Out Gay Actor Jonathan Bailey Crowned PEOPLE's Sexiest Man Alive

Earlier this month in 2025, out gay actor Jonathan Bailey was named PEOPLE's Sexiest Man Alive, a significant milestone for the LGBTQ+ community. Bailey, who is known for his roles in various successful movies, has been open about the challenges he faced growing up as an LGBTQ+ individual.

According to a recent survey, LGBTQ+ individuals between the ages of 11 and 18 were twice as likely to experience anxiety, depression, and bullying compared to their peers. Bailey himself acknowledged experiencing these struggles, stating that "something that was very specific and clear to me about who I was, it wasn't safe and it wasn't celebrated."

However, Bailey's newfound recognition as the Sexiest Man Alive represents progress. As GLAAD's Vice President of Communications & Talent Anthony Allen Ramos noted, "Seeing an out gay actor star in some of the most successful movies of recent times and celebrated by PEOPLE in this way sends a powerful message to the industry that audiences everywhere know that authenticity is attractive."

Bailey expressed gratitude for the honor, saying, "There's something about knowing when that invitation came in, it's amazing to be able to accept it without a second thought, knowing that it's meaningful and impactful, as well as just an incredible and hilarious honor." He also opened up about his journey of becoming more comfortable in his own skin as he got older, stating, "We're all sort of trying to get back to the origin, aren't we?"