Black LGBTQ+ Celebs Who Sued for Discrimination

Employment and civil rights battles have frequently forced public figures to seek justice through the legal system. For Black LGBTQ+ celebrities and public figures, these lawsuits often address the intersection of racial bias and discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation. From Hollywood actors to professional athletes, many have taken a stand against major corporations and governing bodies to demand equality. The following list highlights notable Black LGBTQ+ figures who have filed lawsuits alleging discrimination or civil rights violations.

Mo’Nique

The Academy Award-winning actress and comedian filed a high-profile lawsuit against Netflix, alleging pay discrimination based on her race and gender. Mo’Nique argued that the streaming giant offered her a fraction of the compensation provided to white and male comedians for similar comedy specials. Her legal team highlighted the pay gap as a systemic issue affecting Black women in Hollywood. The lawsuit sparked a widespread conversation about equitable pay in the entertainment industry. Netflix and Mo’Nique eventually reached a settlement, resolving the dispute out of court.

Caster Semenya

South African middle-distance runner and two-time Olympic champion Caster Semenya has been at the center of a global legal battle regarding gender regulations in sports. She challenged World Athletics rules that required female athletes with differences in sex development (DSD) to medically reduce their testosterone levels to compete. Semenya took her case to the European Court of Human Rights, arguing that the regulations were discriminatory and violated her bodily integrity. The court ruled in her favor, stating she had been discriminated against, marking a major victory for intersex and DSD athletes. Her ongoing fight continues to challenge how international sports bodies police women’s bodies.

Alphonso David

Alphonso David, a prominent civil rights attorney and the first Black president of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), filed a lawsuit against the organization after his termination. David alleged that his firing was motivated by racial discrimination and that he was treated differently than his white predecessors. His complaint described a toxic work environment where he faced internal bias while trying to diversify the organization. The lawsuit brought internal tensions within the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ advocacy group into the public eye. David continues to advocate for racial justice and equity within legal and non-profit sectors.

DeRay Mckesson

Civil rights activist and author DeRay Mckesson filed a lawsuit against the city of Baton Rouge and police officials following his arrest during a protest in 2016. Mckesson alleged that the police violated his civil rights and used excessive force during the demonstration against police brutality. The legal battle reached the Supreme Court, addressing critical questions about the right to protest and police accountability. As a prominent gay Black figure in the Black Lives Matter movement, his legal challenges have set precedents regarding the First Amendment. Mckesson remains a vocal advocate for systemic reform and social justice.

Monica Jones

Transgender activist Monica Jones filed a lawsuit against the city of Phoenix after being arrested under a “manifesting prostitution” ordinance. Jones argued that the law was unconstitutionally vague and was disproportionately used to profile and target Black transgender women. Her case coined the term “walking while trans,” describing how police use appearance to criminalize trans women in public spaces. The lawsuit led to the overturning of the ordinance, marking a significant victory against discriminatory policing practices. Jones continues to organize for the decriminalization of sex work and the protection of trans communities.

Don Lemon

Former CNN anchor Don Lemon filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk and X (formerly Twitter) following the cancellation of his partnership with the platform. Lemon alleged that the company breached their contract and misled him to use his name and likeness for promotion before discarding the deal. While the suit centers on contract law, Lemon publicly stated that the cancellation occurred immediately after he conducted a tense interview with Musk, raising questions about content-based bias. As a prominent gay Black journalist, Lemon’s legal battle underscores the complexities of media partnerships and editorial independence. The case highlights the friction between content creators and tech platforms.

Jussie Smollett

Actor Jussie Smollett filed a counterclaim against the City of Chicago and local officials, alleging malicious prosecution following the controversy over his reported hate crime. Smollett, who is Black and gay, argued that the city’s lawsuit to recover investigation costs was excessive and that he was the victim of a rush to judgment. The legal saga involved complex arguments regarding due process and the treatment of high-profile Black LGBTQ+ figures by law enforcement. While he faced criminal charges himself, his civil filings maintained that he was unfairly targeted by the justice system. The case remains one of the most polarized legal battles involving a celebrity in recent years.

D. Smith

Grammy-winning producer and ‘Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta’ star D. Smith has been vocal about the discrimination she faces in the music industry as a trans woman. While she has not filed a high-profile corporate lawsuit like others on this list, she famously quit the reality show due to the transphobia she experienced from castmates. Smith has publicly discussed the loss of royalties and work opportunities after transitioning, framing her struggle as a fight for economic justice. Her advocacy highlights the informal but devastating economic discrimination faced by Black trans creatives. She continues to produce music while advocating for industry-wide change.

Tourmaline

Filmmaker and activist Tourmaline has been involved in legal advocacy to protect the history and rights of the queer community. She has supported legal actions regarding the preservation of archives and the rights of sex workers. Tourmaline was also central to the discourse surrounding the appropriation of her work on Marsha P. Johnson, raising public claims about intellectual property theft in Hollywood. While preferring community organization over litigation, her advocacy has pushed for legal recognition of Black trans history. She remains a key figure in the movement for trans liberation.

Miss Major Griffin-Gracy

A veteran of the Stonewall riots, Miss Major Griffin-Gracy has spent decades fighting the prison industrial complex. As a litigant in various civil rights challenges over the decades, she has challenged the treatment of trans women in prisons and jails. Her work often involves legal advocacy to support incarcerated transgender people who face abuse and discrimination. Miss Major’s activism transcends traditional celebrity, positioning her as a matriarch of the movement who uses legal pressure to demand safety for her community. She continues to run a retreat center for trans leadership.

Marsha P. Johnson

The estate and legacy of Marsha P. Johnson, a central figure in the gay rights movement, have been the subject of renewed legal and investigative interest. Johnson’s death in 1992 was originally ruled a suicide, a classification that her friends and family have fought legally to change, alleging police negligence and discrimination. Activists have long argued that the investigation was marred by anti-trans and anti-Black bias. In recent years, legal advocates have succeeded in getting the case reopened to seek justice for her death. Johnson’s legacy represents the ongoing legal fight for the recognition of violence against Black trans women.

Share your thoughts on these legal battles and the fight for equality in the comments.