Most Famous Black Bisexual Actresses

Black actresses in film, television, music, and theater have significantly increased public awareness of bisexuality and related identities. Some have openly identified as bisexual or pansexual, while others have discussed attraction to more than one gender without using labels. The individuals listed below come from different generations and fields, but they all share a public connection to bi+ identity, fluidity, or lived experience.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo has openly shared that she is bisexual while establishing a successful career in theater – including both London’s West End and Broadway – as well as in film and television. She’s a Tony Award winner for her role in ‘The Color Purple’ and received critical acclaim for playing Harriet Tubman in ‘Harriet.’ She’s also appeared in films like ‘Widows’ and taken on diverse roles in TV. In addition to acting, Erivo is a recording artist and frequently uses interviews and public platforms to talk about identity and the importance of representation.

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor

After a successful career in film, television, and theater – including memorable performances in ‘King Richard’ and ‘When They See Us’ – Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor recently came out as bisexual. She has often discussed the importance of representation, particularly for Black and queer individuals, and how her identity shapes her work. Ellis-Taylor continues to choose roles that explore Black history and allow for nuanced character development.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson is a successful actor known for her roles in both blockbuster franchises like ‘Thor’ and ‘Creed,’ and independent films such as ‘Sorry to Bother You.’ She’s also a producer who champions diverse and inclusive stories. Thompson has openly talked about being attracted to people of all genders, and her discussions about this fluidity are frequently cited when discussing representation of bisexual and other non-heterosexual identities in Hollywood.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg publicly shared she was bisexual when she was young and has since talked about how her understanding of her identity has grown. She’s a strong advocate for better representation of LGBTQ+ people and Black individuals. Many people first recognized her in ‘The Hunger Games,’ and she’s gone on to star in films like ‘The Hate U Give.’ Beyond acting, she’s also known for her activism and writing, which often explores the connections between who we are, our culture, and how we’re portrayed in the media. Because she’s so open about her experiences, she’s often mentioned when people talk about the importance of seeing bisexual and other LGBTQ+ young people represented in movies and TV.

Javicia Leslie

Javicia Leslie, who identifies as bisexual, is known for making history as the first Black woman to play ‘Batwoman’. Before landing this iconic role, she acted in shows like ‘God Friended Me’, steadily gaining experience in television with parts that combined drama, action, and humor. Leslie has often discussed the significance of representation and the need for openly queer role models, particularly for young people. Becoming a superhero lead significantly raised the visibility of bisexuality within a major, mainstream franchise.

Pearl Mackie

Pearl Mackie is a well-known actress who has openly discussed being bisexual as her career has grown, particularly through popular shows like ‘Doctor Who’ – where she played the memorable Bill Potts – and ‘Inside No. 9’. Her work on both television and stage demonstrates her range as a performer, and she’s become a recognizable figure in discussions about LGBTQ+ representation in the UK.

Madison Bailey

Madison Bailey gained popularity through her role in ‘Outer Banks’ and recently shared that she identifies as pansexual. Beyond that show, she’s continued to work on other television projects and broaden her career. Her open discussions about attraction and sexual fluidity have resonated online, particularly with fans who appreciate seeing bi+ and pansexual representation in shows aimed at teens and young adults. She’s also become a visible figure in fashion and media, often appearing in spaces connected to LGBTQ+ culture.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe has spoken about realizing she was first bisexual and then pansexual as she developed her career as a musician, actor, and cultural critic. She’s starred in popular films such as ‘Moonlight’, ‘Hidden Figures’, and ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’, and has openly discussed the experiences of being a queer Black person in America and how these experiences influence her work. Because of her openness, she’s become a well-known example of bi+ identity in popular culture.

Tinashe

Tinashe is a musician and actress who identifies as bisexual. She’s built a dedicated following through her music, tours, and visually stunning music videos, which are almost like short films. News about her bisexuality often connects to her desire to avoid labels while still being open about her identity. Beyond music, she’s also appeared in various acting roles, successfully navigating both singing and acting careers.

Willow Smith

Willow Smith, known for both her acting and music, has openly discussed her bisexuality while navigating life in the public eye. She started her career with roles in films like ‘I Am Legend’ and later focused on music and performing. Her willingness to talk about her identity has received a lot of attention, sparking conversations about honesty among young celebrities and how people understand labels. She’s also become a familiar face through interviews and appearances on talk shows.

Halsey

Halsey is a musician, actor, and voice artist who openly shares her identities as both bisexual and biracial. Beyond her music, she’s appeared in films and TV shows. Media coverage frequently focuses on her role in increasing bisexual visibility and how the public reacts to LGBTQ+ artists in popular music. She’s also a passionate advocate, often speaking publicly about the importance of representation and mental health awareness.

Cardi B

Cardi B has become a worldwide star through her music and acting, including her role in the film ‘Hustlers’. She’s openly talked about her attraction to both men and women, sparking conversations about LGBTQ+ representation in hip-hop and the different expectations placed on women. Cardi B has also criticized the pressure on celebrities to constantly prove their sexuality to the public.

Sasha Lane

Sasha Lane publicly shared she is bisexual early in her acting career and has since talked about her identity in various ways. She first gained recognition in the film ‘American Honey’ and later appeared in the popular series ‘Loki’. Throughout her career, she’s balanced work on independent films with roles in large-scale franchise projects, keeping her relevant in both artistic and mainstream media. Being openly bisexual has been a consistent part of how the media portrays her since she first became well-known.

Megan Thee Stallion

Megan Thee Stallion has talked openly about her attraction to people of more than one gender, leading to public discussion about her bisexuality, both in interviews and through her music. Beyond her successful music career, she also appears in films and television. Media attention surrounding her sexuality frequently highlights the challenges and skepticism faced by bisexual people, particularly women in the hip-hop world. Megan Thee Stallion uses her influence to support important causes, including mental health awareness and LGBTQ+ youth programs.

Victoria Monét

Victoria Monét has openly shared that she is bisexual and has become a successful singer and songwriter, working with many popular artists. Beyond music, she’s also a skilled performer who incorporates acting and character work into her shows. Media coverage of her coming out often highlights the need for greater visibility and recognition of bisexuality within the LGBTQ+ community. She uniquely combines her talents for songwriting, performing, and visual storytelling, keeping her relevant in both the music and entertainment industries.

Josephine Baker

Josephine Baker was a hugely popular entertainer – a dancer, singer, and actress – who is now recognized as openly bisexual. She broke barriers as one of the first Black women to star in a major film and gained worldwide fame for her captivating performances. But she was more than just an entertainer; she was also a dedicated activist and served during wartime, which contributes to her lasting legacy. Today, she’s celebrated as a pioneer for both Black performers and the LGBTQ+ community.

Bessie Smith

Bessie Smith is celebrated as an openly bisexual artist and a hugely important figure in early blues music, even appearing in the film ‘St. Louis Blues’. She’s known for defining the sound of the blues and for challenging the social norms of her era with her bold public image. Today, historians often point to her life as an example of how perceptions of success and visibility were broadened. She remains a key figure when discussing the history of Black LGBTQ+ culture.

Ethel Waters

Ethel Waters was a talented performer who worked in music, theater, film, and television, and is often noted for being bisexual in biographies. She became a highly visible and celebrated Black entertainer of her time, and her life and work continue to be analyzed for their cultural significance. Waters paved the way for future Black actresses in Hollywood and on stage, and she’s also recognized as an important figure in the history of LGBTQ+ people in American entertainment.

I’m so excited about this list and would love to hear your suggestions! Let me know in the comments who you think should be included – we can all work together to make it the best it can be.

2025-12-15 00:46