10 Stars Who Proudly Support Their LGBTQ+ Family

Recent data reveals that 21% of adults from Generation Z (born between 1997 — 2003) identify as LGBTQ+. This percentage decreases as generations get older — 10.5% for Millennials, and 4.2% for Generation X. Analysts say that the significant number of young adults coming to terms with their sexuality or gender identity is a result of increasing acceptance within society. But sadly, prejudices still exist, and LGBTQ+ members need all the compassion and support they can get from their loved ones.

That’s why Bright Side would like to put the spotlight on these 10 celebrities, who fully embraced their LGBTQ+ family members, and who used their voices and influence to advocate for their rights.

1. Chris Evans

The Captain America actor proved to be a real-life hero for his brother, Scott, who came out as gay when he was 19 years old. Chris took to Twitter to defend his brother and the rest of the gay community, when he called out one group that was organizing a “Straight Pride” event. In another tweet, he encouraged people to understand the importance of Gay Pride, and to take a moment to search for empathy and growth.

Chris says his compassion and understanding of LGBTQ+ issues are a result of the progressive environment he grew up in. Having two sisters around also helped him develop a deep connection to women’s and human rights. And it’s no surprise that Chris came to Scott’s rescue right away, because the two seem to be very close. Their adorable, brotherly bond was showcased when they were guests on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

2. Ariana Grande

In a love letter to the LGBTQ+ community, the pop icon wrote that she adored and idolized her gay brother Frankie. And that sexuality and gender were topics that they freely discussed in their family. In one of her gigs, she also spoke to individuals who have yet to come out, telling them that they don’t need to rush, and that they are beautiful, and they deserve to love who they want to love.

According to Frankie, Ariana’s first reaction after he came out to her was, “Great, when do I meet your boyfriend?” — which just goes to show how accepting she was of him. He added that it’s always “Family First” for the Grandes, and they will always defend each other passionately.

3. Adam Levine

The frontman of Maroon 5 admitted to growing up in a liberal home and having an open mind about sexuality, thanks to his gay younger brother, Michael. He also said that sexuality is something you are born with and is definitely not acquired, because he and his family already knew that Michael was gay when he was just 2 years old.

To support Michael, the Levine clan tried to provide a “cushion” for him, and they did their best to make him constantly feel that it was okay to be himself. Adam also shared some wise words, saying that fighting and not wanting your child to be gay is a losing battle, because it will only make the kid miserable. The best way to deal with these kinds of situations is to embrace it as a family.

4. Chloë Grace Moretz

The actress has four older brothers, and two of them — Trevor and Colin — came out as gay when Moretz was in middle school. At a young age, she witnessed the struggles her siblings had to face for being their true selves. This motivated her to stand up for them, and “fight for gay rights, women’s rights, minority rights — all human rights.”

She was also quoted saying, “I will delete you and I will block you, and you will not be a part of my life if you ever say anything bad about my brothers.”

5. Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr.

The NBA legend shared in a docu-series that he used to wonder if his son, EJ, would follow in his footsteps and get into sports as well. But he noticed that EJ liked dolls and playing dress-up. According to EJ, he was already out to all his friends, and his dad was the last person he talked to about his sexual orientation. His father struggled at first, but EJ’s overflowing pride changed his views and opened his heart to acceptance.

When Johnson appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Ellen asked him what advice he would give to parents who find it difficult to accept their gay child. His reply was, “It’s all about loving them no matter who they are, what they decide to do.” He finished by saying there’s already so many people with biases against them, so they need their parents to support and love them.

6. Colin Farrell

In 2014, the Irish actor penned an op-ed asking his fellow men to vote in favor of same-sex marriage in their country. His plea came from a place of frustration and love for his gay brother, Eamonn. He mentioned in his piece that Eamonn was forced to get married in Canada, because their own nation didn’t allow them to exercise such rights.

The following year, same-sex marriage was legalized in Ireland through a referendum. Farrell didn’t hold back in expressing his pride and joy, saying, “Today Ireland has opened up her heart in a way that the whole world will feel.” And that “(W)e have lit the way, how we have guaranteed a brighter and more loving future for all who call this beautiful land home.”

7. Cardi B

In one Instagram post, the Grammy award-winning rapper’s sister, Hennessy, gave some real talk about bisexuality — “If you can’t accept the B in LGBTQ+... then please don’t speak up for the community if you can’t fully understand ALL of us!” Cardi B reacted on Twitter by agreeing with her younger sib’s statement, and embellishing her tweet with 4 rainbow flags.

Cardi B considers Hennessy one of her lucky charms, and her support extends beyond her sister’s sexual identity. She is also very vocal of how proud she is of Hennessy, like in this post where she pointed out how swaggy, talented and pretty her sister is.

8. Chance the Rapper

The rapper’s younger brother, Taylor Bennett, took after him and became a rap artist as well. On the eve of Taylor’s 21^st birthday, he opened up to his fans and tweeted, “Growing up, I’ve always felt indifferent about my sexuality and being attracted to one sex. I do recognize myself as a bisexual male, and I have always openly supported the gay community and will keep doing so.”

Chance took this opportunity to declare his unconditional love and support for his brother through a tweet — “Love this man right here, through any and all. He has grown into a great man.” And he accompanied it with a video, saying that he will do anything for Taylor and his family.

9. Sally Field

The multi-awarded American actress (Academy, Emmy, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild, to name a few) is also an advocate of LGBTQ+ rights. In 2012, she added another recognition to her already impressive portfolio — the Human Rights Campaign’s Ally for Equality Award, which was presented by her gay son, Sam.

In one interview, she asked parents not to give in to their fears and prejudices about sexuality, and view it as a glorious part of existence instead. She added that folks should avoid rejecting their kids who come out, because being a teenager is already difficult enough. And imagine adding to that the difficulties of coming to terms with their sexual identities.

10. Anne Hathaway

In one of her speeches, The Devil Wears Prada star shared that she was lucky enough to be the younger sister of a gay man, and the daughter of parents who are both accepting and loving of the LGBTQ+ community. In their household, being gay is not a big deal. And when her brother Mike (the one on her left) came out, they hugged him and made him feel loved.

She also said that she does not consider herself just an ally of the LGBTQ+ community — she counts herself as their family. And that supporting gay marriage, adoption, and other advocacies should not be considered “brave,” because it’s something that any decent human being is expected to.

Do you have loved ones that are members of the LGBTQ+ community? What happened when they came out to the family, and how did you or your parents react?