TV Shows That Gave Us the First Black Lesbian Superhero

Representation in the superhero genre has evolved significantly over the last decade with more diverse characters taking center stage. Television shows have slowly moved away from traditional archetypes to include heroes from various backgrounds and identities. This shift has allowed for nuanced storytelling that explores intersectionality within the world of capes and masks. The arrival of the first Black lesbian superhero on television marked a historic moment for the industry and audiences alike. These series paved the way for this groundbreaking character and expanded the definition of what a hero looks like.

‘Black Lightning’ (2018–2021)

This series features the groundbreaking character Anissa Pierce who operates under the hero name Thunder. She is widely recognized as the first Black lesbian superhero on television and plays a central role in the narrative. Anissa possesses the ability to manipulate density and create shockwaves while balancing her life as a medical student and activist. Her relationship with Grace Choi provides a significant romantic subplot that treats their love with the same weight as any other couple. The show effectively uses her character to explore complex themes of justice and community responsibility in Freeland.

‘Batwoman’ (2019–2022)

Ryan Wilder takes up the mantle of the bat after the disappearance of Kate Kane and brings a new perspective to Gotham City. She is a skilled fighter who rose from a difficult past to become a symbol of hope for the marginalized. Ryan identifies as a lesbian and her journey highlights the challenges faced by Black queer women in a city overrun by crime. The show does not shy away from her identity but rather uses it to inform her decisions and her approach to heroism. Her tenure as the Scarlet Knight proved that anyone can wear the cowl and make it their own.

‘Supergirl’ (2015–2021)

Kelly Olsen is introduced as a former military psychologist who eventually takes on the shield of the Guardian. She is an openly gay Black woman who brings empathy and tactical intelligence to the Superfriends team. Her romance with Alex Danvers is a cornerstone of the later seasons and culminates in a heartwarming wedding and adoption storyline. Kelly uses her skills to fight for those often overlooked by the system and protects National City alongside her superpowered allies. The series consistently champions diversity and allows Kelly to shine as a hero in her own right.

‘Peacemaker’ (2022)

Leota Adebayo joins a black ops squad tasked with eliminating extraterrestrial threats known as Butterflies. She is the daughter of Amanda Waller but struggles to reconcile her kind nature with the ruthless demands of her job. Leota is married to a woman named Keeya and their relationship grounds her amidst the violence and chaos of her mission. She proves her bravery and tactical worth by donning a gravity-defying helmet to save her team during the climax. Her character arc focuses on breaking free from parental expectations to define her own morality.

‘First Kill’ (2022)

Calliope Burns comes from a prestigious lineage of monster hunters who have protected humanity for centuries. She is a Black teenage lesbian who faces the ultimate conflict when she falls in love with a vampire she is supposed to kill. The show blends supernatural action with a romance that places queer women of color at the forefront. Calliope must navigate the rigid expectations of her family while discovering her own path as a warrior. Although it focuses on hunting monsters the series hits many superhero beats regarding duty and secret identities.

‘Gen V’ (2023)

Jordan Li is a supe student at Godolkin University who has the unique ability to shift between a male and female form. The female form is portrayed by a Black actress and the character navigates complex gender dynamics within the high-stakes world of hero training. They are a top-ranked student who fights for recognition in a system that often marginalizes their identity. Jordan engages in a romance with the protagonist Marie Moreau which adds emotional depth to the intense action sequences. The show uses their powers to offer a metaphor for fluidity and the struggle for acceptance.

‘4400’ (2021–2022)

Keisha Taylor is a dedicated parole officer who becomes deeply involved with the mysterious return of missing people. She is a Black lesbian who upholds the law but eventually questions the corrupt systems she works for. Her character brings a grounded sense of heroism to a show filled with superhuman abilities and time travel anomalies. Keisha finds love with one of the returnees which complicates her professional obligations. The reboot places a strong emphasis on Black history and queer identity through her perspective.

‘Willow’ (2022–2023)

Jade is an aspiring knight who embarks on a dangerous quest to save a prince and protect the realm. She is the first female knight of the kingdom and shares a tender romantic relationship with Princess Kit. Jade displays immense skill with a sword and an unwavering sense of duty to her friends and her people. The series treats her identity as a matter of fact while allowing her to be a formidable action hero. Her journey involves choosing between her sworn obligations and the desires of her heart.

