In the glamorous world of celebrity, we often only see the surface: red carpets, awards shows, and smiles in front of the cameras. But behind these images, there are deeply personal stories – stories that shed light on what it means to grow up with love, acceptance, and courage, even in times when these were not taken for granted. Some of the most famous and talented people in entertainment grew up with LGBTQ+ parents – and their testimonies illuminate the strength of families built on authenticity and the fight against societal prejudices.

Here are stories of celebrities who were inspired and shaped by their queer parents – people who not only raised children, but also taught lessons of love and authenticity to the entire world.

Robert De Niro

You may not know it, but Robert De Niro’s father, Robert De Niro Sr., was openly gay. An artist and painter, he lived a life full of contradictions and difficulties, struggling to come to terms with his sexual identity at a time when society did not leave much room. De Niro himself said: “I wish I had talked to him more about it. For my children, I want them to know that sometimes you have to do the things you want now , not ‘someday,’ because later it may be too late.”

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster had the support and guidance of her gay mother, Evelyn “Brandy” Foster, from a very early age. Her mother, a woman with an explosive personality and humor, was the constant in Jodie’s life. In her farewell, the actress wrote: “She was a fighter, full of fire and love… There was no one like her. And I hope she lives in us forever.”

Amy Adams

The Oscar-winning actress grew up in a completely different environment than one might expect. After her parents divorced, she lived with her mother – a semi-professional bodybuilder – and her new partner. Amy and her six siblings spent hours at the gym, in a daily life that, although outside of “stereotypes”, was full of love and strength. “You are unique, creative and crazy fearless in the best possible way,” she had written about her mother.

Mandy Moore

Mandy Moore grew up in a very inclusive family, as her mother and two of her siblings are gay. When her mother divorced her father to be with a woman, she was 23. Since then, she describes her family as closer than ever:

“I love and support my mother and siblings with all my heart. Nothing makes me happier than seeing the people I love be themselves.”

Paul Bettany

Paul Bettany’s father came out at 63 and lived with his partner, Andy Clark, for 20 years. But after his partner died, he backed out due to religious fears. “The shame he felt about his sexual identity was heartbreaking. He couldn’t grieve the person who I thought was the love of his life,” the actor said, describing the consequences of social stigma.

Jena Malone

Raised by two married moms, Jena Malone felt from a young age that her family was full of joy and acceptance. “I never felt like there was anything abnormal. I had two moms, and that was exciting. I feel like I got a lot of love, respect, and a healthy upbringing.”

These stories remind us that love has no gender, identity, or form. But it has immense power to shape people, heal wounds, and build a future where every child can grow up proud – just as they are.