Representation matters, and in the last few years, Black queer characters have taken center stage in ways both authentic, complex, and revolutionary. These identities have long been erased, sidelined, or filtered through a narrow lens, but today, thanks to visionary creators and actors, Black queer stories are thriving. From the big screen to television, these characters have inspired, challenged, and changed the game. Here’s a countdown of 10 of the most trailblazing Black queer characters, starting at number 10.
10. Sha’Carri Richardson – Inspiration When Needed
Representation doesn’t always have to be delivered from a place of fiction. When track star Sha’Carri Richardson was proudly openly queer and Black during the Olympics, millions of fans had an opportunity to understand that Black queers can shine on the global stage. Her confidence, visibility, and unapologetic self-expression make every accomplishment feel like a win for the entire community, proving that real-life heroes are just as vital as those on screen.
9. Uncle Clifford – P-Valley’s Nonbinary Powerhouse Played by Nico Annan
Uncle Clifford, owner of The Pynk in P-Valley, defies labels. Nico Annan brings sass, depth, and authenticity to a nonbinary character whose messy and electric love story arc with Lil Murda is utterly captivating. Creator Katori Hall emphasizes just how firm Uncle Clifford is on solid ground, giving viewers a queer character whose queerness isn’t compromised.
8. Lil Murda (J. Alphonse Nicholson) – Pushing Boundaries in Hip-hop
Lil Murda’s arc on P-Valley is bold, complex, and deeply human. From an aspiring rapper to an openly queer partner, his journey shatters stereotypes around Black masculinity in hip-hop and media. Raw, vulnerable, and revolutionary, J. Alphonse Nicholson reminds viewers that queerness and strength can beautifully coexist in public and private life.
7. Pray Tell – Billy Porter, Pose’s Unparalleled Mentor
Billy Porter’s Pray Tell is the cornerstone of Pose, bringing together mentorship, emceeing, and glamour to the ballroom scene. Porter’s Emmy-winning performance brought long-overdue visibility to Black queer communities, showing resilience, heartbreak, and fierce love with style and substance. Pray Tell is not just a character; he is a symbol of empowerment to whoever feels marginalized.
6. Chiron (Ashton Sanders & Trevante Rhodes) – Moonlight’s Poetic Hero
Moonlight redefined Black queer storytelling. Chiron, played throughout three life stages by Ashton Sanders and Trevante Rhodes, navigates identity, masculinity, and intimacy with nuance and heartbreak. The way this film handled love, vulnerability, and internalized pressures meant widespread critical acclaim and three Academy Awards, making Chiron one of the landmark characters in cinematic history.
5. Cleo (Queen Latifah) – The Unapologetic Rebel of Set It Off
Queen Latifah as Cleo in Set It Off is unforgettable: tough, loyal, and unapologetically queer; her strength and vulnerability made them all fall in love. Cleo broke barriers in the way Black queer women are represented on film, proof that such a character can be complex, central, and unforgettable sans compromise.
4. Lafayette Reynolds (Nelsan Ellis) – The Resilient Heart of True Blood
Lafayette Reynolds ignited True Blood with his humor, psychic powers, and indomitable spirit. Nelsan Ellis brought great depth and veracity to the character, making Lafayette one of the most popular gay characters on television. His story weaves in love, survival, and self-realization, showing that Black queer characters could take central, dynamic, and essential roles in any story.
3. Blanca Evangelista (MJ Rodriguez) – The Nurturing Matriarch of Pose
Blanca Evangelista, of Pose, played by MJ Rodriguez, is the emotional anchor of her house. Her performance is in equal parts nurturing, fierce, and groundbreaking, which earned Rodriguez an Emmy nomination-the first for a trans actress in a major acting category. Blanca embodies resilience, chosen family, and hope, proving that trans women of color can lead, inspire, and command the screen.
2. Elektra Abundance – Dominique Jackson (poses commanding presence)
Dominique Jackson’s Elektra Abundance is all about glamour, confidence, and power. From being a ballroom legend to a house mother, Elektra’s story is full of drama, triumph, and genuineness. Jackson’s portrayal challenges the norms; she redefines what it means for a trans woman to be on television while truly showcasing unapologetic self-assuredness.
1. Sophia Burset (Laverne Cox) – Orange Is the New Black Icon
First on this list is Sophia Burset from Orange Is the New Black, played by Laverne Cox. Cox made history with her Emmy nomination-the first for a trans actor in a major category-and brought to light a story of resilience, struggle, and finding oneself. The role of Sophia has become iconic, inspiring many viewers, proving that visibility and authenticity matter.
From the ballroom to blockbuster screens, these characters have reshaped the way we see Black queer identities in media. Beyond representation, their stories have captured lessons on resilience, empathy, and power; they have forever enriched the cultural landscape.