‘Star Trek: Picard’ (2020–2023)

Raffi Musiker is a former Starfleet intelligence officer who battles addiction and past trauma while trying to save the galaxy. She is a brilliant tactician who eventually engages in a romance with Seven of Nine. Raffi represents a flawed but resilient hero who fights for justice even when she has been cast out by the institutions she served. The show explores her complex family life and her struggle to find redemption through her heroic actions. Her relationship with Seven adds a significant layer of queer representation to the legendary franchise.

‘Star Trek: Lower Decks’ (2020–Present)

Beckett Mariner is a rebellious ensign who often saves the day despite her disregard for protocol. She is a Black queer woman who is established as one of the most capable officers on her ship. The animated series uses humor to explore her resistance to authority and her deep loyalty to her friends. Mariner references her attraction to multiple genders throughout the show and treats it as a casual part of her life. She subverts the perfect Starfleet officer trope while remaining a true hero at heart.

‘Doctor Who’ (2005–Present)

Bill Potts joined the Twelfth Doctor as a companion and brought a fresh energy to the TARDIS. She was the first openly lesbian companion in the long history of the show and was a Black woman from working-class London. Bill faced Cybermen and Daleks with courage and often served as the moral compass for the Doctor. Her story arc concluded with her transforming into a sentient oil creature and exploring the universe with her love interest. She remains a fan favorite for her inquisitive nature and her brave heart.

‘She-Ra and the Princesses of Power’ (2018–2020)

Netossa is a member of the Rebellion who possesses the power to cast energy nets to trap her enemies. She is a Black woman married to another princess named Spinnerella and they fight side by side. The series showcases their relationship as a stable and loving partnership that anchors the team during chaotic battles. Netossa is tactically minded and often points out the flaws in the plans made by the younger heroes. Her presence ensures that older queer couples are represented in the landscape of animated superhero shows.

‘Steven Universe’ (2013–2019)

Garnet is the physical manifestation of a romantic relationship between two gems named Ruby and Sapphire. She is the leader of the Crystal Gems and is coded as a Black queer woman through her voice actress and design. Garnet possesses immense strength and future vision which she uses to protect the Earth from intergalactic threats. Her entire existence is a celebration of love and she teaches the other characters about the importance of consent and communication. She is an iconic figure in animation who revolutionized representation for younger audiences.

‘The Owl House’ (2020–2023)

Luz Noceda is an Afro-Latina teenager who stumbles into a magical realm and trains to become a witch. She is openly bisexual and her romance with a rival witch named Amity is central to the plot. Luz saves the Boiling Isles from a tyrannical emperor by using her creativity and her unique form of magic. The show is celebrated for its unashamed depiction of a queer protagonist saving the world. Luz proves that kindness and understanding are just as powerful as magical spells.

‘Arcane’ (2021–Present)

Ambessa Medarda is a powerful Noxian warlord and the mother of one of the main characters. She is a fierce warrior who commands respect and is shown enjoying the company of younger men and women. Ambessa arrives in Piltover to secure her family’s legacy and displays ruthless efficiency in combat. While she is an anti-hero she plays a crucial role in the political and physical conflicts of the series. Her character offers a view of a queer woman who is unapologetically dominant and dangerous.

‘Shadowhunters’ (2016–2019)

Maia Roberts is a werewolf who battles demons and navigates the complex politics of the Downworld. She is a Black bisexual woman who rises to become the leader of her pack through strength and determination. Maia often finds herself in the middle of supernatural conflicts but always prioritizes the safety of her people. Her character arc involves overcoming trust issues and finding love in unexpected places. She stands out as a pragmatic and fierce protector in a world filled with magic.

‘True Blood’ (2008–2014)

Tara Thornton begins as a human but eventually becomes a vampire involved in the supernatural wars of Bon Temps. She has a relationship with a female vampire named Pam and their dynamic is one of the most compelling in the later seasons. Tara fights to protect her cousin Sookie and struggles with her new identity as a creature of the night. Her character deals with significant trauma but she constantly rises to fight another day. She brings a gritty resilience to the fantastical elements of the show.

