20 Famous Lesbian Black Actresses

20 Famous Lesbian Black Actresses

The entertainment industry is filled with a lot of talented actors and actresses who put in their best performances to ensure that we are entertained with quality content. These artists have different sexual orientations and some of these actors play the roles of queer people while others act as straight characters. Therefore, in this article, we are going to explore the 20 famous lesbian actresses to give the reader a glimpse into who these personalities are and also appreciate the impact they have in the entertainment industry.

1 Laverne Cox

A picture of Laverne Cox. Dominick D, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The phenomenal actress was born in Mobile Alabama on May 29 1972. Apart from being an actress, she is also a producer and LGBTQ+ advocate. She came into the limelight when she starred in the critically acclaimed series Orange is the New Black where she played the role of Sophia Burset. Her incredible performance at the show made her the first transgender person to be nominated for the Primetime Emmy Awards. The actress is celebrated for her efforts in ensuring that transgender people get equal opportunities in society and the entertainment industry and do not face any discrimination. The actress has also produced documentaries known as Laverne Cox Presents: The T World and  Disclosure which look at how transgender people are portrayed in the media and strive to eliminate the stereotypes that are usually associated with transgender people.

2 Wanda Sykes

With her unabashed integration of her sexual orientation into her humour and public presence, openly lesbian Sykes has been a trailblazer in the entertainment world. In addition to winning a Primetime Emmy Award for her performance in The Chris Rock Show, she has acted in films and television shows like Curb Your Enthusiasm and The New Adventures of Old Christine. Her voice acting credits include roles in animated films such as Over the Hedge and Ice Age: Continental Drift. The actress is celebrated for her advocacy and transparency on her identity, as well as her comic skills.

3 Lena Waithe

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The talented actress and producer was born on May 17th 1984 and has made immense contributions in the industry. She rose to prominence when she worked as a writer in the famous Netflix series, Master of None, which even earned her an Emmy Award in 2017 in the category of Outstanding Writing for an A Comedy series. Furthermore, the actress is famed for her authenticity and the efforts she puts into telling divorced and mostly underrepresented stories. Being an openly gay woman, Lena uses her position in the entertainment industry to advocate for the rights of people in the LGBTQ+ community. Her efforts make her an important figure in the queer community as well as the entertainment industry as she is reshaping the landscape of the industry by ensuring that there is inclusivity.

4 Samira Wiley

The actress who is famed for her captivating performances and her efforts in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights was born on April 15, 1987. The actress rose to prominence when she starred in the famous television series Orange is the New Black where she played the role of Poussey Washington. The actress became a favourite to the fans because of her portrayal of the character who was charismatic and empathetic. Besides acting, the actress uses her platform to address a variety of social issues like equality in the entertainment industry, representation and diversity. Samira is married to her partner Lauren Morelli whom she met on set while working on Orange is the New Black.

5 Raven-Symone

The actress at the Heart of Truth Fashion Show. The Heart Truth, Dan and Corina Lecca, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Raven-Symone Christina Pearman popularly known as Raven-Symone is another lesbian black actress who is doing well in the entertainment industry. The actress rose to prominence quite early as a child star when she starred in the critically acclaimed comedy series The Cosby Show which was aired in the late 80s and the early 90s as Olivia Kendall. She went on to become a household name when she starred in the Disney channel series That’s So Raven. The actress is a multi-talented artist in that she has also ventured into music and has released several albums. The actress who came out publicly as a lesbian in 2013 is a big advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and uses her platform to ensure that some of the issues facing people in that community are addressed.

6 Janelle Monae

The celebrated musician and actress was born on December 1, 1985, in Kansas City. The artist first rose to prominence because of her soulful music that captured the attention of the audience. She released two albums that were well received known as The ArchAndroid and Dirty Computer. The two albums addressed an array of social themes which include identity and empowerment. She then went on to leave her mark in the film industry and prove her versatility as an actress when she appeared in famous movies like Hidden Figures and Moonlight. The actress is famed for challenging societal norms and breaking stereotypes. She identifies as pansexual and often engages in activism including advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and racial equity.

7 Angelica Ross

A picture of Angelica Ross. Miss Ross, Inc., CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

She is another accomplished black lesbian actress who is also an entrepreneur. She rose into the limelight in the entertainment industry when she played the role of Candy Ferocity in the critically acclaimed television series Pose, a series that looks into New York’s ballroom culture in the late 20th century. Her role in the movie is what made her a prominent figure as the fans appreciated her authenticity and emotional depth. She is keen on transgender representation in Hollywood and has even founded  TransTech Social Enterprises which is an organization that aims to empower transgender people by giving them training that will help them acquire jobs. Her commitment to social change is what makes her an important figure in the entertainment industry.

8 Tessa Thompson

The multifaceted American producer and actress is renowned for her intense performances in a range of genres. Over her career in cinema and television, Thompson has won praise for her parts in hits including “Dear White People,” “Creed,” and the science fiction sensation “Westworld.” Her portrayal of Valkyrie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, particularly in “Thor: Ragnarok” and “Avengers: Endgame,” brought her considerable notoriety.

Tessa is a gifted actor, but she also actively promotes inclusivity and diversity in the entertainment world. Thompson has spoken about problems pertaining to sexuality and representation using her platform and has been transparent about her bisexuality. She offers a distinct viewpoint to her job as an outspoken supporter of equality.

