Black Female Celebs Who Were Born Male

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Black trans women are increasingly visible and influential in entertainment and beyond, making waves in film, television, fashion, music, and media. They’re receiving prestigious awards, starring in popular shows, becoming the faces of major brands, and creating opportunities for others in the industry. This list showcases their accomplishments and projects, offering a way to discover their work and support their continued success. It’s a great resource for finding new talent and performances to enjoy.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox gained widespread recognition for her role in the Netflix hit ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She made history as the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for acting. Beyond acting, Cox has hosted and produced shows and documentaries focused on transgender stories, and she actively supports up-and-coming creators through mentorship programs.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez made history with her starring role in ‘Pose’. Since then, she’s appeared in TV comedies and released original music that’s gained popularity online. She’s also performed at major award shows and become the face of global advertising campaigns. Importantly, Rodriguez consistently works with charities that help LGBTQ+ young people access the arts.

Dominique Jackson

Dominique Jackson is famous for her powerful role in the TV show ‘Pose’. Beyond acting, she’s a writer and dedicated activist who frequently speaks about the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the fashion and media industries. She’s also a successful model, having worked with top designers and appeared in major beauty ads, and she shares the world of ballroom culture through reality and documentary films.

Angelica Ross

Angelica Ross is an actress known for her work on shows like ‘Pose’ and ‘American Horror Story’. Beyond acting, she’s a passionate advocate for inclusivity in tech. She started a company to teach coding to people from backgrounds that are often overlooked, and she organizes events to help diverse talent find jobs in science, technology, engineering, and math. She also creates and produces shows and plays that share transgender stories.

Janet Mock

Janet Mock is an accomplished writer, director, and producer known for her work on the show ‘Pose’. She has a major deal with a studio to create new television series. Her personal stories, written in bestselling memoirs, are even studied in college classes. In addition to writing, she directs episodes of hit streaming shows and supports up-and-coming writers through workshops and programs.

TS Madison

TS Madison is a well-known personality in media, hosting talk shows and acting in movies and TV series. She made history as the first openly transgender woman to both star in and produce a reality show on a major network. She also works with popular musicians and shares her insights on various culture shows. Beyond that, she built a successful online platform dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ content creators.

Peppermint

Peppermint became well-known on ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ and has gone on to perform on Broadway and in TV shows. She’s created roles in new musicals and toured the world as a singer. Beyond performing, Peppermint is dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ+ community, organizing concerts to raise money for housing and healthcare. She also shares queer stories and activism through her podcasts.

Isis King

Isis King first gained recognition on ‘America’s Next Top Model’ and has since become a successful actress, appearing in highly praised series like ‘When They See Us’. She’s also a model who has worked with brands promoting inclusivity and accessible design. Beyond her creative work, King is a passionate advocate for safe housing for transgender people and mentors up-and-coming models.

Amiyah Scott

Amiyah Scott is an actress known for her role in the Fox series ‘Star,’ where she incorporated elements of ballroom culture into the show’s performances. Before acting, she gained a significant online following which opened doors to her career. Now, she collaborates with beauty and hair companies to promote inclusive products and often organizes events to benefit LGBTQ+ youth centers.

Hailie Sahar

I’m such a fan of Hailie Sahar! She really shone in ‘Pose,’ and it’s amazing to see her popping up in music videos and independent films too. But she’s so much more than an actress – she’s a talented singer, writing and releasing her own music and performing live with a band! What really impresses me, though, is her dedication to helping others. She works with groups supporting people who’ve faced discrimination and violence, and she’s a powerful voice for authentic representation in film, often speaking at festivals about it. She’s truly inspiring.

Munroe Bergdorf

I’m such a fan of Munroe Bergdorf! She’s a British model and broadcaster who’s really making waves in the beauty and fashion world. What I admire most is that she doesn’t just be a face for brands – she actively helps shape their diversity policies by serving on their advisory boards. Plus, she’s a fantastic host for documentaries and always brings insightful commentary to cultural and political discussions. And it’s amazing how she consistently uses her platform to raise money for really important trans-led charities and community groups – she’s truly inspiring!

Raquel Willis

Raquel Willis is a writer and editor who has contributed to many well-known publications. She previously led communications for a national advocacy group, where she created initiatives to support transgender storytellers. Willis also produces events and podcasts that specifically highlight the experiences and perspectives of Black transgender people. She frequently speaks at colleges and universities, focusing on how to critically understand media and get involved in civic life.

Jari Jones

Jari Jones is an actress and model, notably featured in a Calvin Klein campaign. She’s also a filmmaker, creating independent projects that celebrate LGBTQ+ love and happiness. Beyond that, Jari organizes film screenings and discussions at art venues and museums, and advises on how to create more diverse and inclusive teams in the entertainment industry.