‘Van Helsing’ (2016–2021)

Ivory is a member of the Sisterhood who eventually joins the fight against the Dark One. She is a fierce warrior who is skilled in martial arts and weaponry. Ivory is a Black lesbian who finds romance with another vampire hunter as they travel through the apocalypse. The show allows her to transition from an antagonist to a trusted hero who risks everything for her friends. Her redemption arc is driven by her loyalty and her desire to save humanity.

‘Sense8’ (2015–2018)

Amanita Caplan is the non-sensate partner of Nomi Marks and plays a critical role in saving the cluster. She is a Black queer woman who uses her hacking skills and street smarts to protect her girlfriend from a shadowy organization. Amanita is fiercely loyal and jumps into dangerous situations without hesitation to keep her found family safe. Her character proves that you do not need superpowers to be a hero in a sci-fi story. She represents the grounding force of love amidst telepathic chaos.

‘Yellowjackets’ (2021–Present)

Taissa Turner is a high-achieving survivor of a plane crash who grows up to become a state senator. She is a Black lesbian who navigates a dark and supernatural mystery that threatens to destroy her life. Taissa possesses a ruthless survival instinct that helped her keep her team alive in the wilderness. The show explores the duality of her nature and the lengths she will go to protect her family. She is a complex figure who balances political ambition with a terrifying secret history.

‘Marvel’s Runaways’ (2017–2019)

Xavin is a shape-shifting alien who comes to Earth to fulfill a betrothal but ends up aiding the Runaways. In the series the character often adopts the form of a Black female and identifies as gender-fluid. Xavin possesses immense cosmic powers and uses them to protect the team from their villainous parents. The character challenges the group’s understanding of identity and sacrifice. Xavin ultimately makes a heroic choice to save the person they love from an intergalactic threat.

‘Harley Quinn’ (2019–Present)

Catwoman is voiced by a Black actress and is depicted as a cool and calculated master thief. She is bisexual and maintains an on-and-off relationship with Batman while occasionally assisting Harley’s crew. Selina Kyle operates by her own moral code and often saves the other villains from their own incompetence. The animated series amplifies her confidence and her ability to manipulate any situation to her advantage. She is a stylish anti-hero who refuses to be tied down by anyone.

‘Craig of the Creek’ (2018–Present)

Courtney is one half of the duo known as the Witches of the Creek who practice magic and occult rituals. She is a Black goth teen who is dating her partner Tabitha and they are accepted by the other kids. While their magic is mostly imagination and chemistry they often help Craig on his adventures. The show provides positive representation of a young queer Black girl in an adventurous setting. Courtney uses her “powers” to intimidate bullies and protect the sanctity of the creek.

‘The Walking Dead’ (2010–2022)

Kelly is a survivor who uses a slingshot and her keen senses to protect her group from walkers and humans alike. She is a Black woman who eventually reveals her attraction to women and deals with progressive hearing loss. Kelly is a relentless tracker who never gives up on finding her missing sister Connie. Her character grows from a shy follower into a capable warrior who stands on the front lines. She represents the diverse range of people who find the strength to survive the apocalypse.

‘The Legend of Korra’ (2012–2014)

Korra is the Avatar who commands all four elements and is tasked with maintaining balance in the world. She is a dark-skinned woman from the Water Tribe who ends the series by starting a relationship with Asami Sato. Korra is a physical powerhouse who faces political extremists and spiritual entities with brute strength and growing wisdom. Her final moment confirmed her bisexuality and was a landmark event for queer representation in children’s animation. She saved the world multiple times while discovering her own identity.

‘Q-Force’ (2021)

Deb is a mechanic and spy who is part of a queer intelligence agency in West Hollywood. She is a Black lesbian who is often the most grounded and competent member of the team. Deb uses her technical expertise to create gadgets that help the squad foil international plots. The animated comedy leans into stereotypes only to subvert them by showing Deb’s emotional depth and professional skills. She balances her work life with her devotion to her wife.

‘Utopia’ (2020)

Jessica Hyde is the protagonist of this conspiracy thriller who has been on the run her entire life. She is portrayed by a Black actress in the US remake and is a ruthless survivor searching for her father. Jessica possesses high-level combat skills and a tactical mind that keeps her one step ahead of The Harvest. While her methods are extreme she is driven by a desire to stop a global pandemic. Her character is a gritty action hero who defies traditional gender roles.

