Best LGBTQ African American Actresses of All Time
Representation on screen keeps expanding because performers are bringing their full selves to their work. These LGBTQ African American actresses have shaped film and television with memorable roles that reached wide audiences. Their careers show how talent and visibility can push the industry toward better stories and more inclusive casts.
Each profile highlights the work that put these women on the map and the milestones they have achieved. You will find breakthrough performances, history making awards, and off screen advocacy that backs up what you see on screen. Together they illustrate how visibility can create more opportunities for everyone who comes next.
Queen Latifah
Queen Latifah moved from music into acting with roles that proved her range in both comedy and drama. She starred in ‘Living Single’ and went on to lead films such as ‘Set It Off’ and ‘Chicago’ while building a steady career in studio and independent projects. She later anchored the crime procedural ‘The Equalizer’ on network television and became one of the rare hip hop artists to carry a primetime series.
Her public life drew new attention when she thanked her partner Eboni Nichols during a televised awards acceptance and later welcomed a child. She has long supported LGBTQ causes through philanthropy and mentorship programs while producing projects that foreground women and people of color. Her production banner has backed stories with diverse ensembles and continues to broaden opportunities behind the camera.
Janelle Monáe
Janelle Monáe built a screen career with standout turns in ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘Moonlight’ and later headlined ‘Antebellum’ and the ‘Knives Out’ sequel ‘Glass Onion’. They blend music and acting by choosing parts that complement their artistic persona and bring a futuristic edge to contemporary stories. Their performances often intersect with speculative or socially engaged narratives that travel well internationally.
They have publicly identified as nonbinary and pansexual and have discussed visibility in interviews and on stage. Monáe founded a platform that spotlights underrepresented creators and launched initiatives that center LGBTQ youth. Their presence at major festivals and award shows has kept gender expansive representation in mainstream conversation.
Niecy Nash-Betts
Niecy Nash-Betts earned early fame through ‘Reno 911’ and moved into acclaimed dramatic territory with ‘When They See Us’ and ‘Dahmer’. She later starred in ‘Claws’ and has become a reliable lead for network and streaming projects. Her performances balance warmth and intensity and she frequently works with prominent directors and showrunners.
Nash-Betts shared her marriage to musician Jessica Betts and has spoken openly about her bisexual identity. She uses high profile appearances to discuss acceptance and family while partnering with organizations that provide resources for LGBTQ youth. Her visibility as a Black queer woman in mainstream television has broadened audience understanding of queer relationships.
Raven-Symoné
Raven-Symoné became a household name with ‘The Cosby Show’ and ‘That’s So Raven’. She returned to the franchise with ‘Raven’s Home’ where she also took on producing responsibilities. Her career spans child stardom to adult leadership roles with a focus on family friendly series and voice work in animation.
She publicly came out and later married Miranda Maday. Raven has used her platform to discuss privacy, labeling, and navigating a long career in entertainment while queer. In production roles she has pushed for inclusive writers rooms and casting processes that reflect real world families on screen.
Tessa Thompson
Tessa Thompson’s filmography ranges from ‘Creed’ to ‘Sorry to Bother You’ and ‘Passing’. She also appears in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Valkyrie and has advocated for deeper character arcs for women and queer characters. Her work in independent cinema continues alongside franchise projects, keeping her present across audiences.
Thompson has spoken about her attraction to people regardless of gender and about supporting safe creative spaces for queer performers. She collaborates with directors who prioritize inclusive storytelling and regularly participates in conversations about representation during festival circuits. Her social outreach often highlights grassroots organizations that serve queer youth of color.
Amandla Stenberg
Amandla Stenberg broke out with ‘The Hunger Games’ and led ‘The Hate U Give’ while taking challenging roles in ‘The Eddy’ and ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’. They also joined the ‘Star Wars’ universe through ‘The Acolyte’. Their choices mix blockbuster visibility with films that explore identity and activism.
