Voices of Pride: European celebrities advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights
Pride Month, celebrated every June, shines a spotlight on LGBTQIA+ people, their achievements, and the challenges they continue to face. While support for the community often becomes more visible during this time of year, many public figures advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights year-round.
Celebrated singer Ariana Grande's newly launched "Brighter Days Ahead Foundation" aims to support the rainbow community as one of its goals - just in time for Pride.
While the foundation helps the LGBTQIA+ representatives in the US only, Europe also has a number of high-profile allies that continue to shed light on the discrimination and inequalities faced by the community.
Here are ten European celebrities that stand up for the members of the community's rights:
Zara Larsson (Sweden)
Singer Zara Larsson is no stranger to rights advocacy. From speaking out for women’s rights, to immigrants’ rights in the US. In her documentary Up Close, the Swedish sensation stated that she "got pulled off of shows" and "had deals taken from her" just for advocating for what she believes is right.
The 'Midnight Sun' and 'Lush Life' singer has been very vocal about her love for the LGBTQIA+ community. In a recent interview, she said that “she has always been so well taken care of by the community”.
In 2018, Larsson partnered with the famous contraception manufacturer Durex in order to support its mission to end AIDS. The singer has also appeared on RuPaul's Drag Race and on stage with the rainbow flag on numerous occasions, which further reiterates her love and support for the community.
Angèle (Belgium)
Hit singer and songwriter Angèle came out as pansexual in 2023 following the media’s non-consensual outing - something that she later described as "extremely violent". Following this, many members of the community have supported the singer.
At Coachella 2023, Angèle appeared on stage with a pride flag, saying that she wrote the song 'Your Queen' ('Ta Reine') because she “had some doubts about the people she was falling in love with”. She then continued by saying that she had written many songs about love but never about a lesbian one. One of the most prominent lyrics from this song states: "But you wish she was your queen tonight, even though two queens are not widely accepted" ("Mais tu voudrais qu'elle soit ta reine ce soir, même si deux reines, c'est pas trop accepté").
In 2025, the Belgian artist encouraged her fans to sign a petition by ACT to ban conversion therapy across the European Union. Following that, the European Parliament responded to the call and voted in favour of a ban on so-called "conversion therapy".
Olly Alexander (United Kingdom)
Alongside Adele, Dua Lipa, and Harry Styles, Olly Alexander stands at the forefront of support for LGBTQIA+ rights in the UK and around the world.
The former lead singer of Years & Years uses his platform to convey the message that "love is love" and has done a great deal to support the minority. One such example is the joint documentary project Growing Up Gay, created by Olly Alexander and BBC Three, in which the singer explores the mental health issues faced by members of the community.
The 'King' singer has been very vocal in expressing his appreciation for the community and explaining how important advocacy is to him, whether at press events for the Eurovision Song Contest or during concerts at Glastonbury Festival.
Olly Alexander has received much praise from the LGBTQIA+ community and is regarded as one of its leading public advocates by Queerty and the British LGBT Awards.
Theodora (France)
The French-Congolese bisexual singer Theodora has risen quickly in the charts and won over audiences with her Amapiano-inspired music.
In an episode of RuPaul's Drag Race France, the singer said that she had acquired a lot from the drag community and that it has influenced her art. In an interview with Billboard France, Theodora confirmed that she employs "many LGBT people on her team."
As she emerges as one of the most promising voices in French music, the singer of 'Kongolese sous BBL' remains grateful to and maintains a close relationship with the LGBTQIA+ community.
Olya Polyakova (Ukraine)
According to a poll conducted in 2024 by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, more than 70% of Ukrainians stated that the LGBTQIA+ community should have the same rights as everyone else. As of now, Ukrainian legislation does not allow same-sex marriage. However, the country has taken steps towards greater recognition of the community, including banning hate speech and discrimination in the media based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
One of the leading supporters of the Ukrainian LGBTQIA+ community is singer Olya Polyakova.
