20 TV Shows That Cast Black Trans Actors in Cis Roles (And It Worked)

For years, transgender actors were almost exclusively cast to play transgender characters, often in narratives centered solely on their transition or trauma. A significant shift has occurred in the television landscape as casting directors begin to recognize that talent transcends gender identity. Black trans actors are increasingly securing roles written for cisgender characters or roles where their gender history is incidental to the story. This progress not only expands career opportunities for these performers but also enriches the storytelling with diverse talent. The following television series demonstrate successful instances of Black trans actors embodying cisgender or gender-unspecified roles.

‘Loot’ (2022–Present)

In this Apple TV+ comedy, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez stars alongside Maya Rudolph as Sofia Salinas, the stern and dedicated executive director of a non-profit foundation. The character is written as a cisgender woman who serves as a grounded, professional foil to Rudolph’s out-of-touch billionaire protagonist. Sofia’s storylines focus on her career ambitions, her management style, and her developing romantic life without any reference to a transgender history. Rodriguez delivers a sharp, commanding performance that cements her status as a versatile leading lady in mainstream comedy.

‘Inventing Anna’ (2022)

Laverne Cox portrays Kacy Duke, a celebrity fitness trainer and life coach who becomes entangled in the web of lies spun by Anna Sorokin. Based on a real-life cisgender woman, the role required Cox to embody Duke’s specific mannerisms, professional philosophy, and protective nature over her friends. The narrative focuses on Kacy’s role as a moral compass within Anna’s social circle rather than exploring the actor’s gender identity. Cox’s performance captures the essence of the real Kacy Duke, proving her ability to step into biographical roles of cisgender figures seamlessly.

‘American Horror Story: 1984’ (2019)

Angelica Ross joined the anthology series in its ninth season to play Donna Chambers, a psychologist obsessed with understanding the minds of serial killers. Donna is a cisgender woman whose complex arc involves scientific ambition, moral ambiguity, and survival in a slasher-movie setting. Her backstory and motivations are rooted in her professional drive and family history, with no element of the character written as transgender. Ross brings a chilling intensity to the role, effectively driving much of the season’s twist-filled plot.

‘Blue Bloods’ (2010–2024)

Before he was widely known for his trans advocacy, Brian Michael Smith appeared in this long-running police procedural as Officer Buckley and other uniformed officers in multiple episodes. These roles were written as cisgender male police officers who assist the main characters in their investigations. Smith played these parts with the authoritative presence and physicality required of New York law enforcement characters. His work on the series stands as an early example of a trans man successfully working in stealth cisgender roles on network television.

‘American Gods’ (2017–2021)

Dominique Jackson appeared in the third season of this fantasy drama as an incarnation of Ms. World, a powerful deity. While the character of World shifts forms, Jackson portrays a glamorous, high-femme manifestation who exudes authority and menace. The role leverages Jackson’s commanding screen presence and ballroom elegance to depict a supernatural entity rather than a human trans woman. Her performance emphasizes power dynamics and divine manipulation, fitting perfectly into the show’s mythological landscape.

‘The Blacklist’ (2013–2023)

Laverne Cox guest-starred as Dr. Laken Perillos, a ruthless interrogation specialist known for her ability to inflict pain without leaving physical marks. The character is a formidable antagonist and a cisgender woman whose identity is defined by her sadism and intellect. The script treats her simply as a dangerous blacklister, allowing Cox to play a villainous archetype often reserved for cisgender actors. Her portrayal is terrifying and composed, focusing entirely on the character’s menacing profession.

‘Girls’ (2012–2017)

In the fourth season of this HBO series, Brian Michael Smith secured a speaking role as a police officer who interacts with the main cast. The character is a standard cisgender cop, representing the authority figures that the show’s protagonists often clash with. Smith obtained this role and others like it by auditioning for male parts without disclosing his trans history, effectively proving he could read as a cisgender man on screen. This performance contributed to his resume of playing traditional masculine roles before his public coming out.

‘American Horror Story: Double Feature’ (2021)

Returning to the franchise, Angelica Ross played The Chemist, a brilliant but unethical scientist responsible for creating a pill that unlocks talent at a high cost. The character is a cisgender woman depicted as a cold, calculating mastermind who prioritizes data over human life. Ross delivers a stoic and intellectual performance, anchoring the chaotic events of the “Red Tide” segment. The role highlights her capability to play highly technical and villainous characters where gender identity is irrelevant to the plot.

‘Chicago P.D.’ (2014–Present)

Brian Michael Smith continued his streak of law enforcement roles by appearing as Roland Garrett in this gritty NBC drama. Garrett is a cisgender man involved in a storyline that tests the morals of the show’s intelligence unit. The role demanded a performance grounded in the tough, realistic tone of the Dick Wolf universe. Smith’s portrayal seamlessly blended with the ensemble of cisgender male actors, further establishing his credibility in dramatic procedural roles.

