Best Lesbian African American Actresses of All Time
Representation on screen has grown because of performers who live authentically and keep delivering memorable work. This list spotlights African American actresses who have publicly identified as gay or lesbian, or who have shared their same-sex partnerships, alongside their achievements across film, TV, and comedy. Each profile highlights breakout roles, awards, and creative milestones, plus advocacy and behind-the-scenes contributions that continue to shape the industry.
You will find multi-hyphenates who write, produce, and direct in addition to acting, comedians who built careers on stage before breaking into television, and dramatic leads who anchored milestone series. From Emmy winners to boundary-pushing independents, they have expanded opportunities for others while building bodies of work that audiences return to again and again.
Wanda Sykes
Wanda Sykes built a prolific screen career with roles in projects like ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm,’ ‘Black-ish,’ and ‘The Upshaws’ while maintaining a steady slate of stand-up specials and voice work in animated films and series. She transitioned from a behind-the-scenes writing career into on-camera roles, earning Primetime Emmy recognition and becoming a fixture across network and streaming platforms. Her filmography mixes comedy and family titles with sharp guest spots, keeping her present in multiple formats every year.
She publicly shared her marriage to Alex Niedbalski and has used major stages to speak about equality and LGBTQ rights. Sykes regularly performs at benefits, contributes to campaigns that encourage voter participation, and supports organizations focused on civil rights. Her production work also places LGBTQ performers and storylines in mainstream spaces, ensuring inclusive casting and creative teams are part of each project’s foundation.
Samira Wiley
Samira Wiley’s breakthrough came with ‘Orange Is the New Black,’ followed by a pivotal role in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ that brought Emmy recognition. She has moved between streaming dramas, independent films, and voice roles, building a résumé that includes stage appearances and guest arcs on prestige television. Wiley’s training and range made her a sought-after performer for complex supporting roles that influence the direction of an ensemble.
Wiley has spoken openly about her relationship and marriage to writer-producer Lauren Morelli. She participates in panels and industry programs centered on LGBTQ inclusion, mentorship, and safer sets. Through public conversations and partnerships with advocacy groups, she highlights workplace practices that expand opportunity, and she frequently returns to projects that foreground stories about incarceration, bodily autonomy, and community resilience.
Raven-Symoné
Raven-Symoné transitioned from child stardom to adult projects with ‘That’s So Raven’ and its revival ‘Raven’s Home,’ taking on starring and producing duties. Her screen work spans sitcoms, TV movies, and guest appearances that keep her visible across family programming and unscripted formats. As a producer, she helps shape storylines and character arcs that reflect contemporary audiences.
She has publicly discussed her marriage to Miranda Maday and speaks about privacy, boundaries, and sustainable careers in entertainment. Raven-Symoné often participates in youth-focused initiatives and industry education programs, emphasizing creative ownership for young performers. Her current projects continue to pair acting with executive roles, ensuring inclusive staffing and opportunities for emerging talent.
Lena Waithe
Lena Waithe gained wide attention as a performer and writer on ‘Master of None’ and expanded her screen presence with roles across comedy and drama. She frequently appears in projects she also develops, linking on-camera work with producing pipelines that launch new voices. Her acting choices complement a broader slate that includes festival titles and anthology series.
Waithe has been open about her identity and uses production companies, fellowships, and partnerships to support LGBTQ storytellers of color. She backs incubators that fund pilots and short films, builds writers rooms with inclusive hiring, and champions directors through first-look deals. Her efforts have created recurring opportunities for actors across her series while normalizing queer narratives in mainstream television.
Felicia Pearson
Felicia Pearson became widely known for ‘The Wire,’ later adding film and television credits that include crime dramas, reality series appearances, and music video cameos. She has brought authenticity to gritty roles and leveraged her life story to deliver memorable performances that remain part of the show’s legacy. Subsequent projects have kept her connected to both scripted and unscripted formats.
Pearson has spoken publicly about her sexuality and supports programs for youth mentorship and reentry resources. She participates in community events, collaborates with nonprofits, and uses public appearances to discuss pathways into legitimate work through the arts. Her visibility helps connect at-risk youth with training opportunities in production and performance.
Jasika Nicole
Jasika Nicole’s television work includes ‘Fringe,’ ‘The Good Doctor,’ and guest roles that highlight her versatility across procedural, sci-fi, and medical drama. She has voice credits in animation and audio fiction, plus stage performances that showcase her background in theater. Nicole’s steady presence in ensemble casts has made her a recognizable face in long-running network series.