Stenberg identifies as gay and nonbinary and has discussed the importance of pronouns and community. They participate in panels that address mental health and LGBTQ inclusion in schools and on sets. Their public writing and interviews have provided accessible language for young fans exploring identity.
Lena Waithe
Lena Waithe won an Emmy for acting and writing on ‘Master of None’ and went on to create ‘The Chi’ and ‘Twenties’. As an actor she has appeared in television and film while building a production pipeline for new voices. Her company develops projects that center Black and queer perspectives across genres.
Waithe identifies as lesbian and uses her industry clout to mentor emerging creators through labs and fellowships. She supports initiatives that create hiring pathways for queer talent in below the line roles. Her festivals and showcases have launched careers for writers and actors who might not otherwise be seen.
Laverne Cox
Laverne Cox became a global name with ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She followed with roles in ‘Promising Young Woman’, ‘Inventing Anna’, and ‘Disclosure’, a documentary that examines trans representation in media. Her work spans scripted acting and high impact nonfiction projects.
Cox is a transgender woman and has advocated for legal protections, employment access, and trans healthcare. She has collaborated with universities, nonprofits, and studios to improve policy and training around trans inclusion. Her public speaking and producing efforts have raised funding for organizations serving trans people of color.
Michaela Jaé Rodriguez
Michaela Jaé Rodriguez led the cast of ‘Pose’ and became the first openly transgender woman to win a Golden Globe for acting. She has since starred in ‘Loot’ and recorded music while continuing to act in film and television. Her screen performances blend musical talent with nuanced dramatic work.
Rodriguez is a transgender woman and supports LGBTQ youth programs and arts education. She participates in mentorship networks that connect established artists with trans performers seeking industry guidance. Her award milestones have expanded what casting directors consider for leading roles.
Dominique Jackson
Dominique Jackson gained attention through ‘Pose’ and later appeared in ‘American Gods’ and other television series. Her background in fashion informs her screen presence and has led to work in modeling and advocacy centered campaigns. She continues to collaborate with creatives who explore ballroom culture and queer history.
Jackson is a transgender woman who speaks about migration, asylum, and safety for trans women of color. She partners with organizations that provide housing and healthcare resources and gives talks that connect policy to lived experience. Her public work bridges entertainment and human rights conversations.
Indya Moore
Indya Moore became widely known through ‘Pose’ and has since moved into film roles and brand campaigns with major fashion houses. They work as an actor and model and often bring attention to inclusive casting choices in commercial media. Their on screen performances highlight sensitivity and resilience.
Moore identifies as nonbinary and trans and uses they and she pronouns. They advocate for economic justice, safety, and housing access for trans communities. Their social impact projects channel funds to mutual aid groups and uplift grassroots organizers.
Angelica Ross
Angelica Ross acted in ‘Pose’ and ‘American Horror Story’ while building a career as a tech founder and educator. She has hosted events and given talks that connect storytelling with workforce development. Her roles often engage with themes of identity and survival.
Ross is a transgender woman and founded programs that train trans and nonbinary people in technology skills. She works with corporate partners to create job pipelines and speaks about inclusive hiring practices. Her efforts have placed community building at the center of her public platform.
Trace Lysette
Trace Lysette drew attention with ‘Transparent’ and later headlined ‘Monica’, earning festival acclaim and international distribution. She appears in television procedurals and independent films and has taken roles that show a wide dramatic range. Her work continues to expand trans representation in leading film roles.
Lysette is a transgender woman who advocates for fair casting and equitable pay for trans actors. She supports organizations that push for authentic trans storytelling and safer production environments. Her promotional tours often include discussions with community groups and film students.
Samira Wiley
Samira Wiley made a breakthrough as Poussey Washington on ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and went on to play Moira on ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. She has also starred in limited series and stage productions, showing strong range across mediums. Her performances have earned major award nominations and wins.
Wiley identifies as gay and is married to writer Lauren Morelli. She participates in campaigns that support queer youth and anti bullying efforts. Her public readings and appearances often raise funds for organizations focused on civil liberties and LGBTQ health services.
