9 LGBTQ+ stars who should be named ‘Sexiest Man Alive’
It’s that time of year again, when, like it or not, People announces its “Sexiest Man Alive” – this year, The Pitt star Noah Wyle.
Wyle, 55, who admitted he thought the title was a “prank”, joins the ranks of hot, male celebs who have previously been given the honour, including last year’s winner Jonathan Bailey.
Amazingly, Wicked star Bailey became the mag’s first out gay star to be named “Sexiest Man Alive” – something he absolutely deserves the title of.
But it got us thinking, which other queer stars should get the award and accompanying sizzling photo shoot?
Matt Bomer
Gay actor Matt Bomer, 49, who appeared opposite Bailey in 2023 series Fellow Travelers, is an obvious choice.
He’s had a number of iconic roles, including in American Horror Story, Will & Grace, and even Glee. And let’s not forget that toe scene in Fellow Travelers.
Aside from his acting, Bomer, who came out publicly in 2012, is married to publicist Simon Halls. They have three children, born via surrogacy.
Bomer has previously been voted among the hottest of celebs, including Logo’s Hot 100.
Colman Domingo
It’s honestly amazing that Colman Domingo, whose real life mirrored a romance movie with how he met husband Raúl, hasn’t ever been named People’s “Sexiest Man Alive”.
He’s been nominated for two Oscars, two BAFTAs, three Emmys (winning in 2022 for Euphoria), two Golden Globes, four SAG Awards, and two Tonys.
Domingo, 56, is known for roles including Fear the Walking Dead, Euphoria and more recently The Four Seasons. He’s also reportedly writing a live-action Princess And The Frog film, with Disney.
Ricky Martin
Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin will have been the gay awakening for many millennials, thanks to his iconic song “Livin’ la Vida Loca”, released in 1999.
At the start of his career, Martin, 54, was surrounded by rumours about his sexuality, refusing to engage with the “violating” questions.
He publicly came out as gay in March 2020, saying: “I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am.”
Martin split from husband Jwan Yosef in July 2023, after six years of marriage, with the duo now co-parenting their children.
Andrew Scott
Irish actor Andrew Scott, 50, is everywhere right now – and we’re not complaining!
Rising to fame on BBC series Sherlock, Scott has gone on to have some unforgettable roles, including in Fleabag, Wake Up Dead Man, tear-jerker All Of Us Strangers, Bond movie Spectre and recently Elsinore, which has seen him tipped to win Best Actor at the 2027 Oscars.
The star, who came out publicly as gay in November 2013, also appears in the first episode of new Channel 4 series It Gets Worse, delivering a performance that had fans all over the world thirsting after him.
Justice Smith
We’re about to see a whole lot more of Justice Smith, after he was confirmed for a role in Heated Rivalry.
The queer actor is set to play loveable social media manager Harris Drover, opposite love interest Troy Barrett, played by Charlie Gillespie.
He’s already had roles in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, I Saw the TV Glow, and even the live-action Pokémon movie Detective Pikachu.
Smith, 31, came out as queer publicly in June 2020, saying in 2025 he didn’t plan on dating women again as he felt the pressure to be “the man in the relationship”. He was previously dating actor Nicholas L Ashe.
Murray Bartlett
Murray Bartlett, 55, came out publicly as gay early during his career – and since then he’s done it all.
Whether it’s a rimming scene on The White Lotus, an emotional queer love story on The Last Of Us, or the legendary Looking, Bartlett has proved he’s a man of many talents.
The Australian actor said he “never felt [he] could be anything but [himself]” when speaking of his decision to come out in his career – and good for him!
He’s next set to appear in Netflix series All the Sinners Bleed.
Arian Nik
Rising star Arian Nik is best known for playing the lead role in ITVX horror sitcom Count Abdulla, but he’s also had roles in Killing Eve, Ackley Bridge, and Daddy Issues, among others. He appeared on the current season of RuPaul’s Drag Race too, during the “Snatch Game” episode, acting as an eligible bachelor alongside Duncan James.
This month, the gay actor, 31, appeared in Channel 4 series It Gets Worse, spending much of his time on-screen shirtless.
British-Iranian star Nik regularly uses his platform to speak up for causes he believes in. He told Principle: “It’s scary out there and it’s important we use any platform we have to shed light on the f****** of the world and political systems that have nations in chokeholds.”
Kit Connor
It’s been a huge year for 22-year-old British actor Kit Connor. Not only did he appear in the Heartstopper finale movie, Heartstopper Forever, but he also got announced to be part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The young star is set to play Cyclops in the upcoming X-Men reboot movie, though we have a few years to wait to see him in action, as it’s not due for release until 2028.
After shooting to fame in queer, young love drama Heartstopper, Connor felt forced to come out as bisexual after online speculation.
He said on X in October 22 that the speculation was “forcing an 18-year-old to out himself”, adding that fans had “missed the point” of Heartstopper.
Elliot Page
Elliot Page, 39, has been all over headlines this year, after landing the role of Sinon in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey.
Transphobes were furious that the character, from Greek mythology, and therefore not a real person, was being played by Page, who came out as a trans man in 2020.
His performance went down very well with critics, but he has said he has had few offers of work since.
Outside of acting, though, Page has been getting ripped in the gym, and exuding trans joy on social media.
Anyone else you think deserve the title? Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.
