Actors Who Say They’ll Only Accept Roles Written by Queer Black Writers Now

The entertainment industry is undergoing a transformative period as more performers demand stories that truly reflect their lived experiences. Many actors are now using their influence to ensure that the narratives they bring to life are crafted by writers from their own communities. This movement is particularly strong among Black queer men who seek to dismantle long standing stereotypes and foster authentic representation. By focusing on projects led by Black queer writers these stars are pushing for a more inclusive and equitable creative environment.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter has been a vocal advocate for the empowerment of Black queer voices in the television and film industries. He has emphasized the importance of having creators who understand the specific cultural nuances of the characters he portrays on screen. The ‘Pose’ star frequently discusses the need for narratives that move beyond trauma and focus on joy and resilience. Porter believes that working with writers from his own community ensures a level of authenticity that is often missing in mainstream media.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo has consistently sought out roles that challenge traditional perceptions of Black masculinity and identity. He often prioritizes projects that feature diverse creative teams and voices that have historically been marginalized. In recent interviews the ‘Rustin’ lead highlighted his desire to support and collaborate with Black queer storytellers. This focus allows him to bring depth to complex characters while fostering a more inclusive environment for future generations of artists.

Jeremy Pope

Jeremy Pope rose to prominence through his acclaimed performances in theater and television series like ‘Hollywood’ and ‘The Inspection’. He has made a conscious effort to align himself with writers and directors who prioritize queer Black perspectives. Pope asserts that having a shared identity with the creative team creates a safer and more collaborative space for performance. He continues to use his platform to push for increased visibility and opportunities for Black queer professionals across all levels of production.

Ncuti Gatwa

Ncuti Gatwa gained international recognition for his breakout role in the series ‘Sex Education’. He has spoken about the profound impact of having diverse writers who can authentically capture the intersectionality of race and sexuality. The ‘Doctor Who’ star advocates for more Black queer individuals to hold positions of power within the writing room. Gatwa believes that authentic storytelling is only possible when the people behind the camera reflect the lived experiences of the characters.

Keiynan Lonsdale

Keiynan Lonsdale is known for his roles in the superhero series ‘The Flash’ and the film ‘Love, Simon’. He has become an influential figure in the movement for better queer representation in media. Lonsdale often emphasizes the importance of working with Black queer writers to ensure that his characters are portrayed with dignity. He believes that this creative synergy is essential for producing work that resonates with audiences on a deeper level.

Dyllón Burnside

Dyllón Burnside played a central role in the groundbreaking drama ‘Pose’ which featured a high number of queer Black creators. He has since been a staunch advocate for maintaining this level of inclusivity in his subsequent projects. Burnside expresses a strong preference for scripts that are crafted by people who understand his cultural background. He views this commitment as a necessary step toward achieving true equity in the entertainment world.

Tituss Burgess

Tituss Burgess is a celebrated performer known for his comedic and dramatic range in ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’. He has often spoken about the challenges faced by Black queer actors when their roles are written by those outside their community. Burgess advocates for a shift where Black queer writers are given the lead on projects centering their own lives. He aims to work on productions that prioritize this level of creative integrity and social relevance.

Nathan Stewart-Jarrett

Nathan Stewart Jarrett has appeared in various high profile projects including ‘Misfits’ and the thriller ‘Candyman’. He has voiced his support for the rise of Black queer creators who are reclaiming their own narratives. Stewart Jarrett believes that the industry is at a turning point where authentic voices are finally being heard. He actively seeks out roles that allow him to collaborate with writers who share his commitment to diverse representation.

Justice Smith

Justice Smith has starred in major films such as ‘Jurassic World’ and ‘The Get Down’. He has been open about his identity and the importance of seeing himself reflected in the writing process. Smith supports the push for more queer Black writers to be at the helm of mainstream productions. He feels that this focus leads to more nuanced and realistic portrayals of characters of color.

Jaboukie Young-White

Jaboukie Young White is a comedian and actor who has worked on series like ‘The Daily Show’ and ‘Only Murders in the Building’. He has often critiqued the lack of diversity in writers rooms and the impact it has on comedy. Young White advocates for the inclusion of Black queer writers to ensure that humor is both relevant and respectful. He prioritizes projects where his identity is understood and valued by the creative team.

