BY: Kara Johnson
Published 1 week ago
The arrival of October signals much more than pumpkin spice. For pop culture enthusiasts, it marks the start of an unofficial holiday season known simply as “Spooky Szn.” The most anticipated tradition is the annual reveal of celebrity Halloween costumes. These looks are no longer simple party outfits. They are massive, often professionally produced pop culture events that generate buzz across social media for weeks.
In recent years, the LGBTQIA+ community’s stars have dominated this spectacular display. They bring a unique blend of high-fashion, meticulous attention to detail, and a profound, often hilarious, understanding of cultural reference. Their costumes set the bar incredibly high. These artists use Halloween as another stage to showcase their creativity, whether through a gorgeous cinematic recreation or a biting, clever commentary. We are here to celebrate the seven LGBTQIA+ celebrities who won Halloween this year with their iconic and unforgettable transformations.
The Best LGBTQIA+ Celeb Halloween Costumes: Pop Culture Takes Over
Janelle Monáe as Beetlejuice
Monáe didn’t stop at one iconic look this year, but our favorite was the mind-blowing costume of Beetlejuice. Their take on the “ghost with the most” was a meticulously crafted, gender-bending masterpiece. Monáe wore the character’s signature black-and-white striped suit, complete with prosthetics and theatrical makeup to capture Beetlejuice’s wild, decaying look. This costume perfectly blended high-fashion artistry with the grotesque charm of the classic horror-comedy character.
Niecy Nash-Betts and Jessica Betts as Papoose and Claressa Shields
Niecy Nash-Betts and her wife, Jessica Betts, always deliver incredible couples costumes. This year, they celebrated two different powerful duos, including boxer Claressa Shields and her boyfriend, rapper Papoose. The couple expertly recreated an iconic weigh-in photo from the world of sports. Jessica Betts dressed as Shields, flexing with fierce intensity. Niecy Nash-Betts stood by her side as Papoose, proudly holding the championship belts. This costume choice celebrated Black love, power, and high-level sports culture.
Bretman Rock and Cleo as Glinda and Elphaba from “Wicked”
Social media sensation Bretman Rock and his sister Cleo delivered an absolutely stunning tribute to Broadway with their portrayal of Glinda and Elphaba from “Wicked.” Bretman Rock embodied the “good witch” Glinda, complete with a flowing pink gown and a shimmering crown, radiating bubbly charm. Cleo transformed into the misunderstood Elphaba, with her iconic green skin, dark attire, and powerful presence. Their costumes were a high-production, gorgeous homage to one of the most beloved musicals of all time.
Ben Platt and Noah Galvin as Hugh Hefner and a Playboy Bunny
Husbands Ben Platt and Noah Galvin gave a memorable throwback to classic Hollywood camp. They dressed as the quintessential pair of Hugh Hefner and a Playboy Bunny. Platt took on the role of Hefner, complete with a velvet smoking jacket and captain’s hat. Galvin stunned as a glamorous Playboy Bunny, wearing a satin corset and bunny ears. The costume was a fun, period-specific nod to an infamous slice of pop culture history.
Bowen Yang as Tingle from The Legend of Zelda
“Saturday Night Live” star Bowen Yang chose a quirky, deep-cut video game reference this year. He dressed up as Tingle, the middle-aged man who believes he is a fairy from “The Legend of Zelda” games. Yang’s dedication to this niche character was impressive. He wore the signature bright green suit, the pointed cap, and the character’s strange, wide-eyed makeup. This costume perfectly blended high-effort commitment with an obscure, hilarious reference.
LGBTQIA+ Celeb Halloween Costumes Matter
The creativity and sheer effort poured into these costumes highlight a significant trend. Halloween allows celebrities to connect with their audience on a more personal and playful level. It becomes a night of imaginative freedom where they can reference their own passions and heroes. For LGBTQIA+ stars, these costumes often carry an extra layer of meaning, celebrating queer icons, humor, and freedom of expression.
The annual competition for the title of best costume is a delightful cultural moment. It gives fans a fantastic, over-the-top spectacle to enjoy. From Janelle Monáe’s cinematic perfection to Troye Sivan’s viral moment, these stars successfully channeled their creative energy into pure Halloween joy. They remind us that the spooky season is all about transformation, self-expression, and celebrating the things we love most. The power of a great costume is undeniable, and the LGBTQIA+ community certainly brought the most powerful looks this year.
Which of these amazing LGBTQIA+ celeb Halloween costumes do you think showed the most creative effort, and why? Let us know in the comments.