Rutina Wesley
Rutina Wesley became known for ‘True Blood’ and later led the drama ‘Queen Sugar’. She has balanced television work with theater and voice roles and has been recognized for portraying complex characters over multiple seasons. Her collaborations with prominent filmmakers have kept her in demand.
Wesley announced her engagement to a woman and has been open about her queer identity. She supports arts education and programs that create pathways for young Black actors. Her platform includes efforts to expand opportunities for LGBTQ performers in Southern production hubs.
Cynthia Erivo
Cynthia Erivo transitioned from a celebrated stage career into film and television with performances in ‘Harriet’, ‘Bad Times at the El Royale’, and ‘Luther’. She also records music and has contributed songs to major soundtracks. Her awards span theater, film, and music, placing her among the most versatile performers working today.
Erivo has discussed being part of the queer community in interviews and public appearances. She supports LGBTQ organizations and participates in charity concerts that raise funds for advocacy groups. Her visibility in awards conversations has normalized queer representation on the biggest stages.
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor’s filmography includes ‘King Richard’, ‘When They See Us’, and ‘Lovecraft Country’. She is known for shaping layered characters in both limited series and feature films and continues to collaborate with acclaimed directors. Her work often sits at the intersection of history and contemporary culture.
Ellis-Taylor has shared that she is bisexual and has spoken about the challenges of privacy and public life. She supports literacy programs and arts initiatives that reach young people in underserved communities. Her interviews encourage studios to invest in stories that reflect the full spectrum of Black life.
Kiersey Clemons
Kiersey Clemons broke out with ‘Dope’ and has appeared in projects like ‘Hearts Beat Loud’ and ‘The Flash’. She works across independent cinema and franchise films and brings musical abilities to select roles. Her career includes voice acting and producing credits.
Clemons identifies as queer and has been vocal about creating respectful sets for LGBTQ cast and crew. She works with filmmakers who prioritize inclusive hiring and has supported organizations that provide resources for queer youth. Her public statements highlight the value of authenticity in casting.
Jasika Nicole
Jasika Nicole is known for ‘Fringe’ and later roles in ‘The Good Doctor’ and ‘Scandal’. She also works in theater and illustration and has contributed essays about the craft of acting and creative life. Her screen work ranges from science fiction to medical drama.
Nicole identifies as queer and has written about representation and workplace equity. She supports maker communities and arts education that welcome LGBTQ participants. Her personal site and talks have offered practical guidance on building sustainable creative careers.
Isis King
Isis King appeared in ‘America’s Next Top Model’ and moved into acting with roles in ‘When They See Us’ and ‘With Love’. She has modeled for major brands while continuing to pursue scripted television and film. Her visibility crosses fashion and entertainment audiences.
King is a transgender woman and advocates for trans housing and employment initiatives. She partners with nonprofits to raise awareness of homelessness among trans youth and speaks about access to healthcare. Her social media outreach often directs followers to resources and community services.
Queen Latifah
Queen Latifah headlined ‘Living Single’ and later led films such as ‘Set It Off’, ‘Chicago’, and ‘Barbershop 2’, moving between comedy and drama across studio and indie projects. She has hosted award shows, anchored the daytime program ‘The Queen Latifah Show’, and served as executive producer on series and films that center Black women’s stories.
Her work includes action television with ‘The Equalizer’, where she also produces to shape casting and story direction. She has supported music and film scholarships, funded mentorships for young filmmakers, and publicly acknowledged her long term partner and family while continuing to expand opportunities for LGBTQ talent on both sides of the camera.
Samira Wiley
Samira Wiley broke out as Poussey Washington in ‘Orange Is the New Black’, contributing to an ensemble that earned multiple industry honors. She went on to portray Moira in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’, a role that brought additional award recognition and cemented her presence in prestige television.
Wiley has performed in theater productions and limited series, and she frequently records audiobooks and narrative podcasts. She collaborates with organizations focused on prison reform and LGBTQ youth services and participates in panels about inclusive writers rooms and authentic queer storytelling.
