African-American Actresses Who Don’t Support LGBTQ+ Rights

The intersection of celebrity culture and social issues often leads to public debates regarding the personal beliefs of high profile figures. African American actresses have frequently shared their perspectives on various civil rights matters throughout the history of Hollywood. Some individuals have drawn attention for expressing views or affiliations that align with traditional or religious interpretations of social structures. These stances often spark conversations about the balance between personal conviction and the evolving landscape of human rights in the entertainment industry.

Stacey Dash

Famous for her breakout role in ‘Clueless’ this actress became a prominent political commentator in later years. She has frequently voiced opposition to various social movements including the push for expanded protections for gender identity. Her public statements on major news networks often aligned with traditional conservative values. Many fans and colleagues criticized her for taking stances that seemed to contradict the diverse spirit of Hollywood. She remains one of the most vocal critics of modern progressive social policies in the acting community.

Sherri Shepherd

This actress and television host gained popularity on shows like ’30 Rock’ and the daytime talk show ‘The View’. During her time as a moderator she expressed that her religious faith shaped her personal views on the legality of same sex marriage. While she often emphasized a message of love she clearly stated that she did not support the lifestyle from a biblical perspective. These comments generated significant friction with her co hosts and the viewing audience. She has continued to work in comedy and acting while maintaining her traditional religious foundations.

Letitia Wright

She gained international fame for her role as Shuri in ‘Black Panther’ and its sequel. The actress faced significant backlash for sharing a video on social media that questioned the safety of vaccines and contained commentary perceived as transphobic. She eventually deleted her social media accounts following the intense public outcry regarding the content of the video. Her involvement in major film franchises continued despite the controversy surrounding her online activity and personal beliefs. She has since focused on her professional career while keeping her private views away from public digital platforms.

Angie Stone

Known for her soulful music and roles in productions like ‘Girlfriends’ she has been vocal about her views on modern television. She famously criticized the inclusion of certain storylines in the hit drama ‘Empire’ because she felt they were too graphic. Her comments were interpreted by many as a disapproval of the representation of gay characters on screen. She argued that these depictions did not align with her personal or cultural values at the time. The actress has remained a respected figure in the industry while occasionally sharing her traditional perspectives on media content.

Fantasia Barrino

The winner of ‘American Idol’ who starred in the 2023 version of ‘The Color Purple’ has faced scrutiny for her social media posts. She once shared a message that many followers interpreted as a condemnation of same sex marriage and modern social changes. Her post suggested that certain societal shifts were a sign of the end times according to her faith. While she later clarified that she loves everyone her initial comments left a lasting impression on her fans. She continues to be a powerhouse in both music and film despite these past controversies.

Margaret Avery

This veteran actress earned an Academy Award nomination for her role as Shug Avery in the original version of ‘The Color Purple’. She has publicly discussed her reservations regarding the romantic elements between female characters in the story. Avery expressed that she felt some of the intimate scenes in the book were not necessary for the film adaptation. Her perspective was rooted in a more conservative view of how the characters should be portrayed on screen. She remains a legendary figure in cinema but her historical stance on this specific representation is well documented.

Porsha Williams

As a star on ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’ and a film actress she has lived much of her life in the spotlight. A video from her past surfaced showing her delivering a sermon that included disparaging remarks about the LGBTQ community. In the footage she spoke about the need for people to be saved from what she described as a sinful lifestyle. This discovery led to intense criticism from viewers and advocacy groups who called for her accountability. She has since moved forward with her career in reality television and independent films.

Erica Campbell

One half of the gospel duo Mary Mary she has appeared in several reality series and scripted projects. Her public persona is deeply tied to her Christian faith and she has often spoken about traditional marriage. She has maintained that her beliefs do not allow her to support same sex unions or related social movements. This stance is shared by many in the gospel community who see it as a matter of religious doctrine. She continues to be a leading voice in the faith based entertainment world.

Shirley Caesar

This legendary singer and actress appeared in films like ‘The Fighting Temptations’ alongside major stars. She became the subject of controversy after a sermon she delivered was shared online featuring strong language against the LGBTQ community. The recording showed her speaking to her congregation about the spiritual dangers of certain lifestyles. Her comments were widely reported in the media and sparked a debate about homophobia in the church. She has not backed away from her statements and continues to lead her ministry today.

Kelly Price

Known for her roles in ‘Soul Food’ and ‘American Soul’ this performer has often been at the center of religious debates. She faced criticism after performing at an event where her inclusion was questioned due to her past statements on social issues. Some community members felt that her religious stance was not inclusive enough for a diverse public audience. She has defended her right to hold her beliefs while participating in mainstream entertainment. Her career continues to span both the secular and gospel worlds.

LisaRaye McCoy

The star of ‘The Players Club’ and ‘Single Ladies’ has shared her views on gender and social roles in numerous interviews. She has occasionally made comments that were interpreted as reinforcing traditional and non inclusive views on gender identity. Her perspectives often emphasize a rigid understanding of masculinity and femininity that does not align with modern queer theory. These statements have sparked discussions among her fans on social media and entertainment blogs. She remains a popular and outspoken figure in the African American film industry.

Tamela Mann

This celebrated actress is a staple of the Tyler Perry cinematic universe and is known for her role in ‘Meet the Browns’. Her career is built on a foundation of faith and she often speaks about the importance of traditional family values. While she is known for her kindness she has consistently aligned herself with religious organizations that do not support LGBTQ rights. This alignment is reflected in the themes of much of the work she chooses to produce and perform. She is widely considered one of the most successful faith based performers in Hollywood.

