20 Youngest Black LGBTQ+ Actors

These rising and midcareer performers are bringing fresh talent and visibility to screens and stages around the world. Each entry highlights where you have seen them, the roles that made a difference, and the projects that continue to build their momentum. From prestige TV to blockbuster franchises and Broadway, they are shaping what on screen representation looks like right now.

Justice Smith

Justice Smith broke out with lead roles in ‘The Get Down’ and ‘Paper Towns’ before starring in major franchises with ‘Jurassic World’ and ‘Detective Pikachu’. He earned strong notices in ‘All the Bright Places’ and ‘Sharper’ for grounded performances that balanced charm with intensity. On television he led the ensemble in ‘Genera+ion’ and later headlined ‘I Saw the TV Glow’. He has spoken openly about being queer while continuing to choose varied roles across film and streaming.

Jeremy Pope

Jeremy Pope moved from acclaimed Broadway turns in ‘Choir Boy’ and ‘Ain’t Too Proud’ to screen work in ‘Hollywood’ and ‘The Inspection’. His performance in ‘The Inspection’ drew major award nominations and positioned him as a powerful leading man. He returned to the stage with high profile productions while developing new film projects. Pope is openly gay and has become known for roles that carry emotional weight and precision.

Keiynan Lonsdale

Keiynan Lonsdale gained global attention as Wally West in ‘The Flash’ and as Bram in ‘Love, Simon’. He followed up with roles in ‘Work It’ and ‘Weetzie Bat’ while releasing music that expanded his creative range. Lonsdale has been vocal about being queer and about the importance of inclusive storytelling. He continues to balance dance, music, and acting across projects in the United States and Australia.

Jaboukie Young-White

Jaboukie Young-White built a profile through stand up and ‘The Daily Show’ before moving into acting and writing. He voiced a lead in ‘Strange World’ and starred in ‘Rap Sh!t’ and ‘Dating and New York’. His work often blends sharp humor with an offbeat perspective that translates well to series roles. Young-White identifies as queer and brings that perspective to both his comedy and scripts.

Rickey Thompson

Rickey Thompson grew an online following that led to acting roles in ‘Foursome’ and ‘Swarm’. He has appeared in fashion campaigns and music videos that widened his mainstream reach. Thompson cohosts a popular podcast and continues to book screen work tied to his high energy persona. He is openly gay and uses his platform to celebrate self expression and confidence.

Omari Douglas

Omari Douglas delivered a standout performance in ‘It’s a Sin’ as Roscoe, a role that drew international attention. He followed with stage leads in productions such as ‘Constellations’ and ‘Cabaret’. Douglas has become a go to presence in British television dramas and limited series. He is openly gay and often collaborates with creators who center LGBTQ stories.

Ryan Jamaal Swain

Ryan Jamaal Swain made an impact as Damon in ‘Pose’ with layered dance sequences and heartfelt character development. He trained at the Alabama School of Fine Arts and cultivated a strong stage background before television. Swain has pursued writing and advocacy alongside screen work. He is openly gay and remains closely tied to projects that uplift queer communities.

Dyllón Burnside

Dyllón Burnside brought tenderness and drive to Ricky in ‘Pose’ and later appeared in ‘Practical Magic’ related projects and ‘American Horror Stories’. Onstage he has performed in concerts and theater productions that showcase his vocal ability. Burnside released solo music and has produced content that centers Black queer narratives. He identifies as queer and remains active in advocacy and mentorship.

Charlie Barnett

Charlie Barnett broke out with ‘Chicago Fire’ and expanded his range in ‘You’, ‘Tales of the City’, and ‘Russian Doll’. He has alternated between thrillers, drama, and comedy with ease. Barnett has continued to add genre credits with roles in superhero and fantasy series. He is openly gay and uses his platform to support inclusive casting.

Isaac Cole Powell

Isaac Cole Powell earned acclaim on Broadway in ‘Once on This Island’ and ‘West Side Story’ before moving to television with ‘American Horror Story’. He has also appeared in high fashion campaigns that heightened his profile. Powell is known for a strong singing voice that translates to screen musicals. He is openly gay and has discussed representation in both theater and television.

Jelani Alladin

Jelani Alladin originated Kristoff in Broadway’s ‘Frozen’ and later starred in ‘Hercules’ at the Public Theater. On screen he has appeared in ‘The Walking Dead’ universe and ‘The Woman in the House’. Alladin continues to develop projects that bridge stage and television. He identifies as queer and frequently supports arts education initiatives.

Layton Williams

Layton Williams led ‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’ on stage and has been a familiar face in ‘Bad Education’ and ‘Beautiful People’. He toured internationally while also appearing in reality and competition formats that showcased his dance skills. Williams has become a style icon in the UK with frequent media appearances. He is openly gay and actively engages with youth arts programs.

Bernard David Jones

Bernard David Jones starred in the comedy series ‘The Mayor’ and appeared in ‘Uncoupled’ and ‘Shameless’. He has worked across sitcoms, dramas, and digital shorts with a focus on character driven humor. Jones also produces and writes, adding behind the camera credits to his résumé. He is openly gay and has spoken about inclusive writers rooms.

Brian Michael Smith

Brian Michael Smith is a trailblazing trans male actor known for roles in ‘Queen Sugar’, ‘9-1-1: Lone Star’, and ‘The L Word: Generation Q’. He often portrays first responder characters that highlight leadership and resilience. Smith has served as a spokesperson at industry events focused on trans representation. He is openly trans and continues to secure series regular roles on network television.

Jordan E. Cooper

Jordan E. Cooper created and starred in ‘The Ms. Pat Show’ while earning a Tony nomination for ‘Ain’t No Mo”. He blends acting with writing and producing to bring bold satire to stage and screen. Cooper has gained recognition for developing ensembles that spotlight new voices. He is openly queer and frequently mentors emerging creators.

Nicco Annan

Nicco Annan became widely known for Uncle Clifford in ‘P-Valley’ and has a long background in theater and choreography. His portrayal won awards and helped establish the show as a cultural touchpoint. Annan continues to book film roles and guest appearances that build on his dramatic presence. He is openly gay and advocates for nuanced LGBTQ storytelling.

Kalen Allen

Kalen Allen parlayed viral commentary into on screen work with ‘An American Pickle’ and recurring television appearances. He has hosted red carpet specials and produced digital series that highlight entertainment news. Allen collaborates with major platforms to create upbeat lifestyle content. He is openly gay and uses humor to connect with broad audiences.

Fisayo Akinade

Fisayo Akinade drew attention with ‘Cucumber’ and ‘Banana’ and later appeared in ‘Heartstopper’ and ‘The Power’. He has continued to work steadily across British theater and television. Akinade is known for thoughtful character work in ensemble casts. He is openly gay and supports initiatives that increase access to training for young actors.

Jussie Smollett

Jussie Smollett rose to prominence on ‘Empire’ with a mix of acting and musical performances. He has directed and produced films while maintaining a presence in independent projects. Smollett has released music that complements his screen career. He is openly gay and has remained a recognizable figure in entertainment.

Marquis Vilsón

Marquis Vilsón is a Black trans male actor with credits in ‘Law and Order’ titles, ‘Gone’, and ‘Pose’. He is frequently cast in roles that bring visibility to trans men in everyday stories. Vilsón also consults on productions to improve authenticity and inclusion. He is openly trans and actively supports community organizations within the arts.

Share the young talents you would add to this list in the comments.