Cynthia Erivo
Cynthia Erivo earned a Tony Award for ‘The Color Purple’ on Broadway before transitioning to film with performances in ‘Widows’, ‘Harriet’, and ‘Bad Times at the El Royale’. She has recorded solo music, contributed to soundtracks, and performed at major televised events.
Erivo has spoken publicly about being bisexual and supports initiatives that fund arts education and queer youth programs. She continues to bridge stage and screen through concerts, biographical roles, and musical projects that pair her acting with original compositions.
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor’s film and television credits include ‘King Richard’, ‘When They See Us’, and ‘Lovecraft Country’, where she delivered pivotal dramatic turns across historical and genre narratives. She also appears regularly in independent films that premiere at major festivals and in network limited series.
Ellis-Taylor has discussed being bisexual and participates in advocacy for historically Black colleges and universities as well as LGBTQ visibility in the South. She mentors emerging actors through workshops and supports development labs that elevate Black women writers and directors.
Angelica Ross
Angelica Ross starred in ‘Pose’ and ‘American Horror Story’, bringing a background in tech entrepreneurship and advocacy to high profile roles. Her screen work also includes guest spots on network dramas and appearances in documentaries that highlight trans leadership in media.
Ross founded a training company to teach coding skills to trans and nonbinary people and has consulted with studios on trans representation. She speaks at universities and conferences about pathways into the industry and collaborates with nonprofits that provide housing and job placement for LGBTQ communities.
Dominique Jackson
Dominique Jackson portrayed Elektra on ‘Pose’ and has modeled for international campaigns tied to the ballroom community. Her television appearances include unscripted and scripted programs where she discusses migration, identity, and fashion.
Jackson participates in global pride events and works with organizations focused on asylum and refugee support for LGBTQ people. She regularly lends her platform to fundraisers for HIV services and collaborates with stylists and designers who employ trans and nonbinary creatives.
Hailie Sahar
Hailie Sahar appeared as Lulu on ‘Pose’ and has since booked roles in biographical and period projects on cable and streaming networks. She began as a dancer and pageant participant and transitioned that experience into screen performance and music releases.
Sahar engages in outreach for trans youth and speaks about workplace inclusion on sets. She partners with brands for awareness campaigns and supports training programs that develop trans crew members in hair, makeup, and costume departments.
Alexandra Grey
Alexandra Grey has guest starred on ‘Empire’, ‘MacGyver’, and ‘Chicago Med’, taking on roles that range from music focused arcs to medical and procedural storytelling. She also appears in independent films and performs original music in concert settings.
Grey collaborates with LGBTQ health organizations and participates in media literacy workshops that prepare young trans actors for auditions and set life. She advocates for casting that aligns character identity with performer identity and shares best practices with casting offices and producers.
Isis King
Isis King moved from fashion and reality television into acting with roles in ‘When They See Us’ and ‘With Love’. She has modeled for major brands and appeared in campaigns that highlighted trans representation in mainstream advertising.
King works with nonprofits that provide housing and job resources to trans communities and appears on panels about media visibility. She supports design partnerships that feature trans creatives in front of and behind the camera and donates proceeds from collaborations to community funds.
Rutina Wesley
Rutina Wesley starred as Tara Thornton in ‘True Blood’ and later as Nova Bordelon in ‘Queen Sugar’, building a sustained presence across premium cable and network drama. She has worked in theater and short films that often premiere on the festival circuit.
Wesley has publicly shared her queer identity and supports organizations that champion Southern Black LGBTQ communities. She mentors student filmmakers, participates in literacy programs, and contributes to workshops that develop episodic directors from underrepresented groups.
Kiersey Clemons
Kiersey Clemons earned acclaim in ‘Dope’ and later appeared in ‘Hearts Beat Loud’, ‘Sweetheart’, and franchise entries connected to DC characters. She has balanced studio projects with independent films that premiered at Sundance and other festivals.