CeCe Winans

As a member of the famous Winans family she has a long history of acting and singing in major productions. She has been clear about her dedication to biblical teachings regarding the structure of marriage. Her refusal to perform at certain events or support specific social causes is rooted in her documented religious stance. This has occasionally put her at odds with more progressive elements of the entertainment industry. She remains a highly decorated artist who prioritizes her faith above cultural trends.

Yolanda Adams

This actress and singer has appeared in shows like ‘The Parkers’ and has a massive following in the gospel world. She has often been asked about her views on social issues and has typically deferred to traditional religious interpretations. While she maintains a professional and welcoming image she does not participate in advocacy for LGBTQ rights. Her focus remains on uplifting her audience through faith based content and traditional messaging. She is recognized as a pioneer who has successfully navigated both religious and secular entertainment.

Tasha Smith

The ‘Why Did I Get Married?’ star has been very open about her transition from a difficult past to a life of faith. In various interviews she has discussed how her religious awakening changed her perspective on many social issues. Some of her past remarks have been interpreted as being unsupportive of the LGBTQ community based on her new moral framework. While she is a highly respected acting coach and performer her personal evolution has included a return to traditional values. She remains a powerful force in the industry and a mentor to many young actors.

Janet Hubert

The original Aunt Viv from ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ is known for her blunt and honest public commentary. She has made several remarks on social media and in interviews that targeted the sexuality of other public figures. Some of these comments were viewed as using sexual orientation in a derogatory manner to win arguments. This behavior led to backlash from advocacy groups who felt her words were harmful to the community. She continues to act and speak her mind regardless of the public reaction to her statements.

NeNe Leakes

A breakout star of ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’ who later appeared on ‘Glee’ she has had many public interactions with the LGBTQ community. While she has many gay friends she has also been criticized for using homophobic slurs during heated arguments. These incidents were captured on camera and led to demands for public apologies. Some viewers felt that her use of such language revealed an underlying lack of respect for the community at large. She has remained a major figure in reality television despite these recurring controversies.

Phaedra Parks

This actress and attorney became famous through reality television where she often discussed her Southern Belle persona. Her religious and political affiliations have often put her in the camp of those who support traditional social structures. During her time in the spotlight she has made comments that suggested a lack of support for progressive gender and sexuality rights. Her ties to conservative religious circles further reinforce this public perception of her values. She continues to expand her career in entertainment and legal commentary.

Keke Wyatt

Known for her incredible vocal range and appearances in ‘R&B Divas’ she has also taken on several acting roles. She faced significant criticism for a video in which she made disparaging comments regarding the transgender community. The actress later attempted to explain her remarks but many felt the damage had already been done. Her statements were seen as a reflection of a lack of understanding or support for gender diversity. She remains active in the music industry while dealing with the fallout of her public comments.

Lauryn Hill

The star of ‘Sister Act 2’ and a legendary musical artist has often shared her complex views on society through her work. In various letters and public statements she has expressed a deep skepticism of modern social movements that she feels distract from spiritual truth. Some of her commentary has been interpreted as being unsupportive of the LGBTQ rights movement. She often frames her views in the context of a higher spiritual calling that rejects secular social labels. Her influence on culture remains massive despite her unconventional and sometimes controversial perspectives.

Cissy Houston

The mother of Whitney Houston and an actress in films like ‘The Preacher’s Wife’ was a lifelong member of the church. She was very public about her disapproval of certain relationships and lifestyles during her daughter’s life. In her memoir she explicitly stated that she did not support or condone same sex attractions. Her views were rooted in a deep seated religious tradition that she maintained until her passing. She was a respected matriarch in the industry who never wavered in her traditional convictions.

Gladys Knight

The Empress of Soul has appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout her legendary career. She has often aligned herself with political and social causes that lean toward traditional conservative values. Her participation in events for certain political figures has led to criticism from those who feel these figures work against LGBTQ rights. She has defended her affiliations as being based on her personal values and her desire for unity. She remains an iconic figure in American music and cinema.

Ledisi

This Grammy winning actress and singer has appeared in major films like ‘Selma’ where she played Mahalia Jackson. She has often spoken about the influence of her upbringing in the church on her worldview. Her participation in gospel focused projects often highlights a commitment to traditional moral values. While she is not known for aggressive rhetoric her silence and affiliation with conservative religious circles suggest a lack of support for progressive social changes. She is highly regarded for her talent and her dedication to preserving traditional African American music.

Donna Summer

The Queen of Disco had a successful acting stint in ‘Family Matters’ and several musical films. During the height of her career she reportedly made comments that suggested she believed the AIDS epidemic was a divine punishment. These remarks deeply hurt her massive fan base within the LGBTQ community and she spent years trying to repair the damage. While she later denied making the specific statements many people remained skeptical of her true views. She remained a complex figure whose relationship with the community was forever altered by that controversy.

Whitney Houston

The star of ‘The Bodyguard’ was a global icon whose personal life was often the subject of intense speculation. Reports from those close to her suggested that she struggled with the conflict between her religious upbringing and her personal relationships. Her mother publicly stated that she would not have supported Whitney if she had chosen a same sex partner. This environment of non support was a significant factor in how Whitney presented her public image. Her legacy is one of immense talent but also of the pressures of traditional expectations.

Chrisette Michele

This singer and actress appeared in the series ‘Single Ladies’ and has been a fixture in the soul music scene. She faced a massive career backlash after choosing to perform at a presidential inauguration for a candidate with a controversial record on civil rights. Many in the LGBTQ community felt her participation was an endorsement of policies that would harm them. She later discussed the isolation she felt after the industry turned its back on her following the event. She continues to make music while reflecting on the impact of her political and social choices.

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