She has discussed her marriage to artist Claire Savage and often addresses intersectionality, creativity, and craft. Nicole engages with fan communities at conventions and supports LGBTQ-inclusive arts spaces, donating artwork and participating in fundraisers. She also shares process notes on sewing and design, connecting crafts with wellness and creative sustainability.
AzMarie Livingston
AzMarie Livingston moved from modeling and music into acting with roles in ‘Empire’ and independent features. She has continued to balance screen work with performances and creative collaborations that include short-form projects and music releases. Her credits reflect a cross-disciplinary approach that keeps her active in both fashion and film.
Livingston has shared her relationships and speaks about authenticity, image, and ownership in the entertainment business. She mentors emerging artists through workshops, highlights contract literacy for performers navigating multiple industries, and collaborates with creatives to amplify LGBTQ visibility. Her path illustrates how modeling, music, and acting can reinforce one another in a single career.
Brittani Nichols
Brittani Nichols acts in television and web projects while also writing and producing for major network comedies. Her on-screen appearances often align with writers room roles that give her influence over character development and episode structure. She brings experience from sketch and digital series to primetime formats.
Nichols has been publicly out for years and advocates for labor rights and LGBTQ inclusion in writers rooms. She participates in union actions, speaks on panels about equitable compensation, and supports mentorship for Black queer creatives. Her dual perspective as performer and producer helps maintain inclusive casting and authentic storylines.
Da Brat
Da Brat’s screen credits include guest roles in sitcoms, feature cameos, and reality series that track her life and work. She parlayed her music career into television appearances and acting gigs that expanded her audience beyond recording. Her projects often blend performance with personal storytelling.
She has publicly shared her relationship and marriage to Jesseca Dupart and appears on shows that document family and entrepreneurship. Da Brat supports community initiatives tied to music education and women’s health, partnering with organizations to fund scholarships and outreach. Her television presence continues alongside hosting and radio work.
Gina Yashere
Gina Yashere moved from stand-up circuits to acting and co-creating roles on American television, including a key position on ‘Bob Hearts Abishola.’ She appears on panel shows, late-night programs, and scripted comedies, bringing international experience to U.S. screens. Her acting work benefits from years of touring and festival performances.
Yashere has long been open about her sexuality and often addresses immigration, race, and LGBTQ life in interviews and specials. She mentors comics, develops writers through room placements, and helps cast immigrant and first-generation characters authentically. Her production role ensures that inclusive stories progress from pitch to broadcast.
Sam Jay
Sam Jay’s career includes stand-up specials, a stint in a major sketch-comedy writers room, and acting in ensemble comedies. She co-created and starred in a scripted series while continuing to appear as a guest in television shows and films. Her on-screen roles frequently intersect with her work behind the camera.
Jay has discussed her long-term partnership and uses her platforms to talk about housing, community resources, and LGBTQ spaces. She collaborates with other creators to produce projects that hire diverse crews and talent. Her festival appearances and tours often include conversations with local organizations about safer venues and employment pipelines.
Amandla Stenberg
Amandla Stenberg’s filmography spans studio franchises and prestige television, with notable turns in dramas, coming-of-age films, and genre projects. They continue to take lead and ensemble roles that travel through global festivals and streaming launches. Stenberg’s training includes music and writing, which informs character choices across formats.
They have publicly identified as gay and have discussed identity, pronouns, and representation in extensive interviews. Stenberg supports youth programs focused on media literacy and partners with organizations that elevate underrepresented filmmakers. Their press tours regularly foreground inclusive storytelling and ethical production practices.
Rutina Wesley
Rutina Wesley gained widespread attention with ‘True Blood’ and later anchored ‘Queen Sugar’ across multiple seasons. Her screen work includes independent films and guest spots that emphasize character-driven drama. Wesley’s presence in long-running series has helped stabilize casts while supporting emerging directors through episode arcs.
She has shared her engagement to a woman and discusses self-definition and privacy in public forums. Wesley participates in initiatives that connect actors with directing apprenticeships and supports programs that train below-the-line crew. Her advocacy centers on equitable hiring and pathways for talent from theater and regional markets.
Niecy Nash-Betts
Niecy Nash-Betts expanded from comedy into acclaimed dramatic work with limited series and feature films, while continuing to lead shows like ‘Claws.’ She frequently serves as a producer on projects she headlines, helping to set tone and casting for large ensembles. Her career includes hosting, guest judging, and festival juries.
Nash-Betts publicly married musician Jessica Betts and speaks about love, autonomy, and creative freedom. She supports organizations focused on survivors’ advocacy and community health, hosting fundraisers and awareness campaigns. Her recent projects have included partnerships that prioritize inclusive writers rooms and opportunities for first-time directors.