‘The Mindy Project’ (2012–2017)

Laverne Cox appeared in this romantic comedy series as Sheena, a confident and stylish cousin who offers makeover advice to the protagonist. Sheena is presented as a cisgender woman who works in the beauty industry and serves as a source of inspiration for Mindy. The character’s storyline revolves around fashion, confidence, and family dynamics, devoid of any “transition” narrative. Cox’s comedic timing and bright energy allowed her to inhabit a lighthearted, everyday role that normalized her presence in the sitcom genre.

‘Homeland’ (2011–2020)

In the political thriller’s later seasons, Brian Michael Smith was cast as EMT Nate, a first responder caught in the show’s high-stakes tension. The character is a cisgender male medical professional who performs his duties during a crisis. Smith’s performance is understated and professional, fulfilling the functional requirements of the role within the action-heavy plot. This credit added to his portfolio of playing blue-collar American men, reinforcing the fact that trans men can authentically portray cisgender male experiences.

‘Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce’ (2014–2018)

Laverne Cox played Adele Northrop, a war veteran and early friend of the main character, in this Bravo dramedy. The role was significant as it portrayed Cox as a cisgender woman with a background in the armed forces, dealing with PTSD and complex social reintegration. The character’s struggles were focused on her trauma and her relationships, not her gender identity. This casting choice allowed Cox to explore dramatic territory typically gated off from trans actresses.

‘Gossip Girl’ (2007–2012)

Early in his career, Brian Michael Smith appeared in the original run of this teen drama as a delivery man. It was a minor, functional role written for a cisgender male, which Smith booked based on his ability to pass and perform. While the part was small, it represents the type of “everyman” roles that are essential for building an acting resume. Smith’s presence in such a high-profile show as a cisgender character marked an invisible but important milestone in his career trajectory.

‘Person of Interest’ (2011–2016)

Brian Michael Smith guest-starred as a patrolman in this sci-fi crime drama, adding another law enforcement credit to his name. The role was that of a standard cisgender police officer operating within the show’s surveillance-heavy world. Smith’s ability to consistently book these roles highlights a disconnect between industry assumptions and reality, as he successfully played cis men for years. His performance was seamless, serving the narrative without drawing attention to his personal identity.

‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’ (1999–Present)

Adding to his extensive list of procedural credits, Brian Michael Smith played a construction worker in a specific episode of this NBC staple. The character was a cisgender blue-collar worker interviewed by detectives during an investigation. These types of roles require actors to project a specific type of masculine authenticity, which Smith delivered without issue. His recurring presence in the Law & Order universe in different capacities underscores his versatility and reliability as an actor playing cisgender men.

‘The Detour’ (2016–2019)

In this TBS comedy series, Brian Michael Smith played a firefighter, leaning into the physical comedy and chaotic nature of the show. The character was a cisgender first responder who interacts with the family during one of their many mishaps. Comedy requires a different kind of timing and presence than procedural dramas, and Smith successfully adapted to the genre. The role was entirely incidental to gender, focusing instead on the situational humor of the scene.

‘Seven Seconds’ (2018)

Brian Michael Smith appeared as a Sheriff’s Deputy in this intense Netflix crime drama exploring racial tensions and police corruption. The role was a serious, dramatic part written for a cisgender male officer involved in the grim proceedings of the plot. Smith held his own against a backdrop of heavy, emotional storytelling. This performance further solidified his archetype as a figure of authority and law enforcement in gritty television landscapes.

‘Faking It’ (2014–2016)

Laverne Cox guest-starred as Margot, the demanding and over-the-top director of the high school drama club. Margot is a cisgender woman who serves as a comedic mentor figure to the students, focused entirely on the theatrical arts. The character is flamboyant and authoritative, providing Cox a chance to display her comedic chops in a teen sitcom environment. The role was refreshing as it allowed her to play a character defined by her profession and personality quirks rather than a marginalized identity.

‘God Friended Me’ (2018–2020)

Peppermint, a trans woman and former Drag Race runner-up, secured a recurring role in this CBS drama as a pastor and community leader. The character is a cisgender woman who plays a supportive role within the community, offering guidance and stability. It was a groundbreaking casting choice for network television, placing a black trans woman in a role of religious and moral authority. Peppermint portrayed the character with warmth and dignity, seamlessly fitting into the show’s uplifting tone.

‘Red Oaks’ (2014–2017)

Brian Michael Smith appeared as a choir member in this Amazon Prime period comedy set in the 1980s. The role was a background character written as a cisgender man, contributing to the ensemble atmosphere of the country club setting. While a minor part, it demonstrates the breadth of work available to actors when casting directors are open to talent regardless of gender history. Smith’s participation helped flesh out the world of the show, proving that trans actors can inhabit any time period or setting.

We’d love to hear which of these performances surprised you the most; let us know your thoughts in the comments.