She has been outspoken about her support for the community, stating that people "should have the freedom to make their own choices". In 2023, Polyakova led the Ukrainian Pride contingent at a Pride event in London. The singer uses her platform to draw attention to the fact that legislative proposals aimed at protecting the rights of the community and allowing same-sex marriage have been stalled rather than approved.
Olya Polyakova also emphasizes that many LGBTQIA+ soldiers have been serving on the front lines since Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Björk (Iceland)
Björk is widely adored by the LGBTQIA+ community. The Icelandic icon confirmed her bisexuality in a 2004 interview with DIVA Magazine. "It’s just a question of whether or not you choose to recognise it [sexuality] and embrace it," she said.
Björk has collaborated with the iconic and openly gay designer Alexander McQueen in order to wow audiences with her avant-garde fashion choices.
The 'Army of Me' singer has revealed that she enjoys watching RuPaul's Drag Race and draws inspiration from the show. Björk also confirmed that she "absolutely loved" Katya Zamolodchikova's impersonation of her during the Snatch Game challenge on RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Season 2.
Nikkie de Jager (The Netherlands)
Nikkie de Jager, better known as NikkieTutorials, is a Dutch YouTuber and makeup artist.
Her YouTube channel has more than 15 million subscribers. However, this popularity came with a hefty cost of being forced to come out as transgender. Following an attempt to blackmail her, the Internet star released a series of videos discussing her transition and gender identity. Internet users overwhelmingly supported and uplifted her.
The content creator has contributed financially to initiatives such as For The Gworls and The Trevor Project. As one of the hosts of the Eurovision Song Contest 2021, she wore a dress in the colours of the transgender flag to show her support and increase the visibility of the community on an international stage.
Nikkie de Jager continues to advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community through her social media platforms.
Rosalía (Spain)
Rosalía has said that she does not wish to be placed in a box regarding her sexuality, although she has a strong following within the LGBTQIA+ community.
In a 2026 interview with Spotify, the singer jokingly said that the best quality a man can have is to be gay.
During her ongoing LUX tour, Rosalía invites members of the audience to share confessions on stage. While participants come from a variety of backgrounds and identities, LGBTQIA+ fans are often prominently represented among those who take part. In this setting, Rosalía acts as a figure who listens and offers advice, a role that many members of the community appreciate.
Monetochka (Russia)
Russia is not widely known for its LGBTQIA+ friendliness or support. Over the years, the government has taken steps to restrict LGBTQIA+ expression and activism. According to Russian legislation, the so-called “International LGBT Movement” has been banned and designated as an extremist organisation.
Russia has had several public figures who have challenged this environment. From Alla Pugacheva, who once performed with the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles and has expressed support for LGBTQIA+ rights, to singer Monetochka.
Yelizaveta Gyrdymova, known professionally as Monetochka, is now based in Lithuania after being designated a "foreign agent" and facing a criminal case against her on the grounds of “evading the duties of a foreign agent.”
Throughout her work, the singer has expressed support for LGBTQIA+ people. In a 2021 tribute album to t.A.T.u., Monetochka changed the lyrics of the song 'Malchik Gay' ('Gay Boy') to reflect contemporary Russian realities. "Russia has two problems: you and I," she sings.
Kim Petras (Germany)
Kim Petras has spoken out about LGBTQIA+ issues and her own experience from a young age.
The German singer and songwriter hit headlines when she was only 13 after her appearance on a television program during which she discussed her wish for gender transition - at the time when such a topic was a taboo.
The 'XXX' singer produces music, often with explicit themes, that appeals a lot to the LGBTQIA+ community. During the 2021 MTV Europe Music Awards in Hungary, at that time under Orbán’s government, she protested the anti-LGBTQIA+ laws.
Petras continues to use her fame to raise awareness about gender identity and transition, while also supporting the broader community.
Pride Month takes place until 30 June 2026.