Queen Latifah
Queen Latifah’s acting career spans ‘Living Single,’ leading roles in films across action, musical, and drama, and a return to episodic television with ‘The Equalizer.’ She has earned major award recognition and remains a bankable star with producing leverage. Her production banner develops projects across film and TV.
Latifah has thanked and acknowledged her partner and family in major televised moments and supports initiatives that fund housing, education, and arts programs. She backs scholarships and community health campaigns, working with nonprofits that serve women and LGBTQ youth. Her executive roles ensure consistent opportunities for crews and casts that reflect the audience.
Kiersey Clemons
Kiersey Clemons built early momentum with ‘Dope’ and expanded into studio franchises and streaming features. She balances indie dramas with genre films, appearing in ensembles that travel through festival circuits. Her credits include music collaborations and voice roles that keep her active across media.
Clemons has shared that she identifies as queer and supports projects that broaden representation for LGBTQ characters. She participates in film-education workshops, mentors young actors, and works with organizations that provide access to set internships. Her choices often align with teams that prioritize inclusive storytelling and crew diversity.
Tessa Thompson
Tessa Thompson’s career includes acclaimed indies and franchise entries, moving between ‘Dear White People,’ festival darlings, and action epics. She takes on producing duties and develops material with directors across multiple projects, bringing consistency to collaborations. Thompson’s roles range from intimate dramas to blockbuster ensembles.
She has discussed being attracted to multiple genders and uses her platform to support LGBTQ and racial justice organizations. Thompson collaborates with fellow artists on campaigns that highlight mental health, civic participation, and arts education. Her production relationships have opened doors for writers and directors from underrepresented backgrounds.
Sydnee Washington
Sydnee Washington appears in scripted comedies and digital series alongside a robust stand-up career and hosting duties. She has toured nationally, released taped specials, and booked acting roles that capitalize on her timing and character work. Her screen appearances include guest parts that bridge sketch and narrative formats.
Washington has been open about her sexuality and partners with festivals and nonprofits that support queer youth. She leads workshops on writing for performance, helps newer comics develop short films, and actively participates in fundraisers for community centers. Her projects often include diverse teams that bring new voices onto sets.
Punkie Johnson
Punkie Johnson joined a long-running network sketch show and has since added acting credits in sitcoms and streaming series. She brings club experience to characters that translate well in scripted formats and live television. Johnson’s touring schedule keeps her connected to audiences while she builds her screen résumé.
She has long been open about her identity and collaborates with organizations that promote LGBTQ visibility in entertainment. Johnson participates in showcases that introduce casting directors to emerging queer talent and supports initiatives that improve working conditions for performers. Her work helps pipeline stand-ups into television and film.
Alexandra Shipp
Alexandra Shipp’s screen work includes musical biopics, franchise features, and romantic dramas, with performances that span studio and independent projects. She continues to add television roles and festival entries, maintaining a steady presence across platforms. Shipp’s training in music supports roles that require performance versatility.
She publicly shared that she is part of the LGBTQ community and speaks about creative confidence and mental health. Shipp supports mentorship programs for young women in film, participates in industry panels about inclusive casting, and collaborates on projects that give first-time filmmakers access to professional crews. Her recent releases keep her active in both dramatic and genre spaces.
Janelle Monáe
Janelle Monáe built an acting portfolio that moves from festival indies to studio features with performances in titles such as ‘Hidden Figures,’ ‘Moonlight,’ and ‘Glass Onion.’ She balances screen work with music releases and lends her voice to animation while taking roles that travel through awards seasons and global premieres. Her production collaborations keep her connected to filmmakers who build ambitious ensembles and long term creative partnerships.
She has spoken publicly about being part of the LGBTQ community and uses tours, interviews, and philanthropic partnerships to support inclusive arts education. Monáe funds programs that connect young creators with equipment, mentors, and showcase opportunities. She also backs initiatives that improve hiring practices so crews and casts better reflect audiences.
Javicia Leslie
Javicia Leslie stepped into lead television roles with ‘Batwoman’ and expanded her range with procedurals, romances, and holiday features. She appears across network and streaming platforms and often performs action heavy scenes that anchor an episode’s momentum. Her résumé includes short films and independent projects that keep her present at festivals and fan conventions.
Leslie has shared that she identifies as bisexual and engages with organizations that promote safe sets, fair contracts, and mentorship for stunt performers. She participates in panels that outline career paths for actors transitioning from web series to primetime. Her outreach highlights audition preparation and wellness resources that help performers sustain long productions.
