20 TV Shows That Gave Us Black Trans Leads Before 2018

Before 2018, it was extremely uncommon to see Black transgender people represented on television. For years, trans characters were usually limited to brief appearances or storylines focused on hardship. However, a handful of groundbreaking shows – both scripted and reality – started to change that by giving Black trans actors important roles. These appearances, from reality competitions to recurring characters in dramas, helped create the more welcoming environment we’re seeing now.

‘Star’ (2016–2019)

Lee Daniels’ musical drama featured Amiyah Scott in a leading role as Cotton Brown, a transgender woman whose story explored her family, identity, career, and love life. Scott’s casting was groundbreaking, making her one of the first openly transgender actors to play a transgender character in a major television series. This role significantly increased representation of Black transgender people on network TV, going beyond simply focusing on Cotton’s transition to show a full and complex life.

‘Orange Is the New Black’ (2013–2019)

Laverne Cox became widely known for her role as Sophia Burset, a transgender woman in prison who operates the prison salon. The show explored the challenges faced by transgender inmates, including their difficulties accessing medical care like hormone therapy, and portrayed them as fully human. Cox’s performance was groundbreaking, earning her an Emmy nomination – a first for an openly transgender actor. Many people believe the show played a significant role in starting a worldwide discussion about transgender rights and the importance of seeing transgender people represented in media.

‘Doubt’ (2017)

This legal drama didn’t last long on television, but it’s remembered for a historic casting choice: Laverne Cox played Cameron Wirth, a transgender lawyer who went to Ivy League school. This was the first time a transgender actress had a regular role on a network TV legal show. Importantly, the show focused on Cameron’s abilities as a lawyer, not just on her identity as a transgender woman. Even though the series was cancelled, it showed that transgender characters could take on leading roles in serious dramas on major networks.

‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ (1987–Present)

As a long-time soap opera fan, I remember when The Bold and the Beautiful did something really groundbreaking in 2015. They revealed that Maya Avant, a central character played by Karla Mosley, was a transgender woman. It was a huge deal because it led to the first transgender wedding storyline on daytime TV – Maya marrying Rick Forrester! What I found so interesting was how the show tackled issues like coming out, being accepted, and finding love, all within the classic soap opera framework. It really brought trans visibility to a massive audience, especially considering daytime TV tends to skew a bit older and more conservative. It was a bold move, and I think it made a real difference.

‘Queen Sugar’ (2016–2022)

Ava DuVernay’s series featured Toine Wilkins, a transgender police officer and childhood friend of Ralph Angel. Actor Brian Michael Smith, who is also transgender, played Toine as a stable, accomplished, and caring Black man living in Louisiana. This role was important because it showed a positive portrayal of a Black trans man, emphasizing his relationships and community instead of focusing on hardship. Smith’s performance helped to break the pattern of trans men being overlooked or misrepresented in television and film.

‘Glee’ (2009–2015)

The show featured the character Unique Adams, powerfully played by Alex Newell. Unique’s story explored the challenges of being a gender non-conforming and trans student in high school, including issues like bathroom access and bullying. Although the show’s approach to these topics sometimes sparked debate, Unique was a key member of the glee club for multiple seasons and helped bring much-needed representation to Black gender-variant youth on television.

‘America’s Next Top Model’ (2003–2018)

Isis King made history in 2008 as the first openly transgender contestant on America’s Next Top Model. Her appearance on the show sparked a national discussion about transgender representation in fashion and modeling. She later returned for an “All-Stars” season, solidifying her place as a groundbreaking figure in reality television. By being visible on the show, King helped redefine beauty standards and became an inspiration for many transgender young people.

‘Strut’ (2016)

I was so captivated by this reality series! It was executive produced by Whoopi Goldberg and truly groundbreaking because it followed the models at Slay Model Management, an agency that champions transgender talent. What I loved most was getting to know the incredible cast – mostly Black and minority trans women like Isis King and Dominique Jackson – as they pursued their dreams in the fashion industry. The show felt really personal, letting us see both their professional challenges and their lives outside of work. It was inspiring to witness their drive and strength, and honestly, it was one of the first times I’d ever seen a show that put an entire group of trans people of color front and center.

‘I Want to Work for Diddy’ (2008–2010)

Laverne Cox first appeared on television competing on a reality show on VH1. She was important for being openly herself, which challenged the show and its audience to see a successful Black transgender woman competing professionally. While she didn’t win, her personality and smarts made a strong impact and helped launch her career. This moment is often remembered as one of the first times a Black trans woman was authentically represented on reality TV.

