American | Writer, comedian | L |
| James E. West | 1951–2006 | American | Politician outed during a sex scandal | G |
| Rosemary West | b. 1953 | English | Serial killer | B |
| Wash West | b. 1966 | American | Director | G |
| Suzanne Westenhoefer | b. 1961 | American | Comedian | L |
| Guido Westerwelle | 1961–2016 | German | Politician | G |
| Frederick Weston | 1946–2020 | American | Artist | G |
| John Whaite | b. 1989 | English | Baker, television presenter, author | G |
| James Whale | 1889–1957 | English | Film director | G |
| Cheryl Wheeler | b. 1951 | American | Singer-songwriter. | L |
| Jim Wheeler | 1978–1997 | American | Youth who committed suicide due to anti-gay bullying | G |
| Monroe Wheeler | 1899–1988 | American | Publisher, museum coordinator | G |
| Diane Whipple | 1968–2001 | American | Lacrosse player | L |
| Evangeline Marrs Whipple | 1855/1857–1930 | American | Philanthropist, writer | B |
| Ben Whishaw | b. 1980 | English | Actor | G |
| Edmund White | b. 1940 | American | Novelist, teacher | G |
| Jean White | 1940–2010 | English | Clergy | L |
| Mel White | b. 1940 | American | Clergy, writer | G |
| Mike White | b. 1970 | American | Screenwriter, actor | B |
| Minor White | 1908–1976 | American | Photographer | G |
| Patrick White | 1912–1990 | Australian | Author | G |
| T. H. White | 1906–1964 | English | Author | G |
| Charles Whitebread | 1943–2008 | American | Legal scholar | G |
| Annie Whitehead | b. 1955 | English | Jazz musician | L |
| William Whitehead | b. 1931 | Canadian | Writer | G |
| James B. Whiteside | b. ? | American | Ballet dancer | G |
| Walt Whitman | 1819–1892 | American | Writer | G |
| George Whitmore | 1946–1989 | American | Writer | G |
| David Whitney | 1939–2005 | American | Art curator, collector, gallerist, critic | G |
| Jeff Whittington | 1985–1999 | New Zealand | Murder victim | G |
| Jeff Whitty | b. 1971 | American | Playwright | G |
| Betty Who | b. 1991 | Australian-American | Singer-songwriter | B |
| Randy Wicker | b. 1938 | American | Author, activist, blogger, archivist | G |
| Vicki Wickham | b. 1939 | English | Talent manager, entertainment producer, songwriter | L |
| Dil Wickremasinghe | b. 1973 | Italian-Sri Lankan | Journalist | L |
| Sue Wicks | b. 1966 | American | Basketball player | L |
| Wilhelm Wieben | b. 1935 | German | TV news presenter | G |
| Jane Wiedlin | b. 1958 | American | Pop musician (The Go-Go's) | B |
| Scott Wiener | b. 1970 | American | Politician | G |
| John Wieners | 1934–2002 | American | Beat poet | G |
| Josephine Wiggs | b. 1963 | American | Bass guitarist (The Perfect Disaster, The Breeders) | L |
| Rebecca Wight | 1959–1988 | American | Murder victim | L |
| Vincent Wijeysingha | b. 1970 | Singaporean | Academic, activist, politician | G |
| Joop Wijn | b. 1969 | Dutch | Politician | G |
| Marieke Wijsman | b. 1975 | Dutch | Speed skater | L |
| Will Wikle | b. 1978 | American | Reality show contestant | G |
| Rosie Wilby | b. 1970 | English | Stand-up comedian | L |
| Richie Wilcox | b. 1980 | Canadian | Singer, reality show contestant | G |
| Jessica Wild | b. 1980 | Puerto Rican | Drag queen, reality TV personality | G |
| Dolly Wilde | 1895–1941 | English | Socialite | L |
| Oscar Wilde | 1854–1900 | Irish | Playwright, poet, novelist | B |
| Winston Wilde | b. ? | American | Sexologist, author | G |
| Peter Wildeblood | 1923–1999 | British-Canadian | Journalist | G |
