Haaz Sleiman

Haaz Sleiman is a Lebanese‑American actor who is openly gay and one of the most visible queer Middle Eastern performers in Hollywood. He publicly came out in 2017, stating “I am a gay Muslim Arab‑American man,” a declaration that resonated globally given the cultural and political pressures surrounding LGBTQ+ identity in the SWANA region. Sleiman is best known for his breakout role in The Visitor (2007) and for playing Ben, the warm, queer husband of Phastos in Marvel’s Eternals (2021) — a landmark moment as the MCU’s first married gay couple and first gay parent. He has spoken candidly about homophobia, representation, and the importance of portraying queer Arab characters with dignity and joy. Sleiman’s work across film and television, including Nurse Jackie, Breaking Fast, and Little America, has made him a crucial figure in expanding queer Muslim and Arab visibility in mainstream media.