Most Famous Black Trans Actresses

Black trans actresses have helped reshape film, TV, and theater by bringing authentic stories and undeniable talent to the screen and stage. Their work spans acclaimed dramas, mainstream blockbusters, and groundbreaking series, and many have also pushed for industry-wide inclusion through advocacy, producing, and mentoring. Below are some of the most recognized names whose credits and milestones continue to influence casting and storytelling far beyond any single role.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox broke through with her portrayal of Sophia Burset in ‘Orange Is the New Black’, becoming the first openly trans person nominated for a Primetime Emmy in an acting category. She later portrayed fitness trainer Kacy Duke in ‘Inventing Anna’ and appeared in the legal drama ‘Doubt’. As an executive producer, she won a Daytime Emmy for the documentary ‘Laverne Cox Presents: The T Word’. Cox is also known for sustained advocacy work, including public education on trans representation and policy.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez earned wide recognition as Blanca Evangelista in ‘Pose’, where her lead performance garnered major awards attention, including a historic Golden Globe win. She followed with a comedic turn on the workplace series ‘Loot’, expanding her on-screen range. On stage, Rodriguez built early credits in musical theater, which informed her vocal and acting versatility on television. Her career combines acting with music releases, adding recording artist credentials to her résumé.

Dominique Jackson

Dominique Jackson is best known for Elektra’s commanding arc in ‘Pose’, a role that became central to the show’s ballroom narrative. She joined ‘American Gods’ in a high-profile guest role, further solidifying her presence in genre television. Before mainstream TV, Jackson modeled and wrote a memoir chronicling her path from Trinidad and Tobago to international visibility. She remains active within ballroom culture, frequently collaborating with community organizations and events.

Indya Moore

Indya Moore starred as Angel in ‘Pose’ and has since appeared in studio and indie projects, including a notable supporting role in ‘Queen & Slim’. They portrayed Karshon in ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’, marking a major franchise credit. Moore’s portfolio also includes fashion campaigns and editorial work, reflecting a dual path in acting and modeling. Off-screen, they advocate for trans and nonbinary rights, with a focus on economic and housing justice.

Angelica Ross

Angelica Ross portrayed Candy Ferocity in ‘Pose’ and later joined ‘American Horror Story’, appearing in both ‘1984’ and ‘Double Feature’. She founded the tech training company TransTech Social Enterprises to expand workplace opportunities for LGBTQ+ people. Ross has hosted and spoken at numerous industry and policy forums, bridging entertainment and workforce development. Her career spans acting, entrepreneurship, and public speaking with a consistent emphasis on skills-building and inclusion.

Isis King

Isis King transitioned from a breakthrough reality TV appearance to scripted roles, including Marci Wise in ‘When They See Us’. She also appeared in ‘The L Word: Generation Q’, continuing her trajectory in ensemble casts. Beyond acting, King has an extensive modeling background and frequently collaborates with fashion labels on inclusive campaigns. Her visibility has helped broaden casting conversations for trans women across drama and limited-series formats.

Alexandra Grey

Alexandra Grey’s television credits include recurring and guest roles in ‘Empire’, ‘Chicago Med’, and ‘Transparent’. She has also appeared in films and shorts that center trans characters without resorting to harmful tropes. As a singer and composer, Grey releases music alongside her screen work, often performing live. She regularly engages with mentorship initiatives aimed at emerging trans performers in Hollywood.

Hailie Sahar

Hailie Sahar played Lulu in ‘Pose’ and expanded to other series work, including ‘Good Trouble’. Earlier, she appeared in ‘Transparent’, adding to her résumé of influential LGBTQ+ titles. Sahar began performing at a young age in Los Angeles, which led to pageantry honors and eventually on-camera roles. She continues to develop projects that highlight trans experiences in both scripted and unscripted formats.

Amiyah Scott

Amiyah Scott portrayed Cotton Brown in Lee Daniels’ music drama ‘Star’, one of the earliest prime-time network series-regular roles for an openly trans woman. Prior to that, she made headlines for a short-lived appearance connected to ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’, which amplified her profile. On ‘Star’, Scott’s character navigated complex family and industry storylines, giving the actress multi-season visibility. She remains active in entertainment and public speaking on trans representation.

TS Madison

TS Madison’s screen credits include ‘Zola’ and ‘Bros’, along with hosting ‘The Ts Madison Experience’ and frequent appearances on ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’. She has built a substantial digital footprint, parlaying online success into film and television opportunities. Madison is also a producer and author, documenting her path from independent creator to mainstream projects. Her crossover from social media to studio releases has become a model for talent development across platforms.

Peppermint

Peppermint made Broadway history by originating the role of Pythio in ‘Head Over Heels’, the first openly trans woman to originate a principal role on Broadway. On television, she has acted in scripted projects and specials while maintaining a touring schedule as a recording artist. Peppermint frequently partners with LGBTQ+ organizations on campaigns and educational programming. Her work spans theater, TV, music, and advocacy, creating an interdisciplinary career path for trans performers.

Share your favorite performances from these trailblazers—and the ones we should add next—in the comments.