Isabel Parker
17 Black LGBTQ+ Stars Whose Work Is Shaping Modern Film and TV
Black LGBTQ+ artists are changing the way we see ourselves on screen.
Their powerful performances, creative storytelling, and brave advocacy have opened doors for more authentic representation in film and television.
From groundbreaking actors to visionary filmmakers, these talented individuals are not just entertaining us—they’re reshaping the entire entertainment industry and inspiring millions of people around the world to live their truth.
1. Billy Porter
Billy Porter made history when he became the first openly gay Black man to win the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
His role as Pray Tell on the hit show Pose brought the ballroom culture of 1980s New York to mainstream audiences with authenticity and heart.
Beyond acting, Porter has built an impressive career as a singer and Broadway performer.
He won a Tony Award for his performance in Kinky Boots and has become known for his bold, boundary-pushing fashion choices on red carpets everywhere.
Porter uses his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility.
His work continues to inspire younger generations of Black queer performers to embrace their identities proudly.
2. Lena Waithe
Lena Waithe became the first Black woman to win an Emmy for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series for her work on Master of None.
The episode “Thanksgiving” drew from her own experiences coming out to her family, creating a powerful and relatable story that resonated with viewers everywhere.
As creator and executive producer of The Chi, Waithe brings authentic Black stories from Chicago’s South Side to television.
She’s also produced films like Queen & Slim, centering Black love and resistance.
Waithe consistently champions diverse voices in Hollywood, both in front of and behind the camera.
Her production company focuses on telling stories that reflect the true diversity of American life.
3. Queen Latifah
A true icon for decades, Queen Latifah embodies versatility, resilience, and undeniable star power.
She first broke through in music with albums like All Hail the Queen before conquering film and television.
Her screen career ranges from Set It Off and Chicago to Bringing Down the House and Girls Trip.
On television, she has anchored hits like Living Single, Star, and The Equalizer with commanding presence.
Across genres, Latifah consistently brings warmth, authority, and depth, redefining what longevity looks like in Hollywood.
By openly embracing her queerness, she helped normalize Black LGBTQ+ visibility long before industry norms shifted.
4. Ts Madison
Ts Madison broke new ground when she became the first Black transgender woman to produce and star in her own reality television series, The Ts Madison Experience.
Her larger-than-life personality and unfiltered humor have made her a beloved figure in LGBTQ+ entertainment and social media.
Madison built her career through YouTube and social media before transitioning to traditional television.
She’s appeared on shows like The Trans List and Zola, bringing authenticity and comedy to every role.
As an executive producer, Madison creates opportunities for other transgender performers.
Her success proves that transgender entertainers can lead projects and attract mainstream audiences while staying true to themselves.
5. Indya Moore
Indya Moore captured hearts worldwide with their stunning performance as Angel Evangelista on Pose.
Before acting, Moore worked as a model and activist, using their visibility to speak out about issues affecting
transgender people of color, including housing insecurity and violence.
Moore identifies as transgender and nonbinary, and they’ve been vocal about the importance of accurate representation in media.
Their activism focuses on creating safer spaces for LGBTQ+ youth, particularly those who are homeless or marginalized.
Through social media and interviews, Moore educates their followers about intersectionality and justice.
Their combination of artistic talent and passionate advocacy makes them a powerful voice for change in entertainment and beyond.
6. Michaela Jaé Rodriguez
Affectionately known as MJ Rodriguez, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, made television history in 2022 when she became the first openly transgender actress to win a Golden Globe Award for her role as Blanca Rodriguez-Evangelista on Pose.
Her character served as a house mother in the ballroom scene, offering love and guidance to her chosen family.
Rodriguez trained in musical theater before transitioning to television, bringing powerful vocal abilities and emotional depth to her performances.
She’s spoken openly about the challenges transgender actors face in the industry and the importance of authentic casting.
Her historic win opened doors for future transgender performers.
Rodriguez continues to advocate for better opportunities and representation for trans artists in Hollywood.
7. Niecy Nash
Niecy Nash, with her captivating presence, has become a powerhouse in television.
Known for her role in Claws, Nash breaks stereotypes with her dynamic portrayal of complex characters.
Her work in When They See Us further highlights her versatility and commitment to impactful storytelling.
In Dahmer, she delivers a riveting performance that underscores the importance of diverse narratives in mainstream media.
Nash’s influence extends beyond acting, as she champions for greater LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood.
Her personal journey as a queer woman enriches the authenticity of her roles, making her an icon of empowerment and visibility.
8. RuPaul Charles
RuPaul revolutionized television when RuPaul’s Drag Race premiered in 2009, turning drag culture into a global phenomenon.
The show has won numerous Emmy Awards and launched the careers of hundreds of drag performers, bringing LGBTQ+ culture into living rooms worldwide.
Before Drag Race, RuPaul became a supermodel in the 1990s with the hit song Supermodel (You Better Work).
He’s acted in films and television shows, hosted talk shows, and written books about self-empowerment.
RuPaul’s influence extends far beyond entertainment—he’s helped normalize drag and queer expression for mainstream audiences.
His catchphrase “If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else?” has become an anthem for self-acceptance.
9. Laverne Cox
When Laverne Cox appeared on Orange Is the New Black, she became the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in an acting category.
Her portrayal of Sophia Burset helped millions understand the challenges facing transgender individuals, particularly those in the prison system.