Darryl Stephens

Darryl Stephens became an icon in the Black queer community after starring in the series ‘Noahs Arc’. He has long championed the need for stories that are written by those who have lived the experiences being depicted. Stephens believes that the success of his early work was due to the authentic vision of its Black queer creators. He continues to seek roles that align with his mission of promoting visibility for his community.

Jelani Alladin

Jelani Alladin is a versatile performer who has made a name for himself in theater and the series ‘Fellow Travelers’. He has emphasized the necessity of having Black queer writers involved in historical dramas to ensure accuracy and sensitivity. Alladin believes that these writers bring a specific lens that enriches the storytelling process. He is committed to working on projects that honor the complexity of Black queer history.

Nicco Annan

Nicco Annan gained widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Uncle Clifford in the series ‘P Valley’. He has frequently credited the success of the show to its diverse and inclusive writing staff. Annan advocates for more opportunities for Black queer writers to lead their own television and film projects. He views this as an essential part of creating a more equitable industry for all performers.

Brian Michael Smith

Brian Michael Smith is a trailblazing actor known for his roles in ‘Queen Sugar’ and other television projects. As a Black trans man he has a unique perspective on the importance of intersectional storytelling. Smith supports the inclusion of Black queer writers who can speak to the specificities of his identity. He believes that this collaboration results in more powerful and transformative art.

Marquise Vilson

Marquise Vilson is an actor and activist known for his work in ‘Tom Swift’ and various theater productions. He has been a vocal proponent for the hiring of Black queer writers in all areas of television production. Vilson believes that these writers are essential for creating characters that are both relatable and revolutionary. He prioritizes working with teams that are committed to social justice and authentic representation.

Jussie Smollett

Jussie Smollett rose to fame on the musical drama ‘Empire’ where he played a prominent queer character. He has frequently discussed the importance of having Black queer voices in the writing room to guide character development. Smollett advocates for a production model that centers the lived experiences of marginalized groups. He continues to focus on projects that are led by diverse creative teams.

Karamo Brown

Karamo Brown is best known as the culture expert on ‘Queer Eye’ but he has also pursued various acting roles. He has used his platform to highlight the need for more Black queer writers in the reality and scripted spaces. Brown believes that representation is not just about who is on screen but also who is writing the scripts. He supports efforts to diversify writers rooms across the entire entertainment landscape.

Branden Cook

Branden Cook is an emerging talent known for his roles in series like ‘Tell Me Lies’. He has expressed a strong desire to work on projects that are inclusive of Black queer perspectives. Cook believes that the industry benefits when a wider range of voices is involved in the creative process. He is committed to seeking out roles that are written by individuals who understand his background.

J. Alphonse Nicholson

J. Alphonse Nicholson has gained recognition for his nuanced performances in dramatic works like ‘P Valley’. He has spoken about the importance of being an ally and the value of having Black queer writers on set. Nicholson believes that these writers provide essential insights that help actors deliver more authentic performances. He supports the push for greater diversity in all aspects of television writing.

Terrence Terrell

Terrence Terrell is an actor and author known for his roles in ‘B Positive’ and ‘Giants’. He has been a strong advocate for the creation of content by and for the Black queer community. Terrell believes that this focus is necessary to correct decades of misrepresentation in mainstream media. He continues to champion projects that are written by talented Black queer individuals.

James Bland

James Bland is the creator and star of the digital series ‘Giants’ which focuses on the lives of three Black millennials. He has emphasized the importance of self distribution and creative control for Black queer storytellers. Bland advocates for a shift away from traditional gatekeepers in favor of independent creators. He is dedicated to producing and starring in work that is written from a Black queer perspective.

Jay Jurden

Jay Jurden is a comedian and writer who has appeared on late night programs and various stand up specials. He frequently addresses issues of race and sexuality in his work and advocates for more diversity in writing rooms. Jurden believes that Black queer writers bring a necessary and often ignored sense of humor to the industry. He prioritizes collaborations with other queer creators of color to produce innovative content.

Kalen Allen

Kalen Allen gained fame through his viral reaction videos and his appearances on national television. He has since transitioned into acting with roles in films like ‘An American Pickle’. Allen is a strong supporter of Black queer writers and the unique stories they have to tell. He aims to work on projects that highlight the creativity and brilliance of his community.

Da’Vinchi

Da’Vinchi is known for his roles in ‘BMF’ and the drama ‘All American’. He has expressed support for the growth of diverse narratives and the writers who create them. Da’Vinchi recognizes the importance of working with creators who can offer a fresh and authentic perspective on Black life. He is committed to being part of projects that celebrate the full spectrum of the Black experience.