‘TRANSform Me’ (2010)

After gaining recognition on a reality show, Laverne Cox created and starred in a unique makeover series. This groundbreaking show made her the first Black transgender woman to both produce and star in her own TV program. The series followed a group of transgender women as they traveled the country, giving style advice and makeovers to cisgender women. By putting trans women in the role of style experts, the show challenged typical makeover formats and helped to showcase them as confident hosts and authorities in the beauty and lifestyle space.

‘Big Brother’ (2000–Present)

In 2015, Audrey Middleton made history as the first openly transgender contestant on the American version of the popular reality show Big Brother. Her participation brought discussions about transgender identity to a wide, national audience on CBS three nights a week. Although her strategy in the game was unpredictable, she sparked important conversations among her housemates, many of whom had never personally known someone who was transgender. Middleton’s time on the show was a landmark moment for diversity and inclusion in the world of competitive reality television.

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ (2009–Present)

The show primarily features drag queens, but it has also showcased trans women contestants. Monica Beverly Hillz famously came out as trans during filming in 2013, and Peppermint made history in 2017 as the first openly trans contestant before the season began, ultimately finishing as a runner-up. These queens demonstrated the connection between drag and trans identity, and their experiences helped to clarify the difference between how someone expresses their gender and their actual gender identity.

‘I Am Cait’ (2015–2016)

The docuseries followed Caitlyn Jenner’s journey, but also highlighted the work of trans activists and leaders like Chandi Moore. Moore, a Black trans woman and health educator, often offered insightful perspectives and helped Jenner understand the unique challenges faced by trans people from different racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. She provided an important contrast to the show’s focus on Jenner’s experience and quickly became known for her honesty and commitment to the trans community.

‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let’s Do the Time Warp Again’ (2016)

Laverne Cox starred as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in this updated television version of the popular cult film. The casting was a daring move, as the role had always been played by a cisgender man in drag, and Cox is a Black trans woman. She brought a fresh take on the character, adding both depth to the performance and plenty of glamour, and showed off her skills as a singer and dancer. This production was significant for putting a trans actress in a leading role in a major televised musical.

‘Her Story’ (2016)

The Emmy-nominated web series featured Angelica Ross as a trans woman exploring love and dating in Los Angeles. What made the show special was that it was created by and starred trans women, bringing genuine experiences to life. Ross’s portrayal of Paige showed a side of Black trans womanhood rarely seen on screen – one focused on desire and vulnerability, rather than hardship. The series proved there’s a real appetite for stories that celebrate trans joy and love.

‘Shameless’ (2011–2021)

Let me tell you, Isis King’s appearance on Season 7 was a real highlight. She played Gia in a multi-episode arc that beautifully wove the show’s characters into the fabric of a Chicago youth center and the local community. What I really appreciated was how the storyline naturally brought important issues facing trans youth to the forefront. It was fantastic to see King, a trans actress, joining such a popular and well-regarded show, and I think it exposed her talent to a whole new audience. It’s just another great example of increased representation in the industry, and it felt really authentic.

‘Faking It’ (2014–2016)

Laverne Cox appeared in a few episodes of this MTV romantic comedy as Margot, a strict but successful drama teacher who had also gone to the same high school. The show intentionally presented Margot as powerful and glamorous, separate from her identity as a transgender woman. This was important because it showed young viewers that transgender people can be leaders and figures of authority. The series was also notable for its open-minded depiction of sexuality and identity in general.

‘The Mindy Project’ (2012–2017)

Laverne Cox played Sheena on the show, a stylist and cousin of Mindy’s nurse, Tamra. The role was a great fit for Cox, known as a fashion and beauty icon, and showed her character helping Mindy improve her life. It also gave Cox a chance to showcase her comedic skills on a popular sitcom. Importantly, the portrayal was upbeat and avoided common, often serious, storylines typically given to transgender characters.

‘Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce’ (2014–2018)

Laverne Cox appeared as Adele Northrop in this Bravo series, playing a journalist and LGBT activist. The character was portrayed as a successful and well-respected professional in the show’s world of high-society media. This role was part of a growing trend of casting transgender actors in roles that highlighted their professional achievements, helping to create more realistic and accepted portrayals of transgender people in upper-class settings on TV.

‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’ (1999–Present)

Laverne Cox had a memorable role in a 2008 episode of a crime drama, playing a gym manager. Though the storyline was sad, it was one of her first times having a substantial speaking part on TV and is often seen as an important step in her career. The show has a history of giving opportunities to actors from the New York area, and this role was significant because it was an early example of a Black transgender actress finding work in the genre. It also highlights how few opportunities were available for actors like her before the entertainment industry began to change.

2025-12-06 20:50