Shea Diamond

Shea Diamond is a soulful and rock-influenced singer-songwriter. Her music has appeared in TV shows and is popular on major streaming services. She performs live with a band and works with a variety of music producers. Beyond her music, Diamond is a passionate advocate for changes to the criminal justice system and supports groups helping people successfully reintegrate into society after incarceration.

Miss Major Griffin-Gracy

Miss Major Griffin-Gracy is a long-time activist known for guiding and supporting many organizers. She runs programs offering vital resources like housing, healthcare, and legal help to transgender people. A documentary about her life is being shown at film festivals and colleges, and she continues to speak publicly to raise money for community centers and support networks.

Leyna Bloom

Leyna Bloom is a groundbreaking model and actress who recently became the first Black and Asian transgender woman to appear on the cover of ‘Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’. Beyond modeling, she’s also worked in independent films and on TV shows. Bloom is a prominent figure in the fashion world, walking in major fashion weeks and appearing in campaigns for luxury brands. She’s also dedicated to supporting aspiring dancers and models from diverse backgrounds through scholarship funds.

Honey Dijon

Honey Dijon is a well-known DJ and music producer who performs at major festivals and fashion shows. She both creates her own music and remixes tracks for runway presentations by leading designers. Dijon also partners with clothing brands to design limited-edition collections and provide music. Beyond her artistic work, she’s a strong advocate for fair wages and safe environments for people working in the nightlife industry.

Hailie Sahar

Hailie Sahar is continuing to create music and appear in TV shows. She’s also dedicated to helping other queer and trans actors by participating in workshops that provide opportunities. Beyond her own work, Sahar supports the community by attending fundraising events for shelters and crisis lines, and she advises casting directors on how to make auditions more inclusive.

Indya Moore

Indya Moore, known for their role as Angel in ‘Pose,’ helped bring important visibility to the lives of trans models and sex workers. Beyond acting, Moore has worked with major fashion brands and appeared in studio films. They are also a champion for diverse storytelling, having founded a production company that supports creators from marginalized communities. Moore often shares their insights on fair representation in casting and storytelling at universities and events.

Alexandra Grey

I’m a huge fan of Alexandra Grey! She’s really made a name for herself, landing roles on shows like ‘Empire’ and ‘MacGyver,’ and she’s consistently working on different projects. But she’s not just an actress – she’s a talented musician too, writing and performing her own music that’s a cool mix of pop and R&B. Plus, she’s a role model, working with inclusive fashion brands and even appearing in magazines. What I really admire is that she gives back by mentoring young actors, helping them prepare for auditions and navigate the world of acting. She’s a true inspiration!

Mya Taylor

I first really noticed Mya Taylor in ‘Tangerine’ – she was incredible, and rightfully won a bunch of awards for it. Since then, I’ve seen her pop up in a few TV shows, and she’s still consistently working on cool indie films. What I really admire, though, is that she’s dedicated to helping other trans actors get a fair shot. She actively supports programs that connect them with agents and casting directors, and she’s always on panels at film festivals talking about getting access and being paid fairly – it’s awesome to see her use her platform like that.

Juliana Huxtable

Juliana Huxtable is a multifaceted artist – she’s a DJ, writer, and visual artist – whose work has been featured in prominent museums and art festivals worldwide. She performs her music internationally and creates sound experiences for fashion shows. Huxtable also writes essays and poems that delve into themes of identity, technology, and club culture. Additionally, she organizes events to highlight up-and-coming Black transgender artists in music and the visual arts.

Koko Da Doll

Koko Da Doll was featured in the award-winning documentary ‘Kokomo City,’ which debuted at the Sundance Film Festival. As a musician and performer in independent venues, she helped shine a light on the challenges Black trans women face when trying to stay safe in the nightlife and entertainment industries. The film also included a fundraising campaign with nonprofit organizations to support community initiatives.

CeCe McDonald

CeCe McDonald is an activist who gained national recognition for highlighting the injustices faced by transgender women of color within the criminal justice system. She shares her experiences and advocates for change through documentaries and speaking engagements at universities, focusing on self-defense and community-based activism. McDonald also works with artists on projects that provide support to communities in need, and develops workshops teaching people how to stay safe.

Daniella Carter

Daniella Carter is a media producer and activist dedicated to raising awareness about youth homelessness. She gives presentations to businesses and schools on how to create welcoming job opportunities for everyone. Carter also works with film and television studios to provide on-the-job training for transgender individuals and develops resources to help community centers support LGBTQ youth.

Shauna Brooks

Shauna Brooks is a writer and public figure who’s often seen on TV talk shows and reality programs. She’s a strong voice for fair and respectful media coverage of transgender people. Brooks also works with beauty companies to create more inclusive products and frequently discusses important topics like consent, privacy, and mental health within the world of celebrities.

Let us know in the comments which performances or projects by these creators you especially enjoy – that way, others can discover them too!

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2025-10-24 18:47