| Thornton Wilder | 1897–1975 | American | Playwright, novelist | G |
| Kehinde Wiley | b. 1977 | American | Portrait painter | G |
| Samira Wiley | b. 1987 | American | Actor | L |
| Matthew Wilkas | b. 1978 | American | Actor, playwright | G |
| Edith Lake Wilkinson | 1868–1957 | American | Artist | L |
| Hannah Wilkinson | b. 1992 | New Zealand | Footballer | L |
| Leah Wilkinson | b. 1986 | Welsh | Field hockey player | L |
| Anne Will | b. 1966 | German | TV journalist | L |
| Clara Willdenow | 1856–1931 | German | Physician | L |
| Michael Willhoite | b. 1946 | American | Artist, writer | G |
| William II of the Netherlands | 1792–1849 | Dutch | King of the Netherlands, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, and Duke of Limburg | B |
| Michael J. Willett | b. 1989 | American | Actor | G |
| Derek Williams | b. 1952 | New Zealand | Composer, arranger, conductor | G |
| Edith Williams | 1899–1979 | Canadian | Veterinarian | L |
| Ellen Dinalo Williams | b. ? | American | Actor | L |
| Emlyn Williams | 1905–1987 | Welsh | Writer, dramatist, actor | B |
| Kenneth Williams | 1926–1988 | English | Comedian, raconteur | G |
| Layton Williams | b. 1994 | English | Actor, singer, dancer | G |
| Nathan Hale Williams | b. 1976 | American | Film and TV producer, actor | G |
| Pete Williams | b. 1952 | American | News correspondent, politician | G |
| Rachel Williams | b. 1967 | American | Model, TV presenter | B |
| Roger Ross Williams | b. 1970 | American | Film director | G |
| Sharni Williams | b. 1988 | Australian | Rugby player | L |
| Stephen Williams | b. 1966 | Welsh | Politician | G |
| Tennessee Williams | 1911–1983 | American | Playwright | G |
| Thomas Lyle Williams | 1896–1976 | American | Businessman, founder of Maybelline cosmetics | G |
| Zelda Williams | b. 1989 | American | Actor, director, producer, writer | B |
| Cris Williamson | b. 1947 | American | Folk-rock musician | L |
| Kevin Williamson | b. 1965 | American | Screenwriter, film director | G |
| Kit Williamson | b. 1985 | American | Actor | G |
| Malcolm Williamson | 1931–2003 | Australian | Classical composer | G |
| Matthew Williamson | b. 1971 | English | Fashion designer | G |
| Allee Willis | 1947–2019 | American | Songwriter | L |
| Emma Willmann | b. ? | American | Comedian | L |
| Ajita Wilson | 1957–1987 | American | Actor | L |
| Alexander Wilson | 1953–1993 | Canadian | Writer, horticulturalist | G |
| Angus Wilson | 1913–1991 | English | Novelist | G |
| Avery Wilson | b. 1995 | American | Singer, songwriter, dancer | B |
| Claire Wilson | b. ? | American | Politician | L |
| David Wilson | b. 1966 | Canadian | Figure skater, choreographer | G |
| Hank Wilson | 1947–2008 | American | LGBT rights activist | G |
| Jacqueline Wilson | b. 1945 | English | Novelist | L |
| Jonathan Wilson | b. ? | Canadian | actor, playwright | G |
| Kaia Wilson | b. ? | American | Punk rock musician (Team Dresch, The Butchies) | L |
| Lanford Wilson | b. 1937 | American | Playwright | G |
| Mara Wilson | b. 1987 | American | Actor | B |
| Matthew Wilson | b. 1984 | American | Politician | G |
| Nancy Wilson | b. 1950 | American | Clergy | L |
| Phill Wilson | b. 1956 | American | Activist | G |
| Rebel Wilson | b. 1980 | Australian | Actress and comedian | B |
| Ricky Wilson | 1953–1985 | American | Rock musician (The B-52's) | G |
| Robert Wilson | b. 1941 | American | Experimental theater director and playwright | G |
