Reflecting on the Top LGBTQ+ Entertainment Stories of 2024

Reflecting on a year in queer entertainment is never one-dimensional. You get stories of joy, challenges, and everything in between.

And 2024 was no different. For every Chappell Roan, you get a J.K. Rowling. But looking back on this year is vital in recognizing what progress was made in LGBTQ spaces, and which areas need more attention to make a better 2025.

Though there are no 10 stories that are truly “the most important,” here are some events that represented the good, the bad, and the gloriously gay this year.

#10: Joaquin Phoenix Exits Gay Film

"Joker" star Joaquin Phoenix reportedly exited a gay romance film days before production was set to begin, stirring up a controversial storm in Hollywood. Sets were built and distribution deals were already made, which left many owed compensation.

Described as a detective love story featuring two men in the 1930s, the film was allegedly made to receive an NC-17 rating and to feature authentic and graphic sex scenes.

#9: Adele Snaps Back at Homophobic Fan

What better way to kick off Pride month this year than Adele publicly humiliating a fan who shouted a homophobic comment? The singer was performing her Las Vegas residency show when an audience member shouted, “Pride sucks.” Her response was appropriately filled with profanities.

“Did you come to my show to say Pride sucks? Are you stupid?” Adele said. “Don’t be so ridiculous. If you have nothing nice to say, shut up, alright?”

A video of the interaction went viral online, and fans rallied on social media to show their support of the singer.

#8: Oprah Receives GLAAD Recognition

Oprah Winfrey received the GLAAD Lifetime Achievement Award in March. It was a culmination of her strong history of support for the LGBTQ community.

Winfrey used her platform on her self-titled show to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ bias and hold open discussions to challenge stereotypes and promote acceptance.

“Winfrey’s unique blend of empathy, wisdom, and storytelling resonated with audiences, making her one of the most beloved and influential figures in media history,” commented a media publisher.

#7: Asher HaVon Wins "The Voice"

Asher HaVon, who performed on team Reba McEntire, became a staple on "The Voice" for his hypnotic and rich tone. From Selma, Ala., HaVon also represents the fight for equality.

When former President Barack Obama visited Selma in 2015, HaVon sang for him and 200,000 other people at the historic Selma Bridge crossing.

“For the rest of us, in the LGBTQ community, in the dance clubs, and in the hearts of ones needing a new diva to love, Asher has arrived,” wrote a reporter in May.

#6: Notable Celebrities Come Out

Many notable celebrities came out this year, including country singer Maren Morris, track star Trey Cunningham, actor Julia Fox, and former “Saturday Night Live” star Sasheer Zamata. From sports stars to country idols, these icons are paving the way for LGBTQ visibility in underrepresented entertainment spaces.

#5: "Wicked" Dominates the Box Office

Jon M. Chu’s “Wicked” became a massive success with audiences. Roughly one week into its box office run, it became the biggest-grossing movie based on a Broadway musical in North America, surpassing previous smashes like “Grease” and “Mamma Mia!”

Besides providing audiences with a faithful yet unique adaptation of the popular book and play, it also gave us numerous viral interviews between its two leading ladies, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, as well as a plethora of fan cams gushing over out actor Jonathan Bailey.

#4: Historic Wins at Major Award Shows

It was a historic year for queer representation at the biggest nights in entertainment. Jodie Foster collected her first Emmy for her role in “True Detective: Night Country,” while Jonathan Groff accepted his first Tony for his role in “Merrily We Roll Along.”

The Grammys were huge for women and queer artists, recognizing performers like Billie Eilish, SZA, Miley Cyrus, and Victoria Monet. It was a much different story than in past years, highlighting a shift towards inclusivity.

#3: Misinformation at the Olympics

Olympic boxer Imane Khelif was the center of controversy during this summer’s Paris games after many prominent celebrities and personalities spread false information about her identity. Khelif has differences of sex development (DSD), which is a group of rare conditions that causes one’s sex development to differ from most others.

The misinformation didn’t stop certain public figures from labeling her incorrectly, overshadowing her gold medal win and leading to a lawsuit against some big names for cyber harassment.

#2: Chappell Roan's Rise to Fame

It was a stellar year for women and queer performers, headlined by Chappell Roan’s rapid ascension to fame. The singer drew global recognition with notable hits and used her platform to support pro-LGBTQ messaging.

She dedicated her Best New Artist win to the “queer youth in the Midwest,” and actively supported the art of drag by featuring local drag queens in her shows.

#1: Ryan Murphy Sparks Controversy

The ethical implications of “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” were hotly debated when it debuted. While some lauded the show for its aesthetic and gripping narrative, others criticized it for its representation and glorification of its subjects.

Regardless of opinions, the show sparked a national debate and highlighted the complexities involved in true crime storytelling.

As we look forward to a new year, these stories remind us of the ongoing journey towards representation and acceptance in the entertainment industry.