Every queer baker, host & guest who's made 'The Great British Bake Off' extra sweet

When you think of Great Britain, a few things spring to mind. Big Ben tolling and handsome guards standing perfectly still (even when tourists test them). The double-decker bus that somehow still shows up on every postcard, and Windsor Castle with its round keep and picturesque view from the Long Walk.

And somewhere between Doctor Who reruns and a cup of tea, there's The Great British Bake Off: a television institution as iconic as the Royal Family and twice as comforting. It's the cozy heartbeat of Britain, a place where "soggy bottoms" are a tragedy and the only real crime is overbaking your dessert.

But beyond the cakes, the charm, and the gentle chaos of baking under pressure, Bake Off has done something extraordinary. It has become one of the most quietly revolutionary shows on television: creating a tent where queerness isn't a headline but part of the recipe.

Over its many seasons, The Great British Bake Off (The Great British Baking Show in the U.S.) has welcomed contestants, co-hosts, and celebrity guests from across the LGBTQ+ spectrum, from the first gay man to ever win the show (Edd Kimber) to the first drag king contestant (Jessika). It's a reminder that representation doesn't always have to shout. Sometimes, it can whisper softly through buttercream.

The Queer Co-Hosts Who Stirred the Pot

Sue Perkins (Season 1-7)

The original queen of quips. Sue's humor, charm, and sly queer brilliance made the early seasons a masterclass in camp understatement. Forget Stonehenge: Sue was redefining what a national treasure could really look like.

Sandi Toksvig (Season 8–10)

When Sandi took over, she made viewers feel safe, smart, and seen. Like your favorite professor who secretly brings you snacks.

Matt Lucas (Season 11–13)

The camp comedian who made the tent feel like a Pride float in buttercream. His joyful chaos, quick wit, and signature warmth proved that laughter — and a little extra frosting — can fix almost anything.

​Edd Kimber (Season 1; Gay)

Bake Off's first-ever winner and gay pioneer, Edd set the standard for queer representation on the series. A debt collector turned baker, he left call centers for cakes, and we love him for it.

​John Whaite (Season 3; Gay)

The Bake Off golden boy turned mental-health advocate. After winning Series 3, John joined Strictly Come Dancing's (U.K.'s original Dancing with the Stars), becoming the first all-male pairing. He later married graphic designer Paul Atkins in a surprise wedding in NYC. These days, he's an OnlyFans creator, proving that confidence rises higher than any soufflé.

​Ruby Tandoh (Season 4; Bisexual)

The fourth season's runner-up posted a coming-out tweet in 2015 that cemented her queer legend status. She later married musician-therapist Leah Pritchard and continues to write on a variety of topics.

​Tamal Ray (Season 6; Gay)

The nation's gay anesthetist crush of 2015! Tamal captured hearts with his calm demeanor and immaculate flavor profiles. When he came out the same year after being bombarded with flirtatious DMs, he did it with the same grace as his perfect piping.

​Tom Gilliford (Series 7; Ally)

When the Trump administration tried to ban trans people from the military, Bake Off's Tom baked a pro-trans rights cake in response. Who would've thought allyship tasted so delicious?

Yan Tsou (Season 8; Lesbian)

Our scientist queen! The amateur baker blended chemistry, humor, and quiet pride into every bake.

​David Atherton (Season 10; Gay)

Series 10 winner and certified soft boy. David spoke with our sister brand, The Advocate, back in 2020 about his journey coming on the show and escaping the homophobia around him. His success story is a love letter to living authentically.

​Michael Chakraverty (Season 10; Gay)

Sweet, self-deprecating, and always heartfelt, Michael has become a mental health advocate and co-host of the Sticky Bun Boys podcast alongside Season 10 winner, David Atherton. A true reminder that vulnerability and victory can coexist beautifully.

Janusz Domagała (Season 13; Gay)

The Pride of Poland herself! Janusz's camp humor and rainbow-themed bakes turned him into a gay icon overnight. His unapologetic joy made him a symbol of queer pride.

​Sandro Farmhouse (Season 13; Queer/Bisexual)

A bisexual baker with body-positive brilliance and confidence for days. Sandro's charm lit up the tent, and his baking workshops for children continue to inspire the next generation of creators.

James Dewar (Season 13; Queer)

The Scottish charmer who brought bold flavors and a dash of tartan flair.

​Mike Wilkins (Season 15; Gay)

Our rural queer heartthrob, Mike's appearance on the show was a breath of fresh air. A "champion for the LGBTQ+ community within farming," Mike was proof that you can be a country, gay, and covered in flour without hiding who you are.

Leighton Morgan (Season 16; Gay)

The married software manager who proves that stability can be sexy. Calm, thoughtful, and as smooth as his ganache.

​Tom Arden (Season 16; Gay)

Creative entrepreneur, husband, and frosting perfectionist. Domestic bliss never looked so chic.

​Jessika Trassel (Season 16; Queer)

Drag king meets pastry queen. Jessika became the first drag performer in Bake Off history: a milestone moment in queer visibility served with sprinkles.

​Aaron Mountford-Myles (Season 16; Gay)

Stylish, cheerful, and in perfect bliss with his boyfriend, Aaron represents the next generation of Bake Off — where queerness isn't an exception, it's just part of the recipe.

The Celebrity Specials

Over the years, the Stand Up to Cancer, Comic Relief, and Sport Relief specials have turned the tent into a veritable Pride parade of pastry. Queer celebrity contestants have included: Alan Carr (comedian), Jameela Jamil (actress), Tom Daley (former Olympian), Joe Locke (actor), Tan France (designer), and Russell Tovey (actor).

Not to mention queer icons like Absolutely Fabulous duo Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley, Spice Girls Geri Halliwell and Mel B, the late Australian drag icon Dame Edna Everage, and Chicken Shop host Amelia Dimoldenberg. All fabulous, all welcome, and all proof that baking is, in fact, a form of art.

So yes, Britain has its palaces, its poets, its pubs, and its pop divas. But when future historians look back on the empire that gave us both Shakespeare and Jaffa Cakes, they'll have to admit: the gay agenda may have been hiding in the Bake Off tent all along.

Because every time a queer baker laughs nervously through a technical challenge, or a host sneaks in a wink of solidarity, something beautiful happens: queer joy becomes part of the national story.

So here's to the queens of sponge, the kings of pastry, and the drag royalty of dough. May our cakes rise, our queerness shine, and our tea always be piping hot.