| Sophie Wilson | b. 1957 | English | Computer scientist | L |
| Tim Wilson | b. 1980 | Australian | Politician | G |
| Todd Wilson | 1963–2005 | American | Film director | G |
| Johann Joachim Winckelmann | 1717–1768 | German | Art historian, archeologist | G |
| Gabby Windey | b. 1991 | American | TV personality | B |
| Donald Windham | 1920–2010 | American | Novelist, memoirist | G |
| Edith Windsor | 1929–2017 | American | Activist, Plaintiff in United States v. Windsor | L |
| Robin Windsor | 1979–2024 | English | Dancer | G |
| Sherwin Wine | 1928–2007 | American | Rabbi | G |
| Paul Winfield | 1939–2004 | American | Actor | G |
| Mary Wings | 1949–2024 | American | Writer, artist | L |
| Josef Winkler | b. 1953 | Austrian | Writer | G |
| Christa Winsloe | 1888–1944 | German-Hungarian | Novelist, playwright | B |
| Jeanette Winterson | b. 1958 | English | Author | L |
| Dale Winton | 1955–2018 | English | DJ, TV presenter | G |
| Lucian Wintrich | b. 1988 | American | Writer, pundit, visual artist | G |
| Aline Wirley | b. 1981 | Brazilian | Actor, singer-songwriter | B |
| Mary Wiseman | b. 1961 | American | Judge | L |
| Avi Wisnia | b. 1982 | American | Singer, musician | G |
| Harriet Wistrich | b. 1960 | English | Solicitor, feminist | L |
| Michał Witkowski | b. 1975 | Polish | Author | G |
| Scott Wittman | b. 1955 | American | Musical theater lyricist, director | G |
| Ludwig Wittgenstein | 1889–1951 | Austrian | Philosopher | B |
| Monique Wittig | 1935–2003 | French | Author, philosopher, feminist theorist | L |
| Chris Witty | b. 1975 | American | Speed skater, racing cyclist | L |
| David Wojnarowicz | 1954–1992 | American | Artist | G |
| John Wojtowicz | 1945–2006 | American | Bank robber | G |
| Patricia Wolf | b. 1974 | Uruguayan | TV personality, actor, model | B |
| Patrick Wolf | b. 1983 | English | Singer-songwriter | G |
| Lara Wolf | b. 2000 | Austrian | Freestyle skier | L |
| Remi Wolf | b. 1996 | American | Singer | B |
| Elsie de Wolfe | 1865–1950 | American | Interior designer | B |
| George C. Wolfe | b. 1954 | American | Playwright, director | G |
| Jack Wolfe | b. ? | English | Actor | G |
| Jenna Wolfe | b. 1974 | American | Journalist | L |
| Mike Wolfe | b. ? | English | Politician | G |
| Jeremy Wolfenden | 1934–1965 | English | Spy | G |
| Karin Wolff | b. 1959 | German | Politician | L |
| Michelle Wolff | b. ? | American | Actor | L |
| Rikard Wolff | b. 1958 | Swedish | Actor, singer | G |
| Tobias Barrington Wolff | b. 1970 | American | Lawyer, professor | G |
| Evan Wolfson | b. 1957 | American | Attorney | G |
| Terry Wolverton | b. 1954 | American | Writer | L |
| Anthony Wong | b. 1962 | Hong Kong | Pop singer (Tat Ming Pair) | G |
| Anthony Brandon Wong | b. 1965 | Australian | Actor | G |
| B.D. Wong | b. 1960 | American | Actor | G |
| Chantale Wong | b. ? | American | U.S. Director of the Asian Development Bank | L |
| Cyril Wong | b. 1977 | Singaporean | Poet | G |
| Fernando Wong | b. ? | Panamanian | Landscape designer | G |
| Kaisik Wong | 1950–1990 | American | Fashion designer | G |
| Martin Wong | 1946–1999 | American | Artist | G |
| Norman Wong | b. ? | American | Writer | G |
| Penny Wong | b. 1968 | Australian | Politician | L |
| Suzie Wong | b. 1955 | Hong Kong | TV personality, DJ | L |
| Tobi Wong | 1974–2010 | Canadian | Artist | G |
| Kristyn Wong-Tam | b. 1972 | Canadian | Politician | L |
| Merle Woo | b. 1941 | American | Poet, activist | L |
