A Historic Win for Visibility
In a move that feels both long overdue and perfectly timed, British actor Jonathan Bailey has been named PEOPLE Magazine's 'Sexiest Man Alive' for 2025. The star of Bridgerton and the upcoming Wicked movie is the first openly gay man to ever receive the title, marking a significant milestone in mainstream pop culture.
For decades, the 'Sexiest Man Alive' cover has been a bastion of traditional, often heteronormative masculinity. Bailey's selection signals a powerful shift, recognizing that sexiness transcends outdated boundaries and that authenticity is truly attractive. For our community, it's more than just a handsome face on a magazine; it's a moment of collective celebration and a powerful statement of progress.
'Nothing Sexier Than Progress'
Bailey himself is keenly aware of the honour's significance. In an interview with Forbes following the announcement, the 37-year-old actor embraced the cultural impact of his new title.
"There’s nothing sexier than progress. Of course, there was no way I wasn’t going to step into that corner this year, when the opportunity arose."
He acknowledged that the invitation was something he could accept "without a second thought," understanding its importance not just for him, but for the wider LGBTQ+ community. "I know what it means, you know, for me — for little me — and also, for a lot of people out there," he shared. "It’s a celebratory moment for a lot of people.”
A Milestone for Representation
The news was met with widespread enthusiasm from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. GLAAD, a leading media monitoring organization, called the choice a "pop culture milestone" that reflects how far queer visibility has come in Hollywood.
"For decades, LGBTQ actors were excluded from conversations around leading-man appeal and blockbuster film franchises," said GLAAD's Anthony Allen Ramos in a statement. "Seeing an out gay actor star in some of the most successful movies of recent times and celebrated by PEOPLE in this way sends a powerful message to the industry that audiences everywhere know that authenticity is attractive.”
Even in a progressive country like the Netherlands, this kind of mainstream validation on an international stage is crucial. It helps dismantle stereotypes and normalizes queer identity on a global scale, reinforcing the idea that our stories and our stars belong at the forefront of culture.
More Than a Title
Beyond his on-screen roles, Bailey has consistently used his platform for good. He recently established The Shameless Fund, a charity that collaborates with brands to raise money for LGBTQ+ organizations facing increasing threats. "It’s been amazing to meet people who have the expertise and see potential that I could have only dreamed of,” he told PEOPLE.
From Viscount Bridgerton to Fiyero in Wicked, and now to 'Sexiest Man Alive,' Jonathan Bailey continues to break new ground, proving that talent, charm, and a commitment to one's community is the sexiest combination of all.