‘Watchmen’ (2019)

Will Reeves is revealed to be the legendary Hooded Justice who was the first masked vigilante in this universe. He is a Black man who was forced to hide his race and his sexuality to fight crime in the 1930s. The show explores how his legacy impacts his granddaughter Angela Abar who takes up the mantle of Sister Night. While Will is male his story is the foundation for the Black female heroism seen in the series. His narrative deconstructs the superhero mythos through the lens of racial trauma and hidden identity.

‘Lovecraft Country’ (2020)

Hippolyta Freeman starts as an ignored housewife but embarks on a multidimensional journey of self-discovery. She eventually names herself Orithyia Blue and gains the power to travel through space and time. Hippolyta uses her newfound agency to live multiple lives including one as a warrior in a futuristic society. The show allows her to break free from the constraints of 1950s America and realize her infinite potential. Her transformation is a powerful metaphor for Black female empowerment.

‘The Sandman’ (2022–Present)

Death is one of the Endless and serves as the compassionate guide for souls moving to the afterlife. She is portrayed by a Black actress and radiates a warmth that contrasts with her grim duty. Death is an entity beyond human sexuality but she loves humanity deeply and protects the balance of the universe. She acts as a mentor to her brother Dream and helps him understand the value of mortal life. Her presence is heroic in a spiritual sense as she brings comfort to those in their final moments.

‘The Wheel of Time’ (2021–Present)

Alanna Mosvani is a member of the Green Ajah who are known as the battle faction of the Aes Sedai. She is a Black woman who bonds with two male warders and is in a polyamorous relationship with them. Alanna uses the One Power to fight armies and protect the Dragon Reborn from the forces of the Dark One. She is confident and flashy with her magic while serving as a key defender of her order. Her character offers a unique representation of non-monogamy and female power in fantasy.

‘Interview with the Vampire’ (2022–Present)

Claudia is a vampire turned at a young age who struggles with her eternal youth and her bloodlust. She is played by a Black actress and becomes a lethal predator who challenges her maker’s authority. Claudia is a tragic anti-hero who fights for her independence in a world dominated by male vampires. Her journey involves a quest for belonging and a violent rebellion against those who control her. She brings a fierce and terrifying energy to the gothic horror genre.

‘Black Mirror’ (2011–Present)

The episode San Junipero features Kelly who falls in love with a shy woman named Yorkie in a simulated reality. Kelly is a Black bisexual woman who helps Yorkie accept her true self before they pass away. The story is a rare example of a happy ending in the series and involves the characters choosing to live together in a digital afterlife. Kelly’s choice to stay is a heroic act of love that defies the impermanence of death. The episode is hailed as a masterpiece of sci-fi queer romance.

‘The Acolyte’ (2024)

Vernestra Rwoh is a high-ranking Jedi Master who leads an investigation into a series of murders. She is a disciplined warrior who wields a unique lightwhip and commands respect from her peers. The character has been established as lesbian in the wider canon and is played by a queer actress. Vernestra navigates the political decline of the High Republic while trying to maintain peace. She represents the stoic and powerful female Jedi that fans have long wanted to see in live action.

‘Warrior Nun’ (2020–2022)

Shotgun Mary is a martial artist who fights alongside the Order of the Cruciform Sword despite not being a nun herself. She is a Black woman who prefers firearms and shotguns to deal with demons. Mary acts as a big sister figure to the protagonist and is driven by a desire to find out the truth about a friend’s death. Her character is a fan favorite for her no-nonsense attitude and her fierce loyalty to the sisterhood. She brings a grounded action hero vibe to the supernatural battles.

‘Doom Patrol’ (2019–2023)

Maura Lee Karupt is a sentient cross-dressing street who eventually manifests as a human woman. She helps the Doom Patrol by providing a sanctuary for those who have been cast out by society. Maura is a fierce protector of her community and uses her reality-warping abilities to keep them safe from the Bureau of Normalcy. The character is a celebration of gender non-conformity and the power of found family. She stands as a unique hero who fights with compassion and fabulous parties.

Please share your favorite character from this list in the comments.