| Ronnie Woo | b. 1985 | American | Chef, TV personality, author, model | G |
| Cathy Wood | b. 1963 | American | Serial killer | L |
| Evan Rachel Wood | b. 1987 | American | Actor, singer | B |
| Grant Wood | 1891–1942 | American | Artist | G |
| Jason Wood | 1972–2010 | English | Comedian | G |
| Thelma Wood | 1901–1970 | American | Sculptor | L |
| Charles Woodcock | 1850–1923 | American | Lover of King Karl I of Württemberg | G |
| Fabian S. Woodley | 1888–1957 | English | Uranian poet | G |
| Portia Woodman | b. 1991 | New Zealand | Rugby union player | L |
| Marnie Woodrow | b. 1969 | Canadian | Writer | L |
| Gia Woods | b. 1996 | American | Pop singer | L |
| Gregory Woods | b. 1953 | English | Writer | G |
| Mark Kenneth Woods | b. 1977 | Canadian | Writer, actor, director | G |
| Simon Woods | b. 1980 | English | Actor | G |
| Jacqueline Woodson | b. 1963 | American | Writer | L |
| Ellen Woodsworth | b. ? | Canadian | Politician | L |
| Jack Woolley | b. 1998 | Irish | Taekwondo athlete | G |
| Monty Woolley | 1888–1963 | American | Actor | G |
| James Woolf | 1920–1966 | English | Film producer | G |
| Virginia Woolf | 1882–1941 | English | Writer | B |
| Dan Wootton | b. 1983 | New Zealand-British | Journalist, TV personality | G |
| Kate Worley | 1958–2004 | American | Comic book writer | B |
| Klaus Wowereit | b. 1953 | German | Politician | G |
| Wrabel | b. 1989 | American | Musician, singer, songwriter | G |
| Nigel Wrench | b. 1960 | English-South African | Radio personality, journalist | G |
| Chely Wright | b. 1970 | American | Country music singer-songwriter | L |
| Douglas Wright | b. 1956 | New Zealand | Dancer, choreographer | G |
| Suzanne Wright | b. 1968 | American | Artist | L |
| Tyler Wright | b. 1994 | Australian | Surfer | B |
| William Wright | 1930–2016 | American | Author, editor, playwright | G |
| Alice Wu | b. 1970 | American | Film director, screenwriter | L |
| Jason Wu | b. 1982 | Taiwanese-Canadian | Fashion designer | G |
| Charles Wuorinen | 1938–2020 | American | Classical music composer | G |
| Aileen Wuornos | 1956–2002 | American | Serial killer | B |
| Conchita Wurst | b. 1988 | Austrian | Singer | G |
| Ireen Wüst | b. 1986 | Dutch | Speed skater | B |
| Janine van Wyk | b. 1987 | South African | Footballer | L |
| Florence Wyle | 1881–1968 | American-Canadian | Sculptor | L |
| Christopher Wylie | b. 1989 | Canadian | Data consultant | G |
| Jean Wyllys | b. 1974 | Brazilian | Lecturer, journalist, politician | G |
| Peter Wyngarde | 1927–2018 | British | Actor | G |
| Kathleen Wynne | b. 1953 | Canadian | Politician and Canada's first openly gay premier | L |
| Danny Lee Wynter | b. 1982 | British | Actor, writer, activist | G |

## X

| Name | Lifetime | Nationality | Notable as | Notes |
| Marta Xargay | b. 1990 | Spanish | Basketball player | L |
| Emanuel Xavier | b. 1971 | American | Poet, spoken word artist, activist | G |
| Chris Xefos | b. 1964 | American | Rock musician (King Missile) | G |
| Xi Kang | 223–262 CE | Chinese | Writer | G |
| Xian | b. ? | Chinese | LGBT activist | L |
| Xiaomingxiong | b. circa 1954 | Hong Kong | Activist | G |
| Xiyadie | b. 1963 | Chinese | Artist | G |
| Emperor Xizong of Tang | 862–888 CE | Chinese (Tang dynasty) | Head of state | G |
| Xuân Diệu | 1916–1985 | Vietnamese | Poet | G |

## Y

| Name | Lifetime | Nationality | Notable as | Notes |
| Kirsty Yallop | b. 1987 | New Zealand | Footballer | L |
