Angelina Jolie’s Deep Connection to LGBTQ+ Roles and Advocacy
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Angelina Jolie, a celebrated actress and humanitarian, has not publicly named a specific LGBTQ+ character she wishes to play. However, her powerful portrayals of complex characters with ties to the LGBTQ+ community, along with her outspoken advocacy, reveal a profound alignment with LGBTQ+ themes.
Two of Jolie’s most notable roles resonate strongly with LGBTQ+ audiences. In Girl, Interrupted, she portrayed Lisa Rowe, a rebellious and unpredictable psychiatric patient whose emotional intensity and sense of being misunderstood often align with queer femme archetypes. This role earned Jolie an Academy Award and remains one of her most iconic performances. She has shared that she identified with Lisa on a personal level, particularly in terms of emotional depth and complexity.
Jolie also brought to life the story of Gia Carangi in the biographical film Gia. Gia was a bisexual supermodel whose life was marked by addiction struggles and tragic early death due to AIDS-related complications. This role was deeply personal for Jolie, taking such an emotional toll that she briefly stepped back from acting afterward. The portrayal offered a raw look into the vulnerabilities and challenges faced by an LGBTQ+ figure in a turbulent era.
Beyond her film roles, Jolie has consistently championed LGBTQ+ rights and representation. She has emphasized the importance of openly LGBTQ+ characters in mainstream media, notably expressing support for LGBTQ+ superheroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In a 2015 interview, she underscored how vital such representation is, recognizing its impact on visibility and acceptance.
While Angelina Jolie hasn’t singled out one particular LGBTQ+ character she wishes to portray, her choice of roles and public advocacy speak volumes. Through her artistry and activism, she continues to engage deeply with stories and causes that highlight the LGBTQ+ experience, contributing to broader cultural conversations around identity, acceptance, and representation.
