5 Queer Folks that slayed in 2021
Everyone thought that 2021 just had to be a better year than the dumpster fire that was 2020. As 2022 kicks off, it’s pretty clear for folks everywhere that 2021 was not much easier, if at all, for many. Despite the many challenges that continue to ransack the world politically and socially, not everything was a total loss – many Queer folks slayed!
While governments domestically in the United States continue to challenge queer rights, some countries did make positive steps forward for the community. Taiwan was announced as the location for World Pride 2025, France banned conversion therapy, and queer folks all around the world held their heads high and absolutely slayed in their arena.
Despite the very long list of things left to combat for the LGBTQ community, we here at Q+ Magazine wanted to take a moment to shine a light on some of the stellar wins for some queer folks that 2021 served us.
Michaela Jaé (MJ) Rodriguez
2021 was an incredible year for Michaela Jaé (Mj) Rodriguez. The actress made history this year when she was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress at the Emmy’s for her role as Blanca in the FX series Pose. Rodriguez is the first transgender actress to be nominated for a lead acting category ever. Rodriguez lost to Olivia Coleman from The Crown, but that’s beside the point.
Rodriguez understands that the nomination was a game changer, not only for her but the entire trans community.
“It felt great to just walk that red carpet and have the conversations and interviews that I had and just being able to sit at that table,” she says. “I’ve always wanted a seat at the table. I’ve always wanted to be someone who was in the space to be a part of the conversation, to be a leading force in the conversation, or to start it. And me being able to even have that nomination shows that I am willing and capable of it, you know?” Rodriguez told The Advocate.
Rodriguez is a beacon of light for Black, Latina, and transgender actresses that come after her. Her success in conquering Hollywood and making a place for herself and others like her is a legacy Rodriguez will carry with her as she moves forward through even more greatness.
Lil Nas X
A cursory glance through Lil Nas X twitter account will reveal that the man has had one hell of a 2021. Whether you love him or hate him, it’s indisputable that he put gay on the map this year. He did it loudly, proudly, and unapologetically. And something tells us that he is just getting started.
He had one hell of a chart-topping year with his music. Montero (Call Me By Your Name) reached number 1 on Billboard’s Top 40 Chart. The music video was met with much controversy. From the gender-fluid costumes to the male-on-male kissing, what some considered to be controversial lyrics, to finally Nas dry humping the devil, the music video garnered Lil Nas X a lot of attention.
Despite the haters, Nas pushed on and continued his quest to be his most authentic gay self. He made out with a guy on stage at the BET awards. He did this all with his head held high as homophobes attacked him on Twitter, refusing to relent and sensor himself for the haters. Lil Nas X is here, he is queer, and we’re all about it!
Lil Nas X is leaving 2021 with a bang. The artist was just nominated for five Grammy awards, including one for Best Album for Montero. He embodies the very definition of “slaying”.
Elliot Page
Although Elliot Page came out to the world as transgender in 2020, they first presented themselves to the world post-surgery as a man in early 2021. In an exclusive interview with Oprah Winfrey in April, Page says that the transition surgery was a “life-saving experience” for him.
The interview with Oprah was his first interview since announcing his transition to the world. The effects of his surgery and hormone treatment were clearly well in effect by this point. Page was emotional during the interview and it was abundantly obvious to everyone watching everywhere just how crucial this moment was for him.
Then he spent the rest of 2021 flooding his Instagram account with photos depicting him as happy, relaxed and clearly loving his new life and new body. He walked the red carpet at the Met Gala for the first time as a man and was radiant. The advocacy and the hope that his transition has given to many was a totally bright moment of 2021 for many everywhere.
Tom Daley
If you didn’t know who Tom Daley was before 2021, chances are you do now. Tom Daley took social media by storm this year as he catapulted himself to stardom as an Olympic gold medalist at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. The diver had been chasing gold for the last thirteen years but had always fallen slightly short.
It wasn’t just the gold medal that had the world swooning though. The man is an utter delight and used his newly acquired platform to raise his voice in support of the LGBTQ+ community. As an out, gay athlete himself he used press conferences to document the struggles he has faced with his sexuality over the years and urged young queer folks everywhere not to give up.
Daley openly discussed his love for his husband Dustin Lance Black, and how becoming a parent changed who he was as a human. Also, Daley single-handedly made knitting cool again during the Olympics. The man was photographed often knitting and just generally being adorable while doing so. Recently, Daley launched his own company centered around his hobby. His website Made With Love sells knit kits with easy-to-follow instructions so you can join him on his knitting journey.
Demi Lovato
In May 2021, Demi Lovato came out as pansexual and non-binary. The singer used their very public platform in the wake of their near-fatal overdose to document their struggles with gender and sexuality in front of the entire world.
Announcing that they will now be going by they/them pronouns used Instagram to come out to the world.
“Today is a day I’m so happy to share more of my life with you all — I am proud to let you know that I identify as non-binary and will officially be changing my pronouns to they/them moving forward. This has come after a lot of healing and self-reflective work. I’m still learning and coming into myself, and I don’t claim to be an expert or a spokesperson.”
Lovato talked about how freeing it has been for them since finding their place in the non-binary community and expressed how they wanted to use their own platform to help others.
“I’m doing this for those out there that haven’t been able to share who they truly are with their loved ones. Please keep living in your truths and know I am sending so much love your way,” said Lovato on Instagram.
There were so many other moments throughout 2021 where queer folks of our community totally slayed. If we forgot someone you think deserves a shout-out, drop us a comment on our socials! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for all queer stuff!
Featured Image: Images via Getty Images