Cox has used her fame to educate the public about transgender issues and advocate for equal rights.
She produced and hosted the documentary Laverne Cox Presents: The T Word, which explores the lives of seven transgender youth.
Her work extends beyond the screen as she speaks at colleges and events nationwide.
Cox remains one of the most recognizable and influential transgender advocates in entertainment today.
10. Marquise Vilsón
Marquise Vilsón combines acting with activism, using performance as a tool for social change.
Their work focuses on authentic portrayals of Black queer life, challenging stereotypes and creating space for complex, nuanced characters that reflect real experiences.
Vilsón has performed in independent films and theater productions that center marginalized voices.
They’re also an educator and organizer who works with young LGBTQ+ people of color, teaching them to use art for advocacy and healing.
Through workshops and community projects, Vilsón helps emerging artists develop their craft while staying connected to social justice.
Their commitment to authentic storytelling and community building makes them an important voice in contemporary queer performance.
11. Carmen LoBue
Carmen LoBue brings nonbinary Black queer perspectives to television as a writer and actor on The L Word: Generation Q.
Their character, Gigi Ghorbani, resonated with audiences looking for authentic LGBTQ+ representation that goes beyond stereotypes.
LoBue also creates independent films that explore identity, family, and community from their unique perspective.
They studied filmmaking and use their skills to tell stories that major studios often overlook.
As a nonbinary creator, LoBue advocates for more diverse storytelling in Hollywood.
Their work demonstrates that audiences are hungry for narratives that reflect the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ experiences and identities in all their beautiful complexity.
12. Yance Ford
Making history in 2018, Yance Ford became the first openly transgender director nominated for an Academy Award.
His documentary Strong Island investigates the murder of his brother and examines how race and the criminal justice system intersect in America.
Ford’s deeply personal filmmaking style combines family history with broader social issues.
He appears on camera in Strong Island, making his own transition part of the narrative and challenging viewers to think about identity and justice simultaneously.
The documentary received critical acclaim for its emotional honesty and powerful storytelling.
Ford continues to work on projects that explore race, class, and justice, using film as a tool for understanding and change.
13. Tituss Burgess
Tituss Burgess brought joy and fabulousness to millions as Titus Andromedon on the Netflix comedy Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.
His character, an aspiring Broadway performer, delivered both laugh-out-loud comedy and touching moments about pursuing dreams against all odds.
Burgess earned multiple Emmy nominations for his performance and showcased his incredible singing voice throughout the series.
Before television fame, he performed on Broadway in shows like The Little Mermaid and Guys and Dolls.
His unapologetic portrayal of a Black gay man living authentically resonated with audiences.
Burgess proves that LGBTQ+ characters can be funny, complex, and central to storytelling without being defined solely by their sexuality or trauma.
14. Samira Wiley
Samira Wiley captivates audiences with her authentic performances.
Her role as Poussey Washington in Orange Is the New Black was both groundbreaking and heart-wrenching, offering a profound look into the experiences of Black lesbians in the prison system.
Wiley’s portrayal added depth and nuance, making her a beacon of representation.
In The Handmaid’s Tale, Wiley’s character, Moira, reveals resilience and courage in a dystopian world.
Her Emmy-winning performance elevates the series, showcasing her versatility and emotional range.
Wiley’s impact extends beyond her roles, as she actively supports LGBTQ+ rights, using her platform to advocate for equality and visibility.
15. Wanda Sykes
With her razor-sharp wit and fearless presence, Wanda Sykes stands as one of comedy’s most influential voices.
Her career spans stand-up, television, and film, with standout work on The New Adventures of Old Christine, Black-ish, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and countless acclaimed specials.
Sykes’s humor goes beyond punchlines, smartly dissecting politics, race, and culture with clarity and bite.
By openly embracing her identity as a lesbian, she became a vital figure in LGBTQ+ visibility on mainstream platforms.
Her performances consistently blend intelligence with accessibility, earning respect across generations of viewers.
Offstage, she uses her platform to advocate for equality and social justice.
Wanda Sykes proves comedy can both entertain and meaningfully challenge the world.
16. Janelle Monáe
Janelle Monáe defies categorization as a musician, actor, and producer who identifies as nonbinary and pansexual.
Their film roles in Moonlight and Hidden Figures showcased dramatic range, while their music videos push boundaries of gender expression and sexuality.
Monáe’s album Dirty Computer celebrated queer identity through an Afrofuturist lens, creating a visual and musical masterpiece.
They’ve spoken openly about coming out and the importance of LGBTQ+ representation in all forms of media.
Their artistic vision blends science fiction, social commentary, and personal expression.
Monáe continues to challenge industry norms, proving that artists can be successful while refusing to fit into traditional boxes or labels.
17. Brian Michael Smith
Brian Michael Smith expanded transgender male representation on television through his roles on Queen Sugar and 9-1-1: Lone Star.
On the latter, he plays firefighter Paul Strickland, a transgender character whose identity is part of his story but doesn’t define his entire character arc.
Smith transitioned while studying theater and faced numerous obstacles in his acting career.
He persevered, becoming one of the few openly transgender male actors with recurring roles on major network television shows.
His performances demonstrate that transgender actors can play any role, not just characters dealing with transition.
Smith advocates for better casting practices and more opportunities for transgender performers across all genres of entertainment.
Comments
Loading…