25 TV Shows That Gave Us Black Queer Friend Groups Bigger Than Two People

Representation on television has evolved significantly from the days of the solitary token character to fully realized communities. Viewers now see Black queer characters interacting with one another in friendship circles and support systems rather than just existing in isolation. These shows provide a necessary glimpse into the dynamics of Black LGBTQ+ joy and chosen families. From groundbreaking dramas to reality series that celebrate ballroom culture these programs highlight the power of the collective.

‘Noah’s Arc’ (2005–2006)

This groundbreaking series centers on four Black gay men living in Los Angeles as they navigate life and love. Noah and his best friends Alex and Ricky and Chance form a tight-knit circle that supports each other through relationships and career struggles. The show was revolutionary for being the first scripted series to focus entirely on the lives of Black gay men. It offered a rare and authentic look at their specific cultural experiences and friendship dynamics.

‘Pose’ (2018–2021)

The House of Evangelista stands as one of the most powerful depictions of a chosen family in television history. Blanca forms a home for Angel and Damon and other displaced LGBTQ+ youth in the New York ballroom scene. This group relies on one another for survival and affirmation in a world that often rejects them. The series celebrates the deep bonds formed within these houses and the resilience of the Black and Latinx trans community.

‘The Wire’ (2002–2008)

Omar Little operates on the streets of Baltimore with a crew that includes his partners Brandon and Dante. This group challenges the hyper-masculine norms of their environment while adhering to their own strict moral code. The series depicts the genuine affection and loyalty between these men amidst a backdrop of crime and violence. Their relationship dynamic provides a complex layer to the gritty realism of the show.

‘P-Valley’ (2020–Present)

The Pynk strip club serves as a sanctuary managed by the gender-fluid Uncle Clifford. Clifford surrounds herself with a protective circle that includes her partner Lil Murda and various dancers who find safety in her orbit. The show explores the intersection of Black Southern culture and queerness with nuance and care. This community acts as a buffer against the external threats facing their establishment.

‘Queer as Folk’ (2022)

This reimagining of the classic series moves the action to New Orleans with a diverse ensemble cast. Brodie and Mingus and Bussey form a multi-generational web of Black queer connections that anchors the narrative. The show explores how these characters navigate trauma and celebration within their specific local community. Their interactions highlight the differences and similarities between older and younger generations of LGBTQ+ people.

‘Legendary’ (2020–2022)

Houses from the ballroom scene compete in this high-energy reality competition series. Each house consists of a group of five performers who function as a family unit both on and off the dance floor. The show gives a global platform to the artistry and kinship inherent in Black queer ballroom culture. Viewers witness the intense loyalty and collaborative spirit required to succeed in this world.

‘The Prancing Elites Project’ (2015–2016)

Five African American gay and gender-nonconforming dancers form a troupe in Mobile, Alabama. The group faces discrimination and social pushback while pursuing their passion for dance as a united front. Their friendship provides a necessary shield against the conservative environment of the Deep South. The series documents their professional struggles and their unwavering personal support for one another.

‘Empire’ (2015–2020)

Jamal Lyon often finds solace away from his family drama through his own circle of friends and partners. The show depicts his relationships with characters like Michael and D-Major and the musician Tiana. These interactions allow Jamal to express his identity freely outside the shadow of his father. The series consistently integrated these queer dynamics into the high-stakes world of the hip-hop industry.

‘Dear White People’ (2017–2021)

Lionel Higgins starts as a shy student but eventually finds his voice and a community within the university. He uncovers a secret society of queer Black students and staff that has existed for generations. This underground group provides Lionel with historical context and a sense of belonging on a polarized campus. The storyline emphasizes the importance of hidden spaces for marginalized groups.

‘A League of Their Own’ (2022)

Max Chapman discovers a hidden world when she meets her uncle Bertie and his partner Gracie. This introduction leads her to a vibrant community of Black queer people who host private gatherings away from the public eye. The group offers Max the acceptance she struggles to find elsewhere in her segregated society. These scenes beautifully illustrate how queer people of color created safe havens during the 1940s.

‘The Chi’ (2018–Present)

The South Side of Chicago serves as the backdrop for a growing community of Black LGBTQ+ characters. Trig and his partner Imani anchor a storyline that involves their complicated family and friends. The show weaves their experiences into the larger fabric of the neighborhood without isolating them. This representation highlights the everyday normalcy of queer couples within Black communities.

