Celebrating LGBTQ+ Women Trailblazers in Women's History Month

From Gloria Anzaldúa to Janet Mock, honoring the contributions of LGBTQ+ women past and present

Mar. 13, 2026 at 11:48am

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Qnotes celebrates the lives and legacies of several influential LGBTQ+ women during Women's History Month, including poet and academic Gloria Evangelina Anzaldua, the first openly LGBTQ+ lifetime federal judge Deborah Batts, activist and philosopher Angela Davis, writer and transgender rights advocate Janet Mock, actress Kristen Stewart, comedian and actress Lily Tomlin, and diplomat and public servant Chantale Wong.

Why it matters

While Women's History Month traditionally honors the achievements of women, the contributions of LGBTQ+ women are often overlooked. This article shines a light on several trailblazing LGBTQ+ women who have made significant impacts in their respective fields, from literature and activism to politics and entertainment.

The details

The article profiles several LGBTQ+ women who have left an indelible mark on history. It details the groundbreaking work of poet and academic Gloria Evangelina Anzaldua, the first openly LGBTQ+ lifetime federal judge Deborah Batts, activist and philosopher Angela Davis, writer and transgender rights advocate Janet Mock, actress Kristen Stewart, comedian and actress Lily Tomlin, and diplomat and public servant Chantale Wong. These women have overcome adversity and used their platforms to advocate for marginalized communities, challenge societal norms, and inspire others.

  • Women's History Month has been celebrated nationally since 1987, originally starting as 'Women's History Week' in 1978.
  • The celebration was organized to coincide with International Women's Day, recognized as March 8.

The players

Gloria Evangelina Anzaldua

A queer Chicana poet, author and feminist theorist who received her bachelor's degree from the University of Texas–Pan American and a master's degree from the University of Texas at Austin. Her poetry and essays often examined the frustration, alienation and complexity of living at the intersections of cultural boundaries and collective identities.

Deborah Batts

America's first openly LGBTQ+ lifetime federal judge, appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1997 to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. She was also Fordham Law School's first Black faculty member and first Black tenured professor.

Angela Davis

An activist, philosopher and educator who was involved with the Black Panther Party and the Communist Party, and is known for her work in the Black Power Movement of the 1970s. She came out as a lesbian in 1997 and continues to advocate for abolition, transgender rights, and queer liberation.

Janet Mock

A writer, television producer and transgender rights activist who authored the bestselling memoir 'Redefining Realness' and served as a writer, director and producer for the FX series 'Pose'.

Kristen Stewart

A millennial film star known for roles in cult classics like 'Twilight' and blockbusters like 'Spencer'. She publicly came out as sexually fluid in 2017 and has used her platform to bring awareness to issues facing marginalized populations.

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What they’re saying

“I mean, limiting any group's rights is a travesty. People cannot push backwards to that. It's insane.”

— Lily Tomlin, Comedian and Actress (Qnotes)

“John Lewis taught me about making good trouble, but necessary trouble.”

— Chantale Wong, U.S. Ambassador and Public Servant (Qnotes)

The takeaway

This article highlights the significant contributions and lasting legacies of several pioneering LGBTQ+ women who have broken barriers, challenged societal norms, and paved the way for greater representation and inclusion in their respective fields. Their stories serve as inspiration for the next generation of LGBTQ+ leaders and advocates.