Sasha Lane
Sasha Lane debuted with ‘American Honey’ and went on to roles in ‘The Miseducation of Cameron Post,’ ‘Hellboy,’ and series work that includes psychological thrillers and dramas. She chooses projects that pair emerging directors with veteran crews and often returns to independent productions between studio releases. Lane’s filmography spans supporting roles and leads that premiere at major festivals.
Lane has been open about her sexuality and collaborates with organizations that provide mental health resources for young artists. She supports programs that fund short films by first time directors and participates in workshops about navigating contracts. Her public conversations emphasize artist led development and community support systems.
Jasmin Savoy Brown
Jasmin Savoy Brown has built momentum with ‘Yellowjackets,’ the ‘Scream’ franchise, and voice roles in interactive and animated projects. She combines prestige television with commercial features and appears at genre conventions that connect productions with fan communities. Her training in music supports roles that require performance beyond dialogue.
Brown has discussed identifying as queer and partners with nonprofits that promote media literacy among teens. She helps organize table reads and labs that give early career writers professional feedback. Her outreach includes fundraising events that link scholarships to on set internships for students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Tawny Cypress
Tawny Cypress adds gravitas to ensemble dramas with credits across ‘Yellowjackets,’ ‘Heroes,’ and other network series. She moves between thrillers and character driven stories while maintaining a steady presence in guest arcs that expand a show’s world. Cypress also appears in independent films that prioritize location shoots and regional crews.
She has shared that she identifies as bisexual and engages with arts organizations that provide low cost training for actors. Cypress supports workshops that demystify audition tapes, union paperwork, and agents agreements. Her advocacy centers on durable careers that combine television, stage, and film work.
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor’s career includes acclaimed performances in ‘When They See Us,’ ‘King Richard,’ and historical dramas that require rigorous research. She often works with directors over multiple projects and balances leading roles with ensembles that film across the United States and abroad. Her stage background informs screen work that favors layered character building.
Ellis-Taylor has spoken about identifying as bisexual and uses her platform to support literacy programs and regional theater. She backs community spaces that commission new plays and provide acting classes for young people. Her partnerships also highlight equitable funding for productions led by women and LGBTQ creatives.
Jojo T. Gibbs
Jojo T. Gibbs broke out with ‘Twenties’ and continued with guest roles and features that leverage comedic timing and grounded drama. She collaborates with indie filmmakers on short form work and appears in podcasts and audio fiction that showcase voice performance. Gibbs maintains a presence at festivals and industry showcases that spotlight new series.
Gibbs identifies as queer and mentors emerging performers through workshops focused on self taping, contract basics, and building a reel. She supports programs that connect writers with actors for scene labs and staged readings. Her community work emphasizes sustainable career planning for artists outside major hubs.
Laci Mosley
Laci Mosley brings improv and sketch experience to sitcoms, reboots, and film cameos while hosting popular audio projects. She appears across streaming platforms and contributes to ensemble casts that mix veteran stars with first time series regulars. Her comedic background supports punchy guest turns that become recurring roles.
Mosley has shared that she is bisexual and works with organizations that promote digital safety and anti harassment resources for performers. She helps produce showcases that feature Black queer comedians and actors for casting directors. Her outreach includes seminars on contract literacy for podcast to television transitions.
Nicole Byer
Nicole Byer’s acting spans sitcoms, animation, and guest appearances while anchoring long running hosting duties that introduced her to international audiences. She builds characters that complement her stand up and podcast work and routinely develops pilots with comedy partners. Byer’s screen roles include voice performances for family series and adult animation.
Byer has said she is bisexual and supports charities that provide housing and food access for LGBTQ youth. She organizes benefits that direct funds to community centers and crisis hotlines. Her industry efforts include pairing new writers with mentors to accelerate pathways into staffed rooms.
Teyana Taylor
Teyana Taylor transitioned from music into acting with roles in ‘Coming 2 America,’ ‘A Thousand and One,’ and television projects that showcase dance and dramatic range. She takes on fashion and choreography work that feeds performance centric parts and appears in campaigns that overlap with film promotions. Taylor’s credits include producing and creative direction on visual albums that inform screen aesthetics.
Taylor has discussed being part of the LGBTQ community and supports youth arts programs that provide studio space and instruction. She collaborates with brands to fund scholarships in dance, cinematography, and costume design. Her projects often hire emerging talent for behind the scenes roles that lead to union eligibility.
