BY: Sierra Kennedy
Published 3 months ago
The 2025 Emmy Awards weren’t just about glitz and glamour — they were about visibility, history, and long-overdue recognition. This year’s ceremony delivered big wins for queer performers who are shifting culture on screen and off. If you missed the broadcast, we’ve got you covered: here’s everything you need to know about when and where it all went down, plus the LGBTQIA+ Emmy winners of 2025 who made headlines.
The Iconic Ceremony
The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards were held on Sept.14, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Downtown Los Angeles, California. The ceremony aired live, showcasing television’s biggest stars under one roof. Leading up to the main event, the Creative Arts Emmys took place on Sept. 6–7, 2025, honoring the technical and artistic achievements that make our favorite shows possible.
The energy was high, the red carpet fashion was bold, and more importantly, LGBTQIA+ talent was front and center. For years, critics have called for greater queer representation at the Emmys, and 2025 proved that change is finally taking root.
Tramell Tillman makes history
One of the night’s most powerful moments came when Tramell Tillman won Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Seth Milchick on “Severance.” His win was groundbreaking — Tillman became the first Black man to ever win in that category. The actor, who identifies as part of the LGBTQIA+ community, received a standing ovation as he took the stage and thanked his castmates for trusting him to bring a complex character to life.
Tillman’s win was more than a personal milestone — it was a historic moment that will open doors for queer actors of color in dramatic television.
Jeff Hiller brings comedy to the forefront
Jeff Hiller, beloved for his role in “Somebody Somewhere,” won Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. His performance as Joel, the sweet-natured best friend in the HBO series, has been praised for its authenticity and heart. In his acceptance speech, Hiller thanked co-star Bridget Everett and the queer fans who saw themselves reflected in Joel’s journey.
For many viewers, Hiller’s win was more than recognition for a stellar performance — it was proof that comedy can be queer, heartfelt, and still award-worthy.
Erin Doherty’s emotional victory
Another highlight came when Erin Doherty won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for her role in “Adolescence.” Known for her breakout turn in “The Crown,” Doherty used her acceptance speech to thank her girlfriend, Sinead Donnelly, calling the win a shared moment between them. The heartfelt declaration brought a wave of emotion to the theater and lit up social media feeds worldwide.
Her win celebrated queer love as much as acting talent, highlighting how personal representation on stage can be just as powerful as representation on screen.
Hannah Einbinder shines in ‘Hacks‘
Hannah Einbinder, who stars as Ava in HBO’s “Hacks,” earned Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Her performance opposite Jean Smart has been widely praised, and her Emmy win solidified her as one of comedy’s brightest voices.
In her acceptance speech, Einbinder balanced humor with activism, closing with, “Go Birds, f— ICE, and free Palestine.” The “f— ICE” line was bleeped on the live CBS broadcast, but uncensored clips quickly spread online. She also wore a red Artists4Ceasefire pin on her gown, making it clear she intended to use the stage not just to celebrate her career milestone but also to amplify causes she cares about.
Einbinder’s win was another reminder of how queer voices in comedy are not only shaping the genre but also using visibility to push for broader justice.
Why these wins matter
The success of LGBTQIA+ Emmy winners in 2025 is more than a headline — it’s a cultural shift. For too long, queer performers were sidelined or typecast, their contributions overlooked by award bodies. This year’s wins for Tillman, Hiller, Doherty, and Einbinder show that queer representation isn’t just happening — it’s being celebrated at the highest levels of television.
By honoring these performances, the Emmys sent a message: queer stories matter, queer actors belong, and visibility on screen leads to lasting impact off-screen.
Which LGBTQIA+ Emmy winner inspired you most? Drop your thoughts in the comments — we want to hear from you.