| Tameka Yallop | b. 1991 | Australian | Footballer | L |
| Mia Yamamoto | b. 1943 | American | Attorney | L |
| Yan Xing | b. 1986 | Chinese | Artist | G |
| Staci Michelle Yandle | b. 1961 | American | Judge of the U.S. District Court | L |
| Rómulo Yanes | 1959–2021 | Cuban-American | Photographer | G |
| Bowen Yang | b. 1990 | American | Writer, comedian, actor | G |
| Eugene Lee Yang | b. 1986 | American | Comedic performer, writer, director, internet personality | G |
| John Yang | b. 1958 | American | News correspondent, commentator | G |
| Olive Yang | 1927–2017 | Burmese | Drug trafficker | B |
| Hen Yanni | b. 1983 | Israeli | Actor, model, musician | B |
| Gina Yashere | b. 1974 | British | Comedian | L |
| Yasmine | 1972–2009 | Belgian | Singer, broadcaster | L |
| William Yate | 1802–1877 | New Zealand | Missionary, writer | G |
| Mary Ann Yates | 1728–1787 | English | Actor | B |
| Tamotsu Yatō | 1928–1973 | Japanese | Photographer | G |
| Nicholas Yatromanolakis | b. 1975 | Greek | Politician, political scientist | G |
| Ken Yeager | b. 1952 | American | Politician | G |
| Yeho | b. 1977 | Israeli | Singer, actor | G |
| Yemi A.D. | b. 1981 | Czech | Choreographer | G |
| Ray Yeung | b. ? | Hong Kong | Filmmaker | G |
| Anna Yevreinova | 1844–1919 | Russian | Writer, feminist and 1st female in Russia to obtain a Juris Doctor degree | L |
| Chay Yew | b. ? | Singaporean-American | Playwright and stage director | G |
| Vern Yip | b. 1968 | American | Interior designer, TV personality | G |
| Ng Yi-Sheng | b. 1980 | Singaporean | Poet | G |
| Milo Yiannopoulos | b. 1983 | English | Polemicist, political commentator, public speaker, writer | G |
| Sam Yingling | b. 1980 | American | Politician | G |
| Y-Love | b. 1978 | American | Hip-hop artist | G |
| Jwan Yosef | b. 1984 | Syrian-Swedish | Painter, artist | G |
| Ron Yosef | b. 1974 | Israeli | Rabbi, LGBT rights activist | G |
| Kenji Yoshino | b. ca. 1969 | Japanese-American | Legal scholar, author, activist | G |
| Nobuko Yoshiya | 1914–1973 | Japanese | Novelist | L |
| David Yost | b. 1969 | American | Actor | G |
| Young M.A | b. 1992 | American | Rapper | L |
| Austin Young | b. 1966 | American | Photographer | G |
| Craig Robert Young | b. 1976 | English | Actor | G |
| Darren Young | b. 1979 | American | Professional wrestler, first WWE performer to disclose that he is gay while still active with the company | G |
| David Young | b. ? | American | Judge, TV personality | G |
| Nico Young | b. 2002 | American | Distance runner | G |
| Tracy Young | b. 1970 | American | DJ, producer, remixer, composer | L |
| Will Young | b. 1979 | English | Pop musician, actor | G |
| Blake Young-Fountain | b. 1981 | American | Actor, model, producer | G |
| Jaboukie Young-White | b. 1994 | American | Comedian, writer | G |
| Caine Youngman | b. ? | Botswanan | Human rights activist | G |
| Jenny Owen Youngs | b. 1981 | American | Folk musician | L |
| Marguerite Yourcenar | 1903–1987 | Belgian-French-American | Author | L |
| Mary Yu | b. 1957 | American | Associate Justice of the Washington Supreme Court | L |
| Yu Xin | 512–581 CE | Chinese | Poet | B |
| Yuan Mei | 1716–1797 | Chinese | Painter, poet | G |
| Lidia Yuknavitch | b. 1963 | American | Writer | B |
| Yun Hyon-seok | 1984–2003 | South Korean | Poet, writer, LGBT activist | G |

## Z

| Name | Lifetime | Nationality | Notable as | Notes |
| Romas Zabarauskas | b. 1990 | Lithuanian | Film director, screenwriter, producer | G |
