Movies Where Black LGBTQ+ Characters Get to Be Funny and Flawed

Representation in cinema has evolved from tragic tropes to fully realized human beings who are allowed to be messy and hilarious. Black LGBTQ+ characters have historically been sidelined or relegated to suffering, but modern film is increasingly embracing their joy and complexity. This list celebrates the movies where these characters take center stage with all their imperfections and wit. These films showcase the diversity of the Black queer experience through humor and authentic storytelling.

‘American Fiction’ (2023)

Clifford Ellison arrives in the story as a chaotic force who refuses to fit into the respectable box his family desires. He deals with a recent divorce and substance use while navigating a rocky relationship with his brother Monk. Sterling K. Brown delivers a performance that balances sharp comedic timing with genuine pain and vulnerability. The film uses his refusal to apologize for his messy life as a way to challenge the pressure of perfectionism.

‘The Blackening’ (2022)

Dewayne serves as the comedic heart of this horror satire while smartly deconstructing genre tropes. He is fiercely loyal to his friends but also refuses to be the sacrificial lamb often found in slasher films. The character uses humor as a defense mechanism and a weapon against the absurdity of their situation. His awareness of horror clichés makes him both a hilarious commentator and a capable survivor.

‘Bottoms’ (2023)

Josie is an awkward high school student who co-founds a fight club under false pretenses to get close to her crush. Ayo Edebiri plays the character with a nervous energy that highlights her moral flexibility and desperation for connection. The film allows her to be selfish and cowardly at times without losing the audience’s sympathy. Her journey is a refreshing take on the teen comedy genre that allows queer girls to be just as disastrous as their straight counterparts.

‘Tangerine’ (2015)

Sin-Dee Rella tears through Los Angeles on a mission to confront her unfaithful boyfriend and the woman he saw behind her back. Her relentless energy and sharp tongue drive the narrative forward with both hilarity and heartbreak. The film captures the vibrant and often difficult reality of her life without ever treating her as a victim. She is a deeply flawed protagonist whose loyalty and jealousy create a captivating and chaotic adventure.

‘The Color Purple’ (2023)

Shug Avery enters the life of Celie as a glamorous and unapologetic blues singer who commands attention wherever she goes. She is messy and complicated in her relationships but ultimately teaches Celie the value of self-love. The film portrays her as a woman who embraces pleasure and defies the rigid expectations of her time. Her bond with Celie provides some of the most tender and joyous moments in the story.

‘Dope’ (2015)

Diggy defies gender norms and embraces her identity with a cool confidence that anchors her friend group. She navigates the dangers of her neighborhood and the pressures of high school with a stoic sense of humor. The film allows her to be a multi-dimensional tomboy who is just as interested in geek culture as she is in survival. Her presence challenges the typical depictions of lesbian characters in coming-of-age comedies.

‘Dear White People’ (2014)

Lionel Higgins is a shy and awkward student journalist who struggles to find his place within the campus racial politics. He is neither cool nor particularly brave at the start and often stumbles through uncomfortable social interactions. The film uses his outsider status to explore the nuances of identity and the difficulty of picking a side. His eventual growth comes from embracing his own messy truth rather than conforming to any specific group.

‘Set It Off’ (1996)

Cleo Sims is a bank robber who lives her life with reckless abandon and fierce loyalty to her friends. Queen Latifah plays the character with a commanding presence that is both intimidating and deeply charismatic. She drives the action of the film while providing moments of levity through her defiant attitude and loud personality. Her flaws are evident in her impulsiveness but they also make her the most memorable character in the group.

‘The Watermelon Woman’ (1996)

Cheryl is an aspiring filmmaker who fumbles through her research project while managing a complicated dating life. She makes questionable choices in her relationships and struggles to balance her artistic ambitions with her job at a video store. The film serves as a landmark for Black lesbian cinema by presenting a protagonist who is relatable and far from perfect. Her journey is a witty exploration of history and the desire to see oneself represented on screen.

‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ (2020)

Ma Rainey commands the recording studio with an iron will and refuses to let white producers exploit her without a fight. She is difficult and demanding but her behavior is a calculated response to a system that seeks to diminish her. Viola Davis imbues the character with a heavy physical presence and a biting sense of humor that barely conceals her exhaustion. The film celebrates her power while acknowledging the toll it takes to maintain it.

‘To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar’ (1995)

Noxeema Jackson acts as the voice of reason and sass among a trio of drag queens traveling across the country. She offers sharp critiques of small-town America and holds her own against bigotry with wit and style. The character balances her protective nature with a vanity that leads to several comedic conflicts. Her interactions with the locals bridge cultural gaps through humor and shared humanity.

‘Kinky Boots’ (2005)

Lola arrives in a struggling shoe factory and challenges the traditional masculinity of its workers with her unapologetic drag persona. Chiwetel Ejiofor plays the character with a mix of toughness and vulnerability that defies easy categorization. She is quick with a comeback and refuses to tone herself down for the comfort of others. The film allows her to be the hero of the story without stripping away her flamboyance or her complexities.

‘Pariah’ (2011)

Alike navigates the treacherous waters of adolescence while trying to conceal her lesbian identity from her religious parents. She is a poet who uses her art to escape the pressures of her life but often struggles to speak her truth in person. The film captures the awkwardness of first loves and the pain of rejection with intimate honesty. Her character is allowed to be uncertain and fearful as she moves toward self-acceptance.

‘Moonlight’ (2016)

Chiron grows from a silent child into a hardened man while grappling with his sexuality and his environment. The film is a dramatic masterpiece but it allows moments of vulnerability and connection that highlight his humanity. His flaws are products of his survival instincts and the armor he builds to protect himself from the world. The narrative honors his complexity by refusing to offer easy answers or a purely tragic ending.

