Marilyn Monroe: The Untold Story of Her Role as a Gay Icon and LGBTQ+ Ally

Marilyn Monroe’s legacy as one of the most enduring icons in Hollywood history is often tied to her stunning beauty, her legendary status as a “blonde bombshell,” and her unforgettable performances in classic films like Some Like It Hot and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. However, beyond the carefully crafted image of innocence and seduction, Monroe’s relationship with the LGBTQ+ community reveals a deeper, more groundbreaking aspect of her character. Long before the concept of queer iconography became a celebrated part of pop culture, Monroe was, in her own way, a pioneer for LGBTQ+ rights—supporting those around her who were marginalized for their sexuality and embracing love in all its forms.

A Voice for Love and Acceptance

Monroe’s appeal transcended the silver screen. Known for her charm, vulnerability, and openness, she became a beacon of hope for those navigating their identities during a time when societal norms were strict, especially in the post-war era of the 1950s. As the nation chased the ideal of the “American Dream,” the Cold War cast an atmosphere of paranoia and fear, and those outside the norms of heterosexuality were often ostracized or persecuted. Yet, amidst this backdrop of conformity and repression, Monroe’s voice stood out, advocating for love and acceptance regardless of gender or sexual identity.

In her private conversations, Monroe was vocal about the struggles facing the LGBTQ+ community. In a conversation with Jane Lawrence, the lesbian president of her fan club, Monroe said: “When two people love each other, who cares what colour or flavour or religion they are? It’s two human beings. It’s beautiful. Love is beautiful. It’s that simple.” These words are striking not only for their simplicity but for their radicalism in an era when same-sex relationships were not widely accepted or openly discussed.

Monroe was also a steadfast ally to her friends who faced harassment for their sexuality. She spoke openly in defense of her close friend, actor Montgomery Clift, who had endured relentless torment for being gay. She once remarked, “People who aren’t fit to open the door for him, sneer at his homosexuality. What do they know about it? Labels. People love putting labels on each other. Then they feel safe.” Monroe also touched on the damaging and simplistic labels placed on her own sexuality, having been subject to the gossip and assumptions of being a lesbian herself. She laughed them off, saying, “People tried making me into a lesbian. I laughed. No sex is wrong if there is love in it.”

Monroe’s Struggles and Resonance with the LGBTQ+ Community

Despite her fame, Monroe was often pigeonholed by the industry as a “dumb blonde,” a stereotype that commodified her image and belittled her considerable talents. Her own struggles with identity—both as a woman and as a person whose sexuality was constantly scrutinized—resonated deeply with the LGBTQ+ community, particularly those facing their own crises of identity and sexuality. Monroe’s refusal to accept the stereotypical roles imposed on her by Hollywood, coupled with her ongoing search for acceptance in both her personal and professional life, made her a symbol of resistance against the oppressive forces of the time.

Her openness and acceptance of her gay friends and those struggling with their own sexuality were revolutionary in an era when LGBTQ+ issues were largely ignored in the public sphere. Monroe’s willingness to embrace individuals outside the mainstream gave the community a rare sense of visibility and support in a time of great repression.

The Gay Community’s Embrace of Marilyn Monroe

Monroe’s appeal to the LGBTQ+ community grew over the years, particularly as her image was increasingly embraced by drag queens and other queer performers. Her iconic moments, such as the unforgettable scene in The Seven Year Itch when her white dress billows in the subway breeze, became emblematic of the femininity, sexuality, and vulnerability that many gay men and women identified with. Monroe became a beloved figure in the drag community, with performers frequently impersonating her in drag pageants and competitions.

This connection to the gay community was not just a result of her image, but also her character and the vulnerability she projected. For many in the LGBTQ+ community, Monroe’s struggles with her identity mirrored their own battles with societal rejection. Her untimely death, at the age of 36, only intensified her status as a symbol of beauty, pain, and unfulfilled potential, solidifying her place as a cultural figure who represented both glamour and the inherent sadness of being misunderstood.

Monroe’s Legacy as a Gay Icon

Marilyn Monroe’s support for LGBTQ+ rights, her rejection of societal labels, and her willingness to live on her own terms make her a trailblazing figure in the fight for acceptance. She was more than just a symbol of sensuality; she became a symbol of liberation for those who were ostracized for their sexual identities. In many ways, Monroe was ahead of her time, challenging the norms of the 1950s and 1960s, using her platform to advocate for love in all its forms.

As Elton John’s 1973 tribute “Candle in the Wind” shows, Monroe’s legacy continues to live on in the hearts of those who saw in her a reflection of their own struggles and aspirations. She remains, decades after her death, one of the most powerful and influential figures in LGBTQ+ history—a true pioneer whose advocacy and iconography broke down barriers and opened doors for those who followed.