| Natalia Zabiiako | b. 1994 | Russian | Pair skater | L |
| Craig Zadan | b. 1949 | American | Film producer, director | G |
| Ludovic-Mohamed Zahed | b. 1977 | Algerian-French | Imam | G |
| Hamid Zaher | b. 1974 | Afghan | Writer, LGBT activist | G |
| Paul Zaloom | b. 1951 | American | Actor, puppeteer | G |
| Sasheer Zamata | b. 1986 | American | Actor, comedian | L |
| Natalia Zamilska | b. 1989 | Polish | DJ, composer, music producer | L |
| Yuval Zamir | 1963–2011 | Israeli | Actor, singer, writer, theatre director | G |
| Pedro Zamora | 1972–1994 | Cuban-American | AIDS activist, TV personality | G |
| Daniel Zamudio | 1987–2012 | Chilean | Hate crime victim | G |
| Ana Zanatti | b. 1949 | Portuguese | TV presenter, actor, writer | L |
| Darin Zanyar | b. 1987 | Swedish | Singer-songwriter | G |
| Luis Zapata | b. 1951 | Mexican | Author | G |
| James Zappalorti | 1945–1990 | American | Murder victim | G |
| Katherine Zappone | b. 1953 | American-Irish | Politician | L |
| Tati Zaqui | b. 1994 | Brazilian | Singer-songwriter and dancer | B |
| Eve Zaremba | b. 1930 | Polish-Canadian | Author | L |
| Michelle Zauner | b. 1989 | American | Musician (Little Big League, Japanese Breakfast), director, author | B |
| Jerzy Zawieyski | 1902–1969 | Polish | Writer, political activist | G |
| Waldemar Zboralski | b. 1960 | Polish | LGBT activist, journalist, politician | G |
| Rick Zbur | b. 1957 | American | Lawyer, LGBT activist, environmentalist | G |
| Zebra Katz | b. ? | American | Musician, performance artist | G |
| Fiona Zedde | b. 1976 | Jamaican-American | Writer | L |
| Joe Zee | b. 1968 | Hong Kong-Canadian | Fashion stylist, journalist, producer | G |
| Franco Zeffirelli | 1923–2019 | Italian | Film and theater director | G |
| Sande Zeig | b. ? | American | Film director | L |
| Cyd Zeigler | b. ? | American | Commentator, author | G |
| Kenneth Zeller | 1945–1985 | Canadian | Murder victim | G |
| Nahum B. Zenil | b. 1947 | Mexican | Artist | G |
| Julius Zeyer | 1841–1901 | Czech | Prose writer, poet, playwright | G |
| Zheng Xie | 1693–1765 | Chinese | Calligrapher, painter, poet | G |
| Zhou Dan | b. 1974 | Chinese | Lawyer, LGBT rights activist | G |
| Helen Zia | b. 1952 | American | Writer, journalist, activist | L |
| Oscar Zia | b. 1996 | Swedish | Pop singer | G |
| Alexander Ziegler | 1944–1987 | Swiss | Author, actor | G |
| Rokas Žilinskas | 1972–2017 | Lithuanian | Politician, journalist | G |
| Katarzyna Zillman | b. 1995 | Polish | Rower | L |
| Richard Zimler | b. 1956 | American-Portuguese | Writer | G |
| Bonnie Zimmerman | b. ? | American | Literary critic, feminist scholar | L |
| Piotr Zioła | b. 1995 | Polish | Rock singer | G |
| Luisa Zissman | b. 1987 | English | Entrepreneur, reality TV contestant, TV personality | B |
| Narcyza Żmichowska | 1819–1876 | Polish | Novelist, poet, feminist | L |
| Zolita | b. 1994 | American | Singer | L |
| George Zoritch | 1917–2009 | Russian-American | Ballet dancer | G |
| Mark Richard Zubro | b. 1948 | American | Mystery writer | G |
| Hélène van Zuylen | 1863–1947 | French | Aristocrat, socialite, writer, sports figure | L |
| Jan Zrzavý | 1890–1977 | Czech | Painter, artist, illustrator | G |
| Anna Maria Żukowska | b. 1983 | Polish | Politician, jurist | B |
| Nikolai Zverev | 1832–1893 | Russian | Pianist | G |
| Mikhail Zygar | b. 1981 | Russian | Journalist, writer, filmmaker | G |