13 Queer Stars who Should have Been Named Sexiest Man Alive

People magazine just announced its annual "Sexiest Man Alive" cover star for 2023: Patrick Dempsey. "The Grey's Anatomy" actor being given the crown came as somewhat of a surprise to social media, as Dempsey hasn't really been one of the more relevant television or movie celebrities on the planet this year. He certainly possesses the charm to garner a second or third glance, aging with grace and wooing fans with his good looks well into his late 50s. At the same time, it feels like People often skew middle-aged, white, and straight with their candidates for the magazine cover. We're here to change that by giving a rundown of the sexiest LGBTQ+ men of 2023!

Murray Bartlett

Murray Bartlett's Australian accent and silver beard are just two parts of the package that make him one of the most beautiful gay men in the world. Bartlett can play characters with a somber presence and a hilarious sense of humor. His on-screen talent captures the audience's attention the second he appears, with otherworldly performances on the HBO dramas "The White Lotus" and "The Last of Us" making him a resurgent star in the 2020s.

Lil Nas X

Lil Nas X hasn't had a year filled with new music, but the queer hip-hop star always appears in tabloids and headlines for his flamboyant sense of style and vivid stage presence at awards shows. Nas X loves showing off on social media with shirtless selfies and underwear shoots, and we love lapping up the sexiness every single time.

Jeff Molina

Jeff Molina is a MMA fighter who was outed as bisexual after a leaked sexual encounter with a male partner. Instead of running from the accusation, Molina bravely embraced his sexuality and encouraged other athletes and fans to become more accepting of the LGBTQ+ community. Molina is sure to inspire upcoming fighters who feel the sport symbolizes toxic masculinity.

Kevin Maxen

Another hunk from the world of athletics, Kevin Maxen is an assistant coach for the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars football team. With a gorgeous dad bod and an innocent smile to boot, Maxen joins the ranks of professional sporting people who have come out in the past several years.

Kit Connor

British actor Kit Connor turned in another sterling performance as Nick Nelson in the coming-of-age phenomenon "Heartstopper" in the summer of 2023. Connor identifies as bisexual and has overcome fan speculation and criticism during his time on the Netflix hit, with his ability to preserve becoming an admirable trait that fans adore. Connor's career should continue to elevate after the LGBTQ+ rom-com returns for a third season sometime in the coming years.

Lukas Gage

Lukas Gage played several gay roles through the years on television, most notably on the hit series "Love, Victor" and "The White Lotus." More recently, he starred in the climate change thriller "How to Blow Up a Pipeline" and the gay romcom "Down Low," opposite Zachary Quinto, which he also cowrote. As he became more popular within the LGBTQ+ community, fans were excited to see him marry Kim Kardashian's hairstylist, Chris Appleton. The sexy couple show off their vacations and adventures on social media.

Omar Apollo

Due to his open discussion about being queer and the ability to speak both English and Spanish, Omar Apollo has inspired millions of people from every sector of the world with his diversity and sexy thirst traps. The musician has taken the entertainment world by storm with several popular albums, such as "Ivory," released in April 2022 and made headlines for his recent EP "Live for Me," which features risqué artwork of the singer.

Troye Sivan

Troye Sivan has been highly relevant in the LGBTQ+ music scene for over a decade, but 2023 was a crowning year for the Australian singer. In October, he released a new album, "Something to Give Each Other," and went viral for dressing in drag with Ross Lynch for the "One of Your Girls" music video. Sivan combines electric style with a fearless personality to remind fans of queer icons from the past.

Ncuti Gatwa

Ncuti Gatwa capped off a half-decade on the Netflix hit "Sex Education" with the show's final season in 2023. Gatwa inspires millions of queer BIPOC youth playing Eric Effiong on the series, a gay student trying to overcome discrimination and teenage angst in the British dramedy. After appearing in "Barbie" this summer, he's set to take on the role as the new Dr. Who.

Zane Phillips

Queer TV fans were already familiar with Zane Phillips after he appeared in "Fire Island," and now he has expanded his filmography with a part in the Netflix show "Glamorous." Phillips' bulging muscles and charismatic grin combine to give him a classic Hollywood appeal that will surely aid him in a long and illustrious career in the future.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo might be the most prolific actor on our list, with multiple decades of screen credits and years of wowing fans with his smooth and suave sexiness. Domingo has appeared in movies like "Lincoln" and shows like "Euphoria" and "Fear the Walking Dead." Domingo's sophistication on and off the screen draws eyes to him. His marriage to Raul Domingo is also adorable!

Jordan Firstman

Jordan Firstman still hasn't lost the novelty he first garnered with comedic acts online. His sketches critique pop culture and contemporary issues like homophobia and antisemitism. Firstman grows on Instagram yearly and appears on television in "Ms. Marvel" on Disney+ and starred in the breakout black comedy thriller "Rotting in the Sun."

Jonathan Bailey

Jonathan Bailey has mesmerized viewers worldwide with his portrayal of Anthony on the Netflix drama "Bridgerton." His sexy demeanor and cool aesthetic aided him tremendously throughout his time on the romance series. He's also an acclaimed stage actor performing in plays like "Company" and you can catch him in the gay drama "Fellow Travelers" opposite Matt Bomer, currently airing on Showtime.