In 2007, we launched the first ever AfterEllen Hot 100 and out L Word star Leisha Hailey took home the top prize. Last year, Ruby Rose proved popular with readers and was thrilled to be named number one.
In 2016, so many of the OG list makers are still mainstays, but like every year, there are a bunch of new additions that fans went crazy for. In fact, this year’s number one has never made the list before, but she beat some who have been around since the beginning.
In case you haven’t skipped ahead yet…
Some stats (without giving too many spoilers):
- Around 25 percent of the women are out as somewhere on the spectrum, identifying as lesbian/bisexual/queer/sexually fluid.
- Seven of the listmakers are YouTube stars or actresses on web series.
- There are 18 who count music as a major part of their career.
- Only three athletes made it-U.S. soccer players.
- More than 20 percent are women of color/from not explicitly white backgrounds.
- At least 22 are age 40 or older.
- Some TV ensemble scorecards include: Orange is the New Black (4), Faking It (4), The 100 (4), Wynonna Earp (3), Game of Thrones (3), The L Word (2), and Pretty Little Liars (2).
Last year’s number one hasn’t fallen too far. The out Aussie actress/DJ made only a small cameo in Season 4 of Orange is the New Black, but she’s been keeping plenty busy. Next up: three major studio films where Ruby is set to become a bonafied action star. We knew her when!
9. Danielle CormackPhoto by Don Arnold/WireImageThis Kiwi had us wanting to get locked up just to be able to spend some time with Bea Smith. An accomplished award-winning actress in theater, film and television, we felt lucky to get to watch this triple threat as part of the romance that was and will forever be Ballie.
8. Kate JenkinsonPhoto by Allen Berezovsky/WireImageThe Aussie actress stole scenes and hearts on Season 4 of Wentworth, aka the ballad of Bea and Allie. We are lucky enough to have her back for Season 5, shooting now down under.
7. Eliza TaylorPhoto by Jerod Harris/WireImageAs the bisexual lead on The 100, Eliza is a fighter, which is why fans have fought for her in return. Clarke Griffin’s fierceness is a large part of her appeal, and Eliza is constantly delivering in her powerful performances. Despite issues with the show itself, queer women have stayed true to Eliza and her queer character.
6. Phoebe Dahlvia TwitterWe love a woman with a beautiful soul. The granddaughter of famed children’s author Roald Dahl is the founder of Faircloth + Supply, an ethical linen clothing line that benefits “economic women’s empowerment worldwide.” Philanthropy is sexy.
5. Angie HarmonPhoto by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty ImagesRizzoli & Isles may be coming to an end, but our passionate love of Jane Rizzoli herself will never die. Jury’s still out on what’s next for Angie, but we’d follow that rasp-tastic voice anywhere.
4. Glaiza de Castro via FacebookThe Filipina actress and singer started working on soaps as a young girl but is now an international star with several TV series, movies and albums under her belt. Queer women found her even more appealing when she starred as Althea Guevarra in The Rich Man’s Daughter last year.
3. Camila CabelloPhoto by Allen Berezovsky/WireImageThe largest girl group in the world right now is Fifth Harmony, and Camila is one of the resident members killing it with singles like “Sledgehammer” and “Worth It.” The Mexican-Cuban beauty is known for her sexy sense of humor and playful personality, especially with fellow member Lauren Jauregui.
2. Alycia Debnam-CareyPhoto by Araya Diaz/WireImageDespite her untimely death on The 100, AfterEllen readers have stuck with Alycia through new projects like Fear the Walking Dead and upcoming film roles. Lexa will never be forgotten, and fans have made sure of that, creating campaigns to make sure tropey TV deaths like hers won’t happen to beloved characters ever again. What an impact.
1. Lauren JaureguiPhoto by Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImageFifth Harmony fans showed up huge for their fave in this year’s poll with more than 67,000 votes cast for the 2016 Hot 100 winner. Lauren is fresh off a win at the VMAs for the girl group’s Best Collaboration Award with Ty Dolla $ign for their hit “Work from Home,” and is currently slaying on the 7/27 tour.
Ladies love Lauren, and they especially enjoy her camaraderie with fellow Hot 100 winner and bandmate Camila Cabello. Together, they make up Camren, a shippable duo that has Tumblr lit with GIFs and spilling the tea on the two’s chemistry. But only one can be the winner, and Lauren now has bragging rights for being number one with women.
We’ll be posting an exclusive interview with Lauren next week so make sure to check back to find out her thoughts on winning sexiest woman as voted for by women.