Fans are already debating which LGBTQ+ stars should follow Jonathan Bailey into People’s Sexiest Man Alive spotlight. From Matt Bomer and Colman Domingo to Andrew Scott and Elliot Page, these actors and musicians bring charisma, talent and unmistakable screen presence to a title that’s becoming more inclusive.
The title is finally widening its appeal
People’s Sexiest Man Alive has traditionally leaned towards familiar Hollywood heart-throbs, but Jonathan Bailey’s win marked a significant change. The openly gay Wicked star became the first out gay man to receive the honour, proving that the magazine’s glossy fantasy can make room for a broader idea of attraction.
Now Noah Wyle has taken the 2026 title, reportedly admitting he initially thought the announcement was a prank. That reaction is rather charming, although plenty of viewers will understand why the choice made sense after watching him in The Pitt.
Still, Bailey’s milestone has opened the door to a fun question: who should be next? PinkNews has assembled a particularly strong shortlist, packed with performers whose appeal goes well beyond a good photo shoot. [2], [3]
Matt Bomer remains an obvious contender
Matt Bomer has the polished, old-school leading-man quality the award was practically built for. He can move from glossy drama to comedy with ease, while his performances in Fellow Travelers, American Horror Story, Will & Grace and Glee have given him an impressively varied screen presence.
His chemistry with Bailey in Fellow Travelers only strengthens the case. There’s also the small matter of that famously memorable toe scene, which remains lodged in many viewers’ minds for reasons that need little explanation.
Bomer publicly came out in 2012 and is married to publicist Simon Halls. The couple have three children, and Bomer has already appeared on hot-celebrity lists, so this nomination would hardly come out of nowhere. [4]
Colman Domingo brings talent and elegance
Colman Domingo offers something different from the traditional magazine cover star. His appeal comes with extraordinary acting credentials, warm charisma and a sense that he could deliver an awards-season speech, host a dinner party or break your heart in the same evening.
The actor has collected nominations across the Oscars, BAFTAs, Emmys, Golden Globes, SAG Awards and Tonys, winning an Emmy for Euphoria in 2022. His work also includes Fear the Walking Dead and The Four Seasons, while he’s reportedly involved with Disney’s live-action The Princess and the Frog.
Domingo’s love story with husband Raúl adds another layer to his public image. It’s the kind of grounded, romantic backstory that makes a glamorous title feel slightly more human. [2], [5]
Andrew Scott and Murray Bartlett have serious screen appeal
Andrew Scott has become one of the most compelling actors of his generation, whether he’s playing the hot priest in Fleabag, a haunted man in All of Us Strangers or a sharply defined character in the Bond film Spectre. His turn in Sherlock helped make him widely recognisable, but his later work has shown just how much range sits beneath the intensity.
Scott came out publicly as gay in 2013 and continues to attract a devoted following. His recent and forthcoming projects, including Elsinore and Channel 4’s It Gets Worse, suggest that his moment is far from over.
Murray Bartlett is equally deserving of attention, particularly for viewers who appreciate an actor willing to take risks. From Looking and The White Lotus to The Last of Us, Bartlett has balanced comic timing, sensuality and emotional depth. He has also spoken about never feeling able to be anything other than himself, which makes his career feel all the more authentic. [3], [6]
The rising stars could change the conversation
Justice Smith represents a younger generation of LGBTQ+ performers whose appeal is closely linked to both visibility and versatility. His credits include Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, Detective Pikachu and I Saw the TV Glow, while his upcoming role in Heated Rivalry is likely to introduce him to an even wider audience.
British-Iranian actor Arian Nik is another name worth watching. Best known for Count Abdulla, with additional appearances in Killing Eve, Ackley Bridge and Daddy Issues, Nik has also used his platform to speak about social and political issues. His recent appearance on It Gets Worse showed off a more openly playful side, too.
Kit Connor brings a different kind of cultural significance. Heartstopper made him a global star, but online speculation pushed him to come out as bisexual at 18, something he criticised as missing the point of the series. His forthcoming role as Cyclops in Marvel’s X-Men reboot could make him an even bigger name, though perhaps the industry could give him a little breathing room first. [4], [7]
Ricky Martin and Elliot Page offer star power with purpose
Ricky Martin has had sex-symbol status for decades. His 1999 hit Livin’ la Vida Loca became a defining pop moment for many millennials, while his later public coming out gave greater context to the intense speculation he had faced earlier in his career.
Martin came out as gay in 2010 and has since continued working across music, television and live performance. Although he and Jwan Yosef divorced in 2023, they remain focused on co-parenting their children. His inclusion would bring global pop-star glamour to a list otherwise dominated by actors.
Elliot Page would make the conversation even more meaningful. Alongside a major role in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, Page has been sharing glimpses of his fitness journey and trans joy online. His career has faced the barriers that still affect many trans performers, so a high-profile honour would carry significance beyond the usual flashbulbs and velvet jackets. [2], [6]
The strongest choice may not be the person with the most conventional cover-star image. It could be the performer who makes the title feel more varied, more contemporary and a little less predictable.
There’s no shortage of worthy LGBTQ+ contenders for the next cover.
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