9 Cynthia Nixon

The celebrated actress is on our list of black lesbian actresses. She burst into the limelight for her role in Sex in the City, a television series where she played the role of Miranda Hobbes who was a lawyer in New York trying to navigate the challenges that come with love and friendship. Her performance in the show was so phenomenal that she was awarded a Primetime Emmy Award. She also has a prominent presence in theatre in that she earned a Tony Award for her performance in Rabbit Hole. The actress is openly bisexual and she is known for her advocacy efforts when it comes to the queer community and thus making her a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

10 Niecy Nash

Niecy Nash. Clorox Toilet Products, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The talented actress who is known for her roles in Claws and Reno 911  came out as a lesbian in August 2020. The actress had been previously in two marriages with men. The actress revealed her marriage to Jessica Betts who is a musician and she continues to share and spread love on social media. When she came out as a lesbian, other celebrities came out to support her for her openness and authenticity. The actress’s decision to share her identity with the public was significant in the entertainment industry as it contributed largely to discussions of inclusivity and acceptance of people’s sexual orientation in the industry.

11 Amandla Stenberg

The talented actress and singer was born on October 23 1998. The actress became well-known in the entertainment industry for her role in the highly acclaimed television series The Hunger Games where she played the role of Rue. The actress came out as bisexual when she was at an interview with Wonderland Magazine and she is now known for her activism on matters that concern social justice and LGBTQ+ issues. Her dedication to creating change in the entertainment industry by speaking out on issues that need to be addressed in society is what makes her a good actress.

12 Kiersey Clemons

Kiersey Clemons. Greg2600, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The talented actress who is famed for her role in the critically acclaimed film Dope and Hearts Beat Loud came out as bisexual. The actress is very open about her identity and she advocates for equality, LGBTQ+ visibility and acceptance. By disclosing her sexual orientation, she helps to promote an inclusive culture in Hollywood and elsewhere. She is among the most influential black actresses who are ensuring that there is inclusivity in the entertainment industry thus making her a phenomenal figure in the industry.

13 Jasika Nicole

Known for her work on television shows such as “Fringe” and “The Good Doctor,” the actress is an advocate for LGBTQ+ issues and is openly lesbian. She came out as a lesbian in public and has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ acceptance and visibility. Jasika frequently contributes to the continuing conversation around diversity and representation in the entertainment business on social media by sharing her personal experiences and opinions. She is now a good role model for members of the LGBTQ+ community because of her candour about her identity, which has struck a chord with many of her admirers. By embracing her true self, Jasika Nicole helps others on their own paths to self-acceptance and self-discovery feel connected and understood.

14 Gina Yashere

A picture of Gina Yashere. Rhododendrites, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Amazing Comedian Gina Yashere was born and raised in London and is currently employed in Hollywood. She has made several appearances on stand-up, comedy panel, and reality TV series in the UK and the USA. She now writes for Bob Hearts Abishola, a CBS sitcom starring Chuck Lorre. Her three stand-up specials are available on Netflix, including The Standups with Gina Yashere. Her work explores a variety of social issues including the rights of the LGBTQ+ community and thus makes her a gem to the community.

15 Sasha Lane

The talented actress rose into the limelight in her debut movie, American Honey, where she starred alongside Riley Keough and Shia LaBeouf. The actresses went on to star in other popular movies like The Miseducation of Cameron Post, Hearts Beats Loud and Born in the Maelstrom. While marketing her award-winning film The Miseducation of Cameron, the actress disclosed that she was gay.  She has grown since then to be one of the most influential figures in the LGBTQ+ community.

16 Rutina Wesley

Rutina adressing fans. Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The critically acclaimed actress is known for her roles in the television series Queen Sugar and True Blood where she delivered phenomenal performances. She went on to gain further attention in 2017 when she came out as gay and proceeded to announce her relationship with Shonda who is a female chef residing in New Orleans. Before coming out as gay, the actress was married to Jacob Fishel but they broke off the marriage in 2013. The actress joins the list of black actresses who advocate for LGBTQ rights and ensure that they are included in the entertainment industry.

17 Felicia Pearson

The celebrated actress weathered a stormy childhood and grew up to be a successful actress.  She is best known for her role in the critically acclaimed film The Wire where she played the role of Felicia Snoop Pearson. The talented actress is also an author in that she wrote a book known as Grace after Midnight and in the book, Felishia gives her experiences when she came out as a lesbian. She encourages people to accept who they are and persevere when they are faced with challenges.

18 AZ Marie Livingston

The talented artist is an actress, model and singer. The influential figure discovered her sexuality quite early in that as she was growing, she knew that she did not want anything to do with men. She then made the bold decision to date women and from then on she is proud of her sexual orientation and is not shy to declare that she is gay. Her attitude towards her identity is inspiring in that it gives other people who are in the closet the confidence to embrace and love who they are.

19 Angela Robinson

The gifted American producer, screenwriter, and director renowned for her work in both films and television. She became well-known for her directing work on the critically praised movie “D.E.B.S.” Her talents in television are noteworthy as well; she has produced and directed episodes of well-known programmes like “The L Word” and “True Blood.”

Robinson has acknowledged that she is a lesbian, despite the fact that she is well-known for keeping her private affairs quiet. Because of her candour regarding her sexual orientation, more LGBTQ+ people are visible in the entertainment industry.

20 Javica Leslie

The talented Batwoman actress is also on the list of black lesbian actresses.  She is known for her role as Batwoman in the CW Network show. While being interviewed by Health Magazine, the actress revealed that she had not told her mother of her sexuality before being cast to the role but to her surprise, her mother informed her that she knew as she was her child. This is quite interesting and it teaches us the kind of acceptance we should have as a society when it comes to other people’s sexuality.