Most Famous Black Queer Actresses

From blockbuster features to prestige TV, Black queer actresses have shaped screen culture while pushing representation forward on and off set. Many have balanced acclaimed roles with behind-the-scenes producing, writing, and advocacy, and several have publicly discussed their identities to broaden visibility for LGBTQ+ communities. Below is a friendly, fact-focused roundup highlighting notable projects, awards, and contributions across film, television, and theater.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is a singer–actor who has publicly identified as nonbinary and pansexual. On screen, they appeared in ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘Moonlight’, and later led ‘Homecoming’ and ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’. Monáe has earned multiple Grammy nominations and several film ensemble honors. They have also used tours, interviews, and a best-selling book to discuss gender expression and LGBTQ+ visibility.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson has discussed being attracted to men and women and has portrayed a wide range of characters across film and TV. Her credits include ‘Dear White People’, ‘Creed’, ‘Thor: Ragnarok’, and ‘Passing’. Thompson has produced projects featuring underrepresented voices and collaborated with major studios and independent filmmakers. She has also spoken publicly about industry inclusion and creative control for performers of color.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah is an Oscar-nominated actor and musician who has acknowledged her long-term partner in public appearances. Her screen work includes ‘Set It Off’, ‘Chicago’, ‘Bessie’, and the network series ‘The Equalizer’. Latifah has collected a Grammy, an Emmy, and a Golden Globe across her music and acting career. She founded a production company that develops projects centered on diverse stories and talent.

Niecy Nash-Betts

Niecy Nash-Betts publicly identifies as queer and married musician Jessica Betts in a widely covered ceremony. She starred in ‘Reno 911!’ and ‘Claws’, and won an Emmy for ‘Dahmer — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’. Nash-Betts has also hosted unscripted series and taken dramatic roles in limited-series crime dramas. She frequently discusses LGBTQ+ family life and representation in interviews and public forums.

Samira Wiley

Samira Wiley is an actor who has spoken openly about being gay and is married to writer Lauren Morelli. Wiley’s breakout came with ‘Orange Is the New Black’, followed by a key role in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. She has received an Emmy and multiple ensemble awards for television work. Wiley also narrates audiobooks and participates in advocacy related to criminal justice and LGBTQ+ rights.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox is a transgender actress and producer who gained widespread recognition from ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She became the first openly transgender person to appear on the cover of a major U.S. news magazine and has hosted red-carpet and documentary projects. Cox has produced films and specials addressing trans visibility and health care access. She frequently speaks at universities and conferences about policy, media representation, and safety for trans communities.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg has identified as gay and nonbinary and has acted in both studio films and prestige television. Their roles include ‘The Hunger Games’, ‘The Hate U Give’, and the series ‘The Acolyte’. Stenberg has been recognized with youth and breakthrough awards for performances that intersect with social themes. They also release music and participate in public conversations about gender expression and creative ownership.

Michaela Coel

Michaela Coel has described herself as aromantic and asexual and works as an actor, writer, and director. She created and starred in ‘Chewing Gum’ and ‘I May Destroy You’, and appeared in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’. Coel has won major television awards for writing and acting, including honors for limited series. She speaks frequently about creators’ rights, consent, and fair practices in the entertainment industry.

Angelica Ross

Angelica Ross is a transgender actress and entrepreneur known for roles in ‘Pose’ and ‘American Horror Story’. She founded a tech training company focused on workforce development for marginalized communities. Ross has hosted televised specials and participated in national advocacy campaigns on trans employment and health care. She also speaks at corporate and educational institutions about inclusive hiring and digital skills.

Indya Moore

Indya Moore is a nonbinary, transgender actor and model who rose to prominence with ‘Pose’. They have appeared in fashion campaigns and films while advocating for trans rights and anti-violence initiatives. Moore has produced and narrated content centering LGBTQ+ and Afro-Latinx experiences. They use social platforms and interviews to discuss policy issues, safety, and opportunities for trans youth.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez is a transgender actress and singer known for leading ‘Pose’. She became one of the first trans performers to win a major television acting award at the Golden Globes. Rodriguez has since worked in additional series, films, and stage productions while releasing music. She participates in events and campaigns highlighting trans representation in mainstream entertainment.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné is an actor and producer who has publicly identified as a lesbian and married Miranda Maday. She is known for ‘That’s So Raven’, ‘Raven’s Home’, and work on ‘The View’. Raven-Symoné has executive-produced episodes of her series and mentors emerging performers. She has also voiced characters in animation and appears at fan conventions and industry panels.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo is a British-Nigerian actor and singer who has identified as bisexual in interviews. She earned major theater honors for ‘The Color Purple’ and transitioned to film with roles including ‘Widows’ and ‘Harriet’. Erivo records and performs music alongside her screen career and appears in anthology and limited-series television. She collaborates with nonprofits and arts programs focused on education and access.

Lena Waithe

Lena Waithe is a writer–producer and actor who identifies as queer and has appeared on ‘Master of None’. She created ‘The Chi’ and has produced multiple television projects through her company. Waithe launched programs supporting underrepresented filmmakers and has championed inclusive casting and hiring. She also acts in guest and supporting roles while developing new scripted series and features.

Share your picks and the roles you think deserve a spotlight in the comments!