Actors Who Say They’ll Only Accept Roles Written by Queer Black Writers Now

The entertainment world is changing, with performers increasingly wanting to tell stories that feel real to their own lives. Many actors are now using their platform to make sure these stories are written by people from their communities. This is especially true for Black queer men, who are working to break down harmful stereotypes and create genuine representation. These actors are supporting projects led by Black queer writers to build a more inclusive and fair industry.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter consistently champions greater representation and empowerment for Black LGBTQ+ individuals in TV and film. He stresses the value of having creators who truly understand the cultural backgrounds of the characters he plays. Known for his role in ‘Pose,’ Porter often speaks about the importance of telling stories that go beyond hardship and instead highlight happiness and strength. He feels that collaborating with writers who share his lived experiences brings a much-needed authenticity to mainstream media.

Colman Domingo

I’ve always been impressed by Colman Domingo’s choices – he really seems to gravitate towards roles that break stereotypes about Black men and what it means to be Black. It’s clear he cares deeply about working on projects with diverse teams, especially giving a platform to voices that haven’t traditionally been heard. He recently talked about how important it is for him to support and work with Black queer creatives, and I think that’s amazing. It allows him to create such layered and meaningful characters, and hopefully, it opens doors for more inclusivity in the arts for years to come.

Jeremy Pope

As a movie lover, I’ve been really impressed watching Jeremy Pope’s career blossom – from his amazing work on stage to shows like ‘Hollywood’ and ‘The Inspection’. What strikes me is how intentional he is about choosing projects. He actively seeks out collaborations with writers and directors who truly understand and want to tell stories centering queer Black experiences. He’s explained that when you share an identity with the people making the film, it just creates a more comfortable, supportive environment for everyone involved. And he’s not just acting, he’s using his voice to advocate for more Black queer voices – not just in front of the camera, but behind it too, at every level of the production.

Ncuti Gatwa

Ncuti Gatwa, known for his role in ‘Sex Education’, has emphasized the importance of diversity among television writers. He believes having writers who understand the complexities of race and sexuality firsthand is crucial for telling genuine stories. Gatwa, now starring in ‘Doctor Who’, is a strong advocate for increasing representation of Black queer individuals in writing and leadership roles, as he feels authentic storytelling requires diverse perspectives both on and off screen.

Keiynan Lonsdale

Keiynan Lonsdale, known for his work in ‘The Flash’ and ‘Love, Simon’, has become a leading voice for improved LGBTQ+ representation in film and television. He frequently highlights the need to collaborate with Black queer writers to ensure authentic and respectful portrayals of characters. Lonsdale believes this collaboration is key to creating stories that truly connect with viewers.

Dyllón Burnside

Dyllón Burnside was a key part of the hit show ‘Pose,’ known for its large number of LGBTQ+ Black creators. Since then, he’s been a strong voice for keeping that level of diversity in all his work. Burnside actively seeks out scripts written by people who share his background and experiences, believing it’s essential for real fairness in Hollywood.

Tituss Burgess

Tituss Burgess is a talented actor, famous for his funny and heartfelt work in ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’. He’s been open about the difficulties Black, LGBTQ+ actors face when roles aren’t written by people who share their experiences. Burgess believes it’s important for Black queer writers to be in charge of telling their own stories, and he actively seeks out projects that value authenticity and meaningful representation.

Nathan Stewart-Jarrett

Nathan Stewart Jarrett is known for his work in popular shows like ‘Misfits’ and the film ‘Candyman’. He’s a strong advocate for more Black LGBTQ+ creators telling their own stories. Stewart Jarrett feels the entertainment industry is changing, with more genuine and diverse voices being recognized. He intentionally chooses projects where he can work with writers who are dedicated to representing a wide range of experiences.

Justice Smith

Justice Smith, known for his roles in films like ‘Jurassic World’ and ‘The Get Down,’ has spoken about how important it is for him to see his identity represented authentically in the stories being told. He actively advocates for greater representation of queer Black writers in the entertainment industry, believing it will lead to more complex and believable characters of color.

Jaboukie Young-White

I’m a big fan of Jaboukie Young-White – he’s hilarious and you might know him from shows like ‘The Daily Show’ and ‘Only Murders in the Building’. But he’s also really smart about the industry. He often talks about how comedy suffers when writers’ rooms aren’t diverse, and he’s a huge advocate for getting more Black queer voices involved. It’s