Clemons identifies as queer and regularly collaborates with women directors and writers on character driven stories. She supports mutual aid projects for LGBTQ youth and records music that has been featured in film and television placements.
DeWanda Wise
DeWanda Wise led ‘She’s Gotta Have It’ on television and co starred in ‘Jurassic World Dominion’, demonstrating range from romantic dramedy to action adventure. She has appeared in independent features that prioritize ensemble work and contemporary themes.
Wise has spoken about being attracted to people across genders and supports programs that increase access to on camera training for Black actors. She produces with an eye toward equitable hiring and participates in initiatives that connect film crews with apprentices from diverse backgrounds.
Kat Graham
Kat Graham is known for ‘The Vampire Diaries’ and has expanded into film with roles in holiday romances, action thrillers, and voice acting for animated projects. She has also released multiple music projects and toured internationally.
Graham has identified as bisexual and works with refugee and education charities connected to her family’s global background. She supports mentorship for young women in film and tech and often ties brand campaigns to fundraising for LGBTQ centers.
Miss Lawrence
Miss Lawrence transitioned from fashion and beauty television to acting with roles in ‘Star’, ‘Empire’, and ‘The United States vs. Billie Holiday’. He brings industry expertise in styling to character work that intersects with music and performance.
Lawrence advocates for gender expansive casting and consults on wardrobe departments to improve inclusion practices. He appears at film festivals and community events to raise funds for HIV services and provides apprenticeships for aspiring stylists from LGBTQ communities.
TS Madison
TS Madison has appeared in films like ‘Zola’ and ‘Bros’ and guest starred on scripted series while maintaining a strong presence as a host and producer. She has developed digital series that showcase conversations with entertainers, activists, and creators.
Madison is a transgender trailblazer in media entrepreneurship and partners with organizations that support trans healthcare access. She mentors emerging digital creators and collaborates with studios to identify roles and crew positions for trans talent.
Peppermint
Peppermint made history on Broadway in ‘Head Over Heels’, becoming one of the first openly trans women to originate a principal role in a Broadway musical. On screen she has appeared in scripted series and hosted music and culture programs.
She participates in national campaigns for trans rights and anti violence initiatives and works with arts nonprofits on scholarship funds. Peppermint also records music and tours, using shows to highlight local LGBTQ organizations and community resources.
Rickey Thompson
Rickey Thompson parlayed social media success into acting with roles in ‘Foursome’, ‘Good Trouble’, and fashion centric short films. He also narrates and hosts live events that blend comedy and style.
Thompson is openly gay and collaborates with global brands on inclusive campaigns. He supports youth arts programs and uses live shows to raise funds for LGBTQ community centers and mental health resources.
Nicco Annan
Nicco Annan stars as Uncle Clifford on ‘P Valley’, a role that anchors the series with complex leadership and community ties. His background includes stage work that preceded television success and appearances in independent films.
Annan is openly gay and engages with theater initiatives that develop new plays by Black writers. He participates in workshops for aspiring actors in the South and supports local arts organizations through talkbacks and benefit performances.
Dyllón Burnside
Dyllón Burnside appeared as Ricky in ‘Pose’ and has performed on Broadway and in concert tours that highlight his vocal training. He has guest starred in crime and anthology series and hosted programs that explore LGBTQ history.
Burnside identifies as queer and works with nonprofits focused on arts education and HIV awareness. He leads master classes for young performers and produces short form projects that document queer experiences across the United States.
Ryan Jamaal Swain
Ryan Jamaal Swain portrayed Damon in ‘Pose’, drawing from professional dance training to shape performance and choreography centered storytelling. He has participated in theater productions and dance works that tour regionally.
Swain is queer and supports organizations that provide safe spaces and scholarships for LGBTQ youth of color. He speaks at universities about wellness for dancers and actors and collaborates with creative teams on projects that blend movement and narrative.
Share the LGBTQ actresses you would add to this list in the comments and tell us which roles you think more people should watch next.