25 TV Shows That Gave Us Black Queer Friend Groups Bigger Than Two People

Television has come a long way in how it portrays Black LGBTQ+ people. Instead of just seeing one character as a symbol, we now see entire communities and relationships. These shows offer a valuable look at the happiness and strong bonds within Black LGBTQ+ communities and the families they create. From serious dramas to reality shows celebrating ballroom culture, these programs demonstrate the strength that comes from unity.

‘Noah’s Arc’ (2005–2006)

This innovative series follows the lives of four Black gay men in Los Angeles as they experience the ups and downs of love and life. Noah, along with his close friends Alex, Ricky, and Chance, share a strong bond, supporting each other through both romantic relationships and professional challenges. The show was a first-of-its-kind scripted program, uniquely centering the experiences of Black gay men and offering an honest portrayal of their culture and friendships.

‘Pose’ (2018–2021)

Pose beautifully portrays a chosen family, with Blanca creating a home for young LGBTQ+ people like Angel and Damon within New York’s ballroom culture. These individuals depend on each other for support and acceptance in a society that often excludes them. The show honors the strong connections within these families and the strength of the Black and Latinx transgender community.

‘The Wire’ (2002–2008)

Omar Little leads a crew in Baltimore, consisting of Brandon and Dante. Despite living in a tough, often aggressively masculine world, these men share a deep loyalty and operate by their own strong moral principles. The show portrays the genuine bond and affection between them, adding a nuanced and human element to the show’s realistic depiction of crime and violence.

‘P-Valley’ (2020–Present)

The Pynk is a strip club that feels like a safe haven, run by the charismatic and gender-fluid Uncle Clifford. Clifford has built a close-knit family of dancers and her partner, Lil Murda, who rely on her for support and protection. The show thoughtfully examines the vibrant mix of Black Southern culture and LGBTQ+ life, and how this community comes together to shield itself from outside dangers.

‘Queer as Folk’ (2022)

This new take on the original series is set in New Orleans and features a diverse group of characters. The story centers on Brodie, Mingus, and Bussey, and the complex relationships they share across different generations within the Black queer community. The show looks at how these characters deal with both hardship and joy, and how their experiences compare across age groups within their local community.

‘Legendary’ (2020–2022)

This reality competition showcases houses – teams of five performers who are like family – as they battle it out. The show highlights the incredible artistry, strong bonds, and collaborative energy of Black queer ballroom culture, giving performers a worldwide stage. Viewers get a glimpse into the dedication and teamwork it takes to thrive in this unique world.

‘The Prancing Elites Project’ (2015–2016)

In Mobile, Alabama, five Black LGBTQ+ dancers have come together to form a dance group. They navigate prejudice and resistance as they pursue their shared love of dance, relying on their strong bond of friendship to overcome the challenges of living and working in the conservative South. The series follows their journey, showcasing both the difficulties they face in their careers and the powerful support they give each other.

‘Empire’ (2015–2020)

Jamal Lyon deals with his family’s problems by spending time with his friends and colleagues, like Michael, D-Major, and the singer Tiana. Through these relationships, he can be himself and step away from his father’s influence. The show regularly includes these connections and explores LGBTQ+ themes within the competitive music industry.

‘Dear White People’ (2017–2021)

I was immediately drawn into the story of Lionel Higgins! He begins as this really quiet, unsure college student, but watching him find his voice and a place where he truly belongs is so powerful. He stumbles upon this incredible, secret society – a long-standing community of queer Black students and staff – and it totally changes things for him. It gives him so much context about the history he wasn’t aware of, and a real sense of family on a campus that feels pretty divided. What I loved most is how the story really highlights how important those hidden spaces can be for people who feel marginalized – it’s a beautiful and moving idea.

‘A League of Their Own’ (2022)

When Max Chapman meets her uncle Bertie and his partner Gracie, she uncovers a secret world – a lively community of Black queer individuals who hold private parties to escape public scrutiny. This group provides Max with the sense of belonging she desperately needs in a society divided by segregation. These moments vividly depict how queer people of color built safe spaces for themselves during the 1940s.

‘The Chi’ (2018–Present)

As a huge cinema fan, I’m really excited about this show! It’s set in Chicago’s South Side and beautifully portrays the lives of Black LGBTQ+ people. We follow Trig and Imani, a couple dealing with all the usual family and friend drama, but what I love is how their story isn’t separate from the wider neighborhood – it’s part of it. It just feels so authentic and normal to see a queer couple woven into the everyday life of a Black community, and that’s incredibly important.

‘Strut’ (2016)

This series follows a group of transgender models working at the world’s first modeling agency exclusively for trans people. The show highlights both their careers in the competitive fashion world and their personal journeys, while also showcasing the strong bonds they’ve formed as Black and minority trans women. It’s a story about their dreams and the sisterhood that supports them.

