As awards season comes to a close, let’s look back at some of our favourite celeb looks and interactions
BY SHANNON MOYCE, IMAGE BY DREAMSTIME
As the curtain falls on another award season, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the most iconic queer moments to happen on the red carpet. From clear, direct messages of activism to the subtle presence of LGBTQIA identity, the red carpet has once again proven its power as a platform for queer expression.
While the red carpet now offers a platform for LGBTQIA advocacy, this has not always been the case. So, to reflect on queer moments in historical red carpet context proves more difficult. Nevertheless, we can pay homage to pioneers like Marlene Dietrich, who redefined early red carpet fashion, wearing tailored suits and rejecting traditional gender expectations. These women took great risks and challenged fashion norms, by dressing in such a way.
Janelle Monáe
In modern years, we can see celebrities directly crafting iconic queer moments on the red carpet, a prime example being Janelle Monáe at the 2018 BET Awards. Shortly following their coming out, Monáe attended the award show in a bright, voluminous, ruffled rainbow dress. A clear visual statement of their identity.
Janelle Monae @ BET Awards 2018 appreciation post 😍😍😍 pic.twitter.com/l1u0k1sc3j
— claire. (@blissfulfiction) June 4, 2020
Lena Waithe
Also in 2018, Lena Waithe shared Janelle Monáe’s intention of directly connecting her attire to the LGBTQIA community. For the Met Gala that year, Lena wore a tailored Carolina Herrera suit, complete with a vibrant rainbow cape. In response to her bold choice, Lena said, “I want everybody to know that you can be whoever you are, and be completely proud, and be doing it, so wear the damn cape.”
Reneé Rapp and Towa Bird
There’s nothing quite like seeing lesbian couples on the red carpet, and Reneé Rapp and Towa Bird’s debuting their relationship at the 2024 Oscars was an absolute highlight. They looked so happy and in love. Seeing these sapphic couples in love simply melts our hearts.
@vanityfair #ReneeRapp and Towa Bird make their red carpet debut as a couple. #vfoscars #vanityfairoscarparty #oscars ♬ original sound – Vanity Fair
Sarah Paulson
Sarah Paulson and her partner Holland Taylor are a beloved fixture on the red carpet, consistently displaying their enduring love. However, even icons have their starstruck moments. One unforgettable red carpet moment was Sarah Paulson’s utterly relatable reaction upon seeing Madonna at the Met Gala. Her genuine awe was a testament to Madonna’s influence, and a fun moment to see from such a well-known actor.
Sarah Paulson and Madonna that iconic moment at the 2017 Met Gala a mini thread pic.twitter.com/ijoHv0dgbF
— nicole that gurl (@angelpaulson_) August 31, 2021
Jodie Foster
Jodie Foster walked the 1992 red carpet wearing a Georgio Armani suit, with a significant red ribbon worn to raise awareness of AIDS. The same night that she won Best Actress and in her acceptance speech, dedicated the award to “All the women who came before me, who never had the chances that I’ve had, and the survivors and the pioneers and the outcasts.”
Laverne Cox
Taking a subtle yet extremely powerful approach, Laverne Cox displayed a rainbow clutch at the 2019 Emmys, bearing the message “Oct. 8, Title VII, Supreme Court.” This was in relation to the Supreme Court hearing concerning LGBTQIA rights, which aimed to prevent discrimination in the workplace. The clutch, and its message, were seen by millions, and made a lasting impact, proving that it doesn’t take much to make such a big statement.
Jess Glynne and Alex Scott
Jess Glynne and Alex Scott chose the BRITs red carpet to hard launch their relationship, a moment we absolutely adore. They shared a kiss on the carpet, a moment of joy, and sapphic visibility.
Alex Scott and Jess Glynne attend the #BRITs 2025. pic.twitter.com/Ae3i4RK0sG
— InMusic (@_inmusic_) March 1, 2025
Alex Consani
Alex Consani graced the Fashion Awards red carpet in a custom Dilara Findikoglu corseted dress, a moment that saw her being awarded Model Of The Year. This historic win marks Alex Consani as the first openly trans woman to receive this prestigious award, a significant milestone for trans visibility within the fashion industry.
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