Black Trans Actors Completely Shut Out by White Trans Casting

The entertainment industry has made significant strides regarding inclusivity but there remains a glaring disparity in who gets to tell transgender stories. Narratives centering white transgender experiences often receive the bulk of funding and critical attention while Black trans actors face systemic barriers to entry. This imbalance frequently leaves immense talent on the sidelines despite the rich history of Black trans performance. The following list highlights incredible Black trans actors who possess the range and charisma to lead major productions.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox became a household name with her groundbreaking performance as Sophia Burset in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She made history as the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in an acting category. Her extensive filmography includes roles in ‘Promising Young Woman’ and ‘Inventing Anna’ where she displays remarkable versatility. Cox consistently uses her platform to advocate for equal representation and highlights the contributions of trans people of color.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez captivated audiences as the nurturing house mother Blanca Evangelista in the acclaimed drama ‘Pose’. Her powerful portrayal earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series Drama. Rodriguez demonstrates exceptional vocal talent and dramatic range that allow her to command the screen in every scene. She recently joined the cast of ‘Loot’ to showcase her comedic timing alongside established industry veterans.

Dominique Jackson

Dominique Jackson commanded attention with her fierce portrayal of Elektra Abundance in the FX series ‘Pose’. Her modeling background translates into a screen presence that is both regal and intimidatingly powerful. She authored a memoir detailing her journey and the resilience required to navigate the fashion and entertainment industries. Jackson continues to secure roles that utilize her distinct ability to embody characters with complex emotional layers.

Indya Moore

Indya Moore gained critical acclaim for playing Angel Evangelista in ‘Pose’ where they explored the hardships and dreams of a trans sex worker. They started their career in fashion modeling before transitioning into acting with a naturalistic and raw performance style. Moore appeared in ‘Queen & Slim’ and ‘Escape Room: Tournament of Champions’ to prove their capability in action and drama. They remain a vocal advocate for the safety and dignity of marginalized groups within the creative arts.

Angelica Ross

Angelica Ross delivered a heartbreaking performance as Candy in ‘Pose’ before transitioning to a leading role in ‘American Horror Story’. She combines her acting career with technology advocacy as the founder of TransTech Social Enterprises. Ross brings a sharp intelligence and emotional depth to her characters that makes them unforgettable to viewers. Her work in ‘American Horror Story’ displayed her ability to handle horror and suspense with compelling intensity.

Hailie Sahar

Hailie Sahar played the character Lulu in ‘Pose’ and brought a sense of innocence and ambition to the ensemble cast. She previously appeared in ‘Mr. Robot’ and ‘Transparent’ while building a steady resume in television. Sahar also produces music and incorporates her background in the ballroom scene into her artistic identity. Her performances often highlight the nuances of friendship and survival within the LGBTQ community.

Brian Michael Smith

Brian Michael Smith made history as the first out Black trans man in a series regular role on network television. He plays the brave firefighter Paul Strickland on the hit procedural ‘9-1-1: Lone Star’. His character allows for storylines that normalize the trans male experience without making it the sole focus of the narrative. Smith consistently delivers grounded and charismatic performances that resonate with a wide mainstream audience.

Amiyah Scott

Amiyah Scott broke barriers with her role as Cotton in the musical drama series ‘Star’ on Fox. She drew upon her real life experiences in the ballroom community to bring authenticity to her character. Scott utilized social media to build a massive following before transitioning into traditional acting roles. Her presence on network television helped introduce millions of viewers to the realities of trans women of color.

Isis King

Isis King first gained fame as a contestant on ‘America’s Next Top Model’ before pursuing a career in acting. She delivered a poignant performance as Marci Wise in the acclaimed limited series ‘When They See Us’. King brings a vulnerability and grace to her roles that allows audiences to connect deeply with her characters. She continues to work steadily in both television and film projects that prioritize diverse storytelling.

Leyna Bloom

Leyna Bloom made her feature film debut in ‘Port Authority’ which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. She achieved a major milestone as the first trans woman of color to appear on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Her acting style is characterized by a raw honesty that captures the struggles of navigating urban life. Bloom remains a prominent figure in the fashion world while expanding her acting portfolio with indie projects.

Alexandra Grey

Alexandra Grey has built an impressive resume with guest roles on high profile shows like ‘Empire’ and ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. She secured a recurring role in ‘Transparent’ where she played a younger version of the lead character. Grey brings a warm and relatable energy to the screen that makes her an instant standout in ensemble casts. Her work often explores themes of family dynamics and personal identity in modern America.

Ts Madison

Ts Madison leveraged her viral internet fame into a successful career in reality television and scripted acting. She appeared in the film ‘Zola’ where she utilized her larger than life personality to enhance the comedic elements of the story. Madison produced and starred in her own reality series ‘The Ts Madison Experience’ to showcase her business acumen. She continues to break boundaries by demanding space for loud and unapologetic Black trans women.

Peppermint

Peppermint became the first openly trans woman to originate a principal role on Broadway in the musical ‘Head Over Heels’. She gained initial fame as a runner up on ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ where she displayed immense charisma and polish. Her acting credits include the show ‘God Friended Me’ and various digital series. Peppermint combines her musical theatre training with on screen acting to deliver versatile and engaging performances.

Laith Ashley

Laith Ashley is a model and actor who has appeared in music videos and television series. He was featured in the reality show ‘Strut’ which followed the lives of trans models breaking into the fashion industry. Ashley brings a brooding intensity and physical presence to his roles that appeals to casting directors. He continues to advocate for the visibility of trans men in media through his artistic endeavors.

Jari Jones

Jari Jones is a multidisciplinary artist who works as an actress and model and filmmaker. She gained significant attention for her campaign with Calvin Klein and her role in the film ‘Port Authority’. Jones utilizes her platform to challenge traditional beauty standards and advocate for body positivity within the industry. Her performances are marked by a joyful defiance and a commanding screen presence.

Ahya Simone

Ahya Simone is a harpist and filmmaker who created and starred in the digital series ‘Treasure’. Her web series focuses on the narratives of Black trans women in Detroit and received critical praise for its authenticity. Simone combines her classical music training with a modern storytelling sensibility. She represents a new wave of creators who write and direct their own vehicles to ensure accurate representation.

Shea Couleé

Shea Couleé is a drag superstar who has successfully crossed over into serious acting roles. They were recently cast in the Marvel Cinematic Universe series ‘Ironheart’ in a confidential role. Couleé demonstrates exceptional range in performance art and fashion that translates well to scripted television. Their inclusion in a major superhero franchise marks a significant step forward for Black gender nonconforming talent.

Please share your thoughts on which of these actors you would like to see in a leading blockbuster role in the comments.