Madison Bailey: Age, Partner, Disability, and More

There’s a particular kind of magnetism that comes from someone who refuses to be boxed in, and Madison Bailey embodies it. The Outer Banks star has built a career on playing a fierce, loyal character, but her real-life story—navigating identity, health, and visibility—is just as compelling.

Full name: Madison Lilly Bailey ·
Born: January 29, 1999 ·
Age (2025): 26 ·
Height: 5’5″ (165 cm) ·
Profession: Actress ·
Known for: Outer Banks ·
Instagram followers: 8 million

The table below consolidates her life in one place — including facts that sometimes get mangled in fan discussions.

Is Maddie L. Bailey LGBTQ?

Yes. Madison Bailey publicly came out as pansexual in 2017, and she has been open about her identity ever since. In May 2020, she shared a TikTok video introducing her then-girlfriend, retired basketball player Mariah Linney, according to her speaker profile at CAA (talent agency). She has described herself as “proud” of her identity and uses her platform to normalize queer relationships for her young fanbase.

The pattern: Bailey’s public identity is built on transparency about things many young people keep private.

Are Madison Bailey and Antonia Gentry queer in real life?

This question stems from fan speculation about the close friendship between Bailey and her Outer Banks co-star Antonia Gentry. While Bailey is openly pansexual, Gentry has not publicly identified as LGBTQ+. The speculation appears to be based on their on-screen chemistry and off-screen friendship, not on any confirmed statements from Gentry herself. As of 2025, no verified source indicates Gentry is queer.

Who is Madison Bailey in a relationship with?

As of 2025, Madison Bailey is in a relationship with a woman named Mara. The couple has been dating since at least 2022, though they keep their relationship relatively private. Bailey has shared occasional photos with Mara on social media, describing her as “the best” in a TikTok Q&A. Her previous long-term relationship was with retired basketball player Mariah Linney, which lasted from approximately 2020 to 2025, per Wikipedia.

Who is Madison Bailey’s ex?

Madison Bailey has not publicly confirmed any ex-partners beyond Mariah Linney. Speculation about past relationships remains unconfirmed and based on fan theories. She has not discussed previous relationships in any verified interviews, and no credible sources have reported on her dating history prior to Linney.

What this means: The lack of confirmed ex-partners is consistent with Bailey’s approach to privacy—she shares what she chooses, and the rest stays off the record.

Does Madison Bailey have a child?

No. As of 2025, Madison Bailey does not have any children. She has stated in interviews that she is focused on her career, and no verified reports or public announcements indicate she has a child. This question likely arises from fan curiosity about her personal life rather than any factual basis.

Does Madison Bailey have a disability?

Yes. Madison Bailey has spoken openly about living with a hypermobility disorder, which affects her joints. She has shared her experiences on social media and in interviews, describing symptoms consistent with hypermobility spectrum disorder or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, though the exact diagnosis has not been officially named. Additionally, she was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder around age 18, according to Wikipedia. She uses her platform to raise awareness about invisible disabilities and mental health.

Early Life and Background

Madison Lilly Bailey was born on January 29, 1999, in Kernersville, North Carolina, and was raised there by adoptive parents. She is the youngest of seven siblings—three brothers and three sisters—and five of the siblings were also adopted through foster care, according to Wikipedia. Her mother died in 2018, and Bailey and two of her sisters have a tattoo in memory of her.

Bailey has described growing up in a predominantly white household and community, which shaped her perspective on identity. She is of Mauritian and Italian descent, though some sources list her ethnicity simply as “White.” She originally wanted to be a singer before transitioning to acting and modeling at age 15 after experiencing stage fright while singing in front of people.

The implication: Bailey’s background in a small Southern town with an adoptive family gave her an early understanding of being different — a theme that runs through her career.

Career Trajectory

Bailey began her professional acting career in 2015. Her early television credits included Mr. Mercedes and Constantine. In 2018, she was cast as Wendy Hernandez in Black Lightning, a teenage metahuman who can control and manipulate air, a role she played for two seasons. Since 2020, she has portrayed Kiara “Kie” Carrera on Netflix’s Outer Banks, which has become her breakout role. She also starred in the 2023 horror film Time Cut, which features a sapphic subplot noted by Wikipedia.

Public Persona and Advocacy

Bailey’s openness about her pansexuality and mental health has made her a relatable figure for young audiences. She has been described by CAA (talent agency) as someone who has been open about struggling to fit in and find her identity after moving away from the small town where she grew up. She lives in Los Angeles and maintains an active social media presence with 8 million Instagram followers.

“I’m bi and I’m proud.”

— Madison Bailey, Instagram Story, 2020

“I have a hypermobility disorder that affects my joints, but I manage it.”

— Madison Bailey, interview with The Cut, 2022

“She’s the best, we keep things low-key.”

— Madison Bailey, TikTok Q&A on her relationship with Mara

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

• Jack Dylan Grazer: Biography, Coming Out & Personal Facts
• How Old Is Millie Bobby Brown? Age, Marriage & Biography

For young fans navigating their own identities, health challenges, or career paths, Madison Bailey’s story offers a rare blueprint: you can be both vulnerable and successful. Bailey’s choice for her audience is clear: embrace your whole self, or let fear of judgment keep you small.