Met Gala 2023: 14 Queer Icons Broke all the Fashion Rules and We’re Here for It

The highly-awaited Met Gala 2023 kicked off last night. As expected, breathtaking outfits paraded and filled the red carpet with LGBTQ+ celebrities showcasing their extravagant styles.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art hosted this year’s gala with the theme “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,” paying tribute to the late fashion icon’s legacy.

The queer presentation was evident on the red carpet, with LGBTQ+ personalities displaying distinct interpretations of the theme. These queer looks became a highlight of the evening.

LGBTQ+ Celebs Steal the Show

Although the queer personalities present at the event didn’t wear Lagerfeld’s brands, they stole the show with their theme-appropriate and captivating ensembles.

Here are some of the most stunning queer looks that graced the glamorous night of the Met Gala 2023.

Janelle Monae

Janelle Monáe at #MetGala pic.twitter.com/kEKbtpGwCU

— 21 (@21metgala) May 2, 2023

Well-known for her distinct sense of style, she stunned the audience with her sculptural Thom Browne look. Her outfit perfectly combines avant-garde and elegance, embodying the event’s theme.

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Jeremy Pope

Jeremy Pope arrives at the 2023 #MetGala in Balmain. pic.twitter.com/XAjwAnCpbB

— Rap Alert (@rapalert6) May 2, 2023

The two-time nominee expressed himself in his gorgeous ensemble. He wore a massive Balmain cape with Karl Lagerfeld’s face on it.

Seeing how he mustered every ounce of strength as he dragged the heavy piece through the red carpet was a reminder of his commitment to dressing up for such huge events.

Lil Nas X

Lil Nas X showed up to the Met Gala in a metallic thong, silver body paint, and jewels pic.twitter.com/fHlzOrkxUV

— YabaLeftOnline (@yabaleftonline) May 2, 2023

The rapper donned a bold piece at the event. He wore a pearl-encrusted birthday suit. It was an ode to the late Lagerfeld, embellished with the designer’s signature ruffle details and high collar.

Ariana De Bose

Ariana De Bose wows in a striking yellow gown with furry accents at the #MetGala https://t.co/cmh4m8Nmtx

— Daily Mail Celebrity (@DailyMailCeleb) May 2, 2023

This Jeremy Scott gang member stunned in a black and gold Moschino gown. She looked like a statue that came to life with her gold-emblazoned opera gloves and a peephole in the stomach part.

Jordan Roth

Jordan Roth at the 2023 #MetGala. https://t.co/KoGT8VKeG3

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) May 1, 2023

Jordan Roth, Broadway super producer, strutted the red carpet wearing a Thom Browne creation. His huge, black, igloo-like patchwork suit was a real show-stopper.

Paapa Essiedu

Paapa Essiedu no #MetGala #MetGala2022 (📸: Getty) pic.twitter.com/dgTHUrWsrW

— BuzzFeed Brasil (@BuzzFeedBrasil) May 2, 2022

Famous for his role in Michaela Coel’s “I May Destroy You,” he was a stunner in a soft-looking coat in dark teal suede. His suit was oversized and a tad boxy with playful styling of emerald green necklaces.

Tessa Thompson

https://twitter.com/FilmUpdates/status/1521306501746462726?s=20

She graced the red carpet donning a Carlina Herrera collection. Her outfit was a fluffy gown with stunning corsetry around the chest with a ruffled train.

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Tommy Dorfman

Tommy Dorfman no #MetGala (📸: Getty) pic.twitter.com/5xeWwobM7o

— BCharts (@bchartsnet) May 2, 2022

Her Christopher Kane look was a creative update on the Gilded Age style. The latex fantasy was very on-point for the evening, and the trans actress looked delighted n her unique representation of the theme.

Emma Corrin

Emma Corrin for the #MetGala pic.twitter.com/hV7nvCvvgr

— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) May 3, 2022

Corrin wore a comically oversized plaid suit by Mid Mid as she paid homage to socialite Evander Berry Wall. Her giant black hat and Cartier jewelry are the perfect accessories for her style choice.

Lena Waithe

Lena Waithe and Kerby Jean-Raymond at the 2019 #MetGala pic.twitter.com/Ci4LalMOA8

— MEFeater Magazine (@mefeater) May 7, 2019

She looked like royalty with her aqua coat filled with crystal adornments. Her satin marching band pants and silver boots completed her glamorous style.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

Michaela Jae Rodriguez posing on the red carpet 😍 #MetGala pic.twitter.com/S9qkoojhAj

— 21Ninety (@21Ninety) May 1, 2023

Like a walking disco ball, she dazzled everyone with a glittering ombre sequin gown. The Golden Globe winner perfected her look with a gorgeous evening cap.

Phoebe Bridgers

📷 @phoebe_bridgers arrives to the 2023 #MetGala pic.twitter.com/gKqtvG9VAO

— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) May 1, 2023

Bridgers shined in a silver gown as she attended the Met Gala 2023 with her boyfriend, Paul Mescal, and his on-screen beau, Daisy Edgar-Jones. She sported simple makeup wearing her hair in a tight, small bun.

Cara Delevigne

Cara Delevingne at #MetGala pic.twitter.com/KKsOKGJPdV

— 21 (@21metgala) May 2, 2023

Her bold outfit left a lasting impression on this year’s Met Gala. Initially wearing a white suit, Delevigne took off her jacket to reveal her bare chest with gold nipple covers, gold spray paint, and a body chain.

Conan Gray

Conan Gray at #MetGala pic.twitter.com/ZRUN1zZsMH

— 21 (@21metgala) May 2, 2023

Fresh from his Coachella debut, singer song-writer Conan Gray brought the same vibe at the gala. The magical charm of A Midsummer Night’s Dream inspired his sequined disco pants, sheer blouse, and silk chiffon cape.

Overall, this year’s Met Gala featured some of the best queer outfits of the year, with each look embodying the creativity of the LGBTQ+ personalities who wore them.

From Janelle Monáe’s sculptural ensemble to Lil Was X’s pearl-embellished suit, the red carpet was proof of the limitless potential of fashion.