Jason Rodriguez

Jason Rodriguez is an actor and choreographer best known for his work on the series ‘Pose’. He has been a vocal advocate for the inclusion of the ballroom community in television and film. Rodriguez believes that Black queer writers are the only ones who can truly capture the essence of this culture. He continues to work on projects that are written and directed by members of his community.

Angel Bismark Curiel

Angel Bismark Curiel gained acclaim for his role as Lil Papi in the series ‘Pose’. He has frequently spoken about the importance of having a diverse creative team to support the cast. Curiel supports the movement to have more Black queer writers at the forefront of the industry. He believes that this level of representation is crucial for the future of storytelling.

Bernard David Jones

Bernard David Jones is an actor known for his roles in ‘The Mayor’ and ‘Insecure’. He has spoken about the value of having writers who understand the cultural and social nuances of Black queer life. Jones supports the push for more representation in the writers room to ensure that roles are written with depth and authenticity. He continues to seek out opportunities that align with his commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Justin Simien

Justin Simien is the creator of the film and series ‘Dear White People’ and has often acted in his own projects. He has been a leading voice in demanding more creative control for Black queer artists in Hollywood. Simien believes that the only way to achieve true representation is by ensuring that the writers are from the communities being depicted. He continues to advocate for a more inclusive industry where Black queer voices are given the resources to thrive.

Tarell Alvin McCraney

Tarell Alvin McCraney is an award winning writer who also performs in various theatrical and television roles. He is best known for writing the project that became the basis for the film ‘Moonlight’. McCraney has consistently championed the importance of Black queer writers in the creation of meaningful and accurate stories. He believes that these writers provide a necessary depth that is often absent in works written by those outside the community.

Jerrod Carmichael

Jerrod Carmichael is a comedian and actor who has received acclaim for his work in ‘The Carmichael Show’ and ‘Rothaniel’. He has been open about his journey as a Black queer man and the importance of authenticity in his projects. Carmichael advocates for a creative process that is led by individuals who share his background and experiences. He believes that working with Black queer writers is essential for producing work that is both honest and impactful.

Lee Daniels

Lee Daniels is a prominent director and actor known for his work on ‘Precious’ and the series ‘Empire’. He has frequently discussed the need for Black queer individuals to be at the center of their own stories. Daniels believes that the industry often relies on outside perspectives that fail to capture the truth of the Black queer experience. He advocates for a production environment where writers and actors work together to achieve a high level of authenticity.

RuPaul

RuPaul Charles is a pioneer in the drag and entertainment world who has appeared in numerous films and television series. He has often emphasized the importance of queer creators taking ownership of their own stories. In his various acting roles RuPaul seeks to collaborate with writers who can capture the unique spirit of the community. He remains a staunch supporter of diverse voices in every aspect of the creative process.

Lil Nas X

Lil Nas X has broken numerous records as a musician and has recently started to explore acting opportunities. He has been very vocal about the importance of being authentic and unapologetic in his work. The artist supports the need for Black queer writers who can craft stories that reflect his own life experiences. He believes that this level of representation is essential for the evolution of the entertainment industry.

Wentworth Miller

Wentworth Miller is an accomplished actor and screenwriter known for his leading role in ‘Prison Break’. He has been vocal about his identity and the need for more nuanced storytelling regarding race and sexuality. Miller supports the efforts of Black queer writers who are working to expand the types of roles available to actors of color. He believes that the industry is moving toward a more inclusive future where everyone can see themselves reflected on screen.

Julian Walker

Julian Walker made a powerful debut in the film ‘Blackbird’ which focused on the intersection of faith and sexuality. He has since become an advocate for stories that are written with a deep understanding of the Black queer experience. Walker believes that these narratives are essential for providing a sense of community and belonging for viewers. He remains dedicated to working on projects that prioritize authentic voices and diverse creative teams.

Desean Terry

Desean Terry is an actor and director who has appeared in the acclaimed series ‘The Morning Show’. He has been a strong proponent for increasing the number of Black queer writers in the television industry. Terry believes that these creators bring a unique perspective that enhances the overall quality of the production. He prioritizes collaborations that allow for a high level of creative integrity and social relevance.

Share your thoughts on the importance of Black queer representation in Hollywood writing rooms in the comments.