‘Rustin’ (2023)

Bayard Rustin is a brilliant organizer who orchestrates the March on Washington while battling prejudice within the movement he serves. Colman Domingo portrays him as a charismatic and witty intellectual who is not afraid to ruffle feathers. He is open about his sexuality in a time that demands silence and this refusal to hide creates constant friction. The film celebrates his contributions while showcasing the messy interpersonal dynamics of activism.

‘Noah’s Arc: Jumping the Broom’ (2008)

The beloved characters from the television series reunite for a wedding that brings plenty of drama and comedy. Each member of the friend group brings their own baggage and insecurities to the weekend celebration. The film excels at showing Black gay men loving and fighting with each other in a way that feels authentic and lived-in. Their flaws are the source of both the conflict and the humor that drives the story.

‘Punks’ (2000)

Marcus and his group of friends navigate the dating scene in West Hollywood with varying degrees of success. The film focuses on the camaraderie between the men as they support each other through bad dates and personal crises. It uses the structure of a romantic comedy to explore the specific anxieties of Black gay life. The characters are allowed to be shallow and romantic and messy all at the same time.

‘Dirty Laundry’ (2006)

Sheldon returns home to his Southern family after years of estrangement to discover he has a son he never knew about. He tries to maintain his polished city persona while dealing with his opinionated mother and sister. The film mines humor from the culture clash and the secrets that every family member tries to keep hidden. His journey involves shedding his pretenses and accepting the chaotic love of his family.

‘Holiday Heart’ (2000)

Holiday is a drag queen who takes in a drug-addicted mother and her daughter in an attempt to build a stable family. He is a character of immense generosity who also possesses a sharp tongue and a low tolerance for foolishness. The film balances the tragedy of addiction with the warmth and humor of the bond Holiday forms with the young girl. His flaws make him a realistic and compelling father figure rather than a saint.

‘Rent’ (2005)

Tom Collins brings warmth and philosophical depth to a group of struggling artists in New York City. He finds love with Angel and their relationship serves as the emotional core of the story during the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis. The character manages to find joy and humor despite the devastating circumstances surrounding him. His resilience is portrayed not as a superpower but as a necessary tool for survival.

‘Bessie’ (2015)

Bessie Smith rises to fame as a blues singer who lives life entirely on her own terms. Queen Latifah captures her volatile temper and her insatiable appetite for love and liquor. The film does not shy away from her difficult personality or her fluid sexuality. She is a woman who fights for what she is owed and laughs in the face of those who try to control her.

‘Something New’ (2006)

Nelson serves as the candid and supportive brother who pushes his sister to look past her prejudices in dating. He provides comedic relief with his unfiltered opinions on her love life and his own carefree attitude. The character avoids being a mere prop by having his own distinct perspective and grounded presence. His humor comes from a place of love and a desire to see his family happy.

‘Car Wash’ (1976)

Lindy works at the car wash and commands respect through his quick wit and refusal to be intimidated. He is an early example of a visibly queer Black character who is not the butt of the joke but rather the one telling it. The film showcases his ability to verbally spar with anyone who challenges him. His confidence makes him one of the most memorable and ahead-of-time characters in the ensemble.

‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’ (2022)

Jordan is a competitive and intense member of a friend group that implodes during a hurricane party. She is deeply suspicious of those around her and her aggression drives much of the conflict. The film uses her character to satirize the toxicity of certain social circles and the fragility of trust. Her flaws are on full display as she navigates the paranoia and absurdity of the night.

‘Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul.’ (2022)

Lee-Curtis Childs attempts to rebuild his congregation after a scandal rocks his reputation and his marriage. Sterling K. Brown plays the pastor with a manic energy that barely masks his internal struggles and hypocrisy. The film is a dark comedy that exposes the performative nature of his religious leadership. He is a deeply flawed man whose ego and denial create moments of intense second-hand embarrassment.

‘B-Boy Blues’ (2021)

Mitchell and Raheim fall into a passionate relationship that is tested by their differences in class and background. The film explores the messiness of love when two people from different worlds collide. Both characters make mistakes and let their pride get in the way of their happiness. It is a romantic drama that allows Black men to be vulnerable and imperfect in love.

‘The Skinny’ (2012)

Magnus and his college friends reunite in New York City for a weekend of partying and drama. The characters are unapologetically promiscuous and often make terrible decisions that threaten their friendships. The film embraces the chaotic energy of youth and the specific language of Black gay culture. It finds humor in the scandalous situations the group manages to get themselves into.

‘Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil’ (1997)

Lady Chablis plays herself in this mystery and steals every scene she is in with her outrageous charisma. She acts as a tour guide to the queer underbelly of Savannah and provides vital information to the protagonist. The character is bold and hilarious and refuses to apologize for her lifestyle or her past. Her presence injects life and authenticity into the atmospheric drama.

‘Single All the Way’ (2021)

Nick acts as the stable and supportive best friend who is secretly in love with his roommate. While the film is a lighthearted holiday romance, Nick deals with his own fears of rejection and complacency. He is a character who must learn to advocate for his own happiness rather than just facilitating the happiness of others. His dry wit and patience make him a lovable lead in a genre that often excludes Black gay men.

‘The Inspection’ (2022)

Ellis French joins the Marines to escape homelessness and prove himself to a mother who rejected him. He endures brutal training and harassment but finds moments of camaraderie and dark humor with his fellow recruits. The film is a raw look at the desire for belonging and the compromises one makes to survive. His character is deeply human and flawed as he seeks validation in a hostile environment.

Please share your favorite funny and flawed character from this list in the comments.