‘Strut’ (2016)

This reality series follows a group of transgender models who are signed to the first exclusively trans modeling agency. The cast members support each other as they navigate the competitive fashion industry and their personal transitions. Their bond is strengthened by their shared experiences as Black and minority trans women. The show focuses on their professional ambitions and their tight-knit sisterhood.

‘Betty’ (2020–2021)

A diverse group of female skateboarders navigates the male-dominated skate scene in New York City. Honeybear and Indigo and their friends form a squad that protects and uplifts one another. The series captures the fluidity of their relationships and the freedom they find in skating together. Their friendship group is a colorful mosaic of different identities and backgrounds.

‘I May Destroy You’ (2020)

Kwame navigates the modern dating scene in London with the support of his best friends Arabella and Terry. While the group has mixed sexualities they function as a single cohesive unit that processes trauma and joy together. Kwame introduces the group to his own circles of gay men during various outings. The show offers a raw look at how friendship circles handle issues of consent and identity.

‘Twenties’ (2020–2021)

Hattie is a masculine-presenting lesbian scriptwriter trying to make it in Hollywood. She navigates her career and dating life with the help of her straight best friends and a circle of queer acquaintances like Idina. The show places a Black queer woman at the center of the narrative as she seeks her tribe. Hattie’s interactions with other queer women add depth to the comedic situations.

‘Insecure’ (2016–2021)

Ahmal serves as a sharp-witted recurring character who often brings his own squad to social events. Viewers see him bantering with a distinct group of Black gay men who provide a different energy to the main cast’s dynamics. This representation acknowledges the existence of specific queer friend groups within the larger social scene of Los Angeles. Ahmal and his friends offer a realistic portrayal of brotherhood and shade.

‘She’s Gotta Have It’ (2017–2019)

Nola Darling identifies as pansexual and maintains a fluid circle of lovers and friends. Her relationships with women like Opal and her interactions with the art world create a queer-inclusive atmosphere. The series updates the original film’s premise to include a broader spectrum of sexual identities. Nola’s world is populated by a diverse range of characters who challenge traditional labels.

‘Good Trouble’ (2019–2024)

Malika Williams explores her identity through polyamory and activism in Los Angeles. She builds a community that includes her partners Dyonte and Angelica and connects with other queer activists. The show treats her relationship structure and her social circle with respect and complexity. This storyline expands the definition of family and partnership on television.

‘My House’ (2018)

This documentary series offers an intimate look at the lives of competitive voguers in New York City. The show follows Tati and Alex and other key figures as they navigate the ballroom scene and the outside world. It highlights the mentorship and friendship that exists between house members. The series serves as a non-fiction counterpart to scripted dramas about the same community.

‘Sex Education’ (2019–2023)

Eric Effiong finds a new sense of belonging in the final season when he connects with a progressive queer group at college. This new circle includes Black and POC members who validate his identity in ways his previous environment could not. The show contrasts his old life with the euphoria of finding a group that truly understands him. These scenes celebrate the relief of finding a community where no explanation is needed.

‘Harlem’ (2021–Present)

Tye is a successful tech entrepreneur who dates women and navigates a complex social life. She often discusses her dating struggles with her close friends and connects with other queer women in the city. The show depicts the specific challenges of being a high-powered Black queer woman in the dating market. Her storyline provides a modern look at professional success and romance.

‘Black Lightning’ (2018–2021)

Anissa Pierce breaks ground as a Black lesbian superhero who fights alongside her family. She finds love and partnership with Grace Choi and builds a support system within the meta-human community. The series integrates her sexuality naturally into her heroic journey and personal life. Her wedding and relationships are treated with the same weight as the other main characters.

‘Fellow Travelers’ (2023)

Marcus and Frankie represent a Black queer couple existing within the rigid constraints of the 1950s. They form a bond that operates in parallel to the white protagonists but with its own unique challenges and community spaces. The show depicts the underground world where Black queer men could socialize and be themselves. Their relationship offers a poignant look at intersectional struggles during the McCarthy era.

‘Master of None’ (2015–2021)

The third season shifts focus entirely to Denise and her wife Alicia. They build a domestic life that includes dinner parties and gatherings with a diverse group of friends. The season is a quiet and intimate portrait of Black lesbian love and friendship. It explores the nuances of fertility and marriage within their specific social circle.

‘All American: Homecoming’ (2022–2024)

Nathaniel serves as a stylist and a vital part of the friend group at an HBCU. She and Keisha form a supportive duo that expands to include other students seeking a safe space. The show addresses the experience of gender-nonconforming students within the context of a Black university. Their friendship highlights the importance of allies and peer support in collegiate environments.

Share your favorite TV friend group from this list in the comments.