‘Betty’ (2020–2021)

In New York City, a group of talented female skateboarders are making their mark in a sport traditionally dominated by men. Honeybear, Indigo, and their friends have created a supportive community where they protect and encourage each other. The series beautifully portrays their close bonds, the joy they experience skating together, and the rich diversity of their backgrounds and identities.

‘I May Destroy You’ (2020)

Kwame is navigating dating in London, and his close friends Arabella and Terry are there for him. Despite having different sexual orientations, the three of them—along with Kwame’s wider group of gay friends—form a tight-knit group who support each other through both good times and bad. The show honestly portrays how these friends deal with important issues like consent and figuring out who they are.

‘Twenties’ (2020–2021)

Hattie is a lesbian screenwriter working to succeed in Hollywood. The show follows her career and love life, supported by her straight friends and a diverse group of queer connections, including a friend named Idina. It centers on a Black queer woman’s journey to find her community, and Hattie’s relationships with other queer women add layers of humor to the story.

‘Insecure’ (2016–2021)

As a total cinema lover, I’m really appreciating the character of Ahmal. He’s always quick with a funny line and usually rolls with his own crew to parties and gatherings. What’s even better is seeing him interact with his group of Black gay friends – they bring a totally different vibe to the show and honestly, it feels so authentic. It’s cool to see a show acknowledge that queer people have their own tight-knit friend circles, especially within a city like Los Angeles. Ahmal and his friends just feel real – they’re funny, supportive, and aren’t afraid to playfully tease each other. It’s a really genuine depiction of brotherhood and the playful ‘shade’ that comes with close friendships.

‘She’s Gotta Have It’ (2017–2019)

Nola Darling is pansexual and has many close relationships, both romantic and platonic, that aren’t limited by gender. The show features connections with women like Opal and a vibrant art scene, creating a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ individuals. It expands on the original story to include a wider range of sexual orientations and identities, and Nola’s life is filled with people who don’t fit neatly into traditional categories.

‘Good Trouble’ (2019–2024)

Malika Williams, based in Los Angeles, uses her experiences with polyamory and activism to explore who she is. She creates a supportive community with her partners, Dyonte and Angelica, and connects with fellow LGBTQ+ activists. The show portrays her relationships and friendships with nuance and respect, offering a fresh take on what family and partnership can look like on TV.

‘My House’ (2018)

This documentary provides a personal and revealing glimpse into the lives of competitive vogue dancers in New York City. It follows individuals like Tati and Alex as they experience the vibrant ballroom scene and their everyday lives. The show emphasizes the strong bonds of support and friendship within their chosen ‘houses,’ and offers a realistic look at a community often portrayed in fictional TV shows and movies.

‘Sex Education’ (2019–2023)

In the final season, Eric Effiong discovers a real sense of belonging when he joins a supportive LGBTQ+ group at college. This diverse group, including other Black and people of color, helps him feel truly understood and accepted in a way he never experienced before. The show highlights the joy of finding a community where he doesn’t have to explain himself, contrasting it with the difficulties he faced previously. These moments beautifully capture the relief and happiness of being fully accepted for who he is.

‘Harlem’ (2021–Present)

Tye is a thriving tech entrepreneur who is also navigating the ups and downs of dating. She frequently talks with her friends about her experiences and connects with other queer women in her city. The show highlights the unique difficulties faced by a successful, Black, queer woman looking for love, offering a fresh perspective on balancing career and relationships.

‘Black Lightning’ (2018–2021)

Anissa Pierce is a groundbreaking superhero – a Black lesbian who teams up with her family to fight crime. She develops a loving relationship with Grace Choi and finds a strong network of support among other people with superpowers. The story seamlessly weaves her identity and sexuality into both her adventures as a hero and her personal life, giving her relationships the same importance as those of other central characters, including showing her wedding.

‘Fellow Travelers’ (2023)

Marcus and Frankie are a Black, gay couple navigating life in the restrictive 1950s. Their love story unfolds alongside the experiences of white characters, but they face their own distinct hardships and find support within their own community. The show offers a glimpse into the hidden spaces where Black gay men could connect and express themselves, and their relationship powerfully illustrates the complexities of facing discrimination on multiple fronts during the McCarthy era.

‘Master of None’ (2015–2021)

Season three centers on Denise and Alicia as they create a life together, filled with dinner parties and time spent with their diverse group of friends. It’s a gentle and personal look at their love as a Black lesbian couple and the bonds of their friendships, delving into topics like fertility and marriage within their community.

‘All American: Homecoming’ (2022–2024)

Nathaniel is a stylist and a key member of a close-knit friend group at a historically Black college or university (HBCU). She and Keisha create a welcoming and supportive community that grows to include other students looking for a safe space. The show focuses on what it’s like to be a gender-nonconforming student at a Black university, and how friendships – especially the support of allies – are so important for students navigating college life.

Share your favorite TV friend group from this list in the comments.

2025-12-11 02:48