Angelica Ross
Angelica Ross gained recognition with ‘Pose’ and ‘American Horror Story,’ bringing a tech savvy entrepreneurial background to screen work. She continues to act in features and limited series while speaking at conferences about bridging creative and technical careers. Ross also writes and produces projects that center community resilience.
She is an out trans woman who advocates for trans inclusive hiring and training pipelines that lead to stable union jobs. Ross partners with organizations that teach coding and production skills to LGBTQ youth. Her efforts connect participants with apprenticeships that transition into full time roles on sets and in post production.
Indya Moore
Indya Moore’s acting includes ‘Pose’ and feature appearances that combine fashion, activism, and performance. They model for global campaigns and bring that visual language to screen roles that emphasize presence and movement. Moore participates in anthology projects and music videos that experiment with form.
Moore identifies as nonbinary and queer and supports initiatives that provide legal aid and housing resources for LGBTQ people. They speak about safety planning for public figures and strategies for healthier sets. Moore’s collaborations often include training for crew members from marginalized communities.
Dominique Jackson
Dominique Jackson became widely known through ‘Pose’ and expanded into reality and documentary formats that track her modeling and advocacy. She appears in projects that bridge runway, television, and philanthropic work and participates in global Pride events. Jackson’s screen presence benefits from years of performance in ballroom culture.
She is a trans woman who speaks about dignity, employment, and healthcare access while partnering with international organizations. Jackson supports safe shelter programs and services for LGBTQ asylum seekers. Her public work highlights the importance of paid apprenticeships that build professional credits.
Trace Lysette
Trace Lysette’s credits include ‘Transparent,’ ‘Hustlers,’ and independent films that world premiere at major festivals. She often collaborates with directors who prioritize character studies and brings a grounded approach to dramatic roles. Lysette’s experience spans television guest arcs and feature leads.
She is a trans woman who advocates for fair casting and inclusive benefits for crew members. Lysette mentors actors through scene study groups and helps connect trans performers with agents and managers. Her outreach focuses on practical tools like contract templates and set etiquette guides.
Amiyah Scott
Amiyah Scott gained attention on ‘Star’ and followed with guest roles and appearances that blend music, fashion, and acting. She participates in documentaries and specials that trace the evolution of representation in television. Scott also builds digital series that foreground beauty and performance.
She is a trans woman who supports community clinics and scholarship funds for LGBTQ students pursuing media careers. Scott speaks about brand partnerships that respect creators’ boundaries and values. Her collaborations bring visibility to inclusive makeup and costume teams on sets.
Hailie Sahar
Hailie Sahar’s work on ‘Pose’ and subsequent projects includes music releases and stage performances that complement screen roles. She engages with festivals and live events that connect audiences with the history of ballroom culture. Sahar’s filmography continues to grow with independent features and guest spots.
She is a trans woman who works with organizations providing health services, legal support, and arts training. Sahar helps design workshops that cover audition preparation and self produced content planning. Her outreach encourages creators to leverage community spaces for rehearsals and screenings.
Cynthia Erivo
Cynthia Erivo has built a transatlantic career with ‘Harriet,’ ‘Widows,’ and large scale musicals, adding television limited series and animation to her credits. She often records soundtracks and performs live ahead of major releases. Erivo’s stage success informs screen roles that require stamina and vocal precision.
She has spoken publicly about being part of the LGBTQ community and supports programs that fund music and theater education. Erivo collaborates with institutions that provide rehearsal rooms and instrument access for students. Her advocacy includes masterclasses that demystify audition processes for musical films.
Keke Palmer
Keke Palmer’s acting ranges from ‘Akeelah and the Bee’ to ‘Hustlers’ and ‘Nope,’ along with hosting and voice roles that keep her present across formats. She produces digital series and short films that showcase emerging creators and regularly records music tied to screen projects. Palmer’s versatility sustains a steady slate of releases each year.
Palmer has discussed being part of the LGBTQ community and supports initiatives that connect young performers with mental health resources. She partners with nonprofits on media literacy programs and career workshops. Her efforts emphasize safe workplaces and skills that help talent move from child roles to adult careers.
Nicole Maines
Nicole Maines joined superhero television with ‘Supergirl’ and expanded into features and guest roles that explore coming of age and genre storytelling. She appears at fan conventions and participates in panels that delve into writing and performance choices. Maines also consults on scripts to strengthen character authenticity.
She is a trans woman who advocates for legal protections, school safety, and healthcare access for LGBTQ youth. Maines collaborates with organizations that provide pro bono legal support and educational toolkits for families. Her industry work promotes inclusive casting and respectful production practices.
Tell us who you would add to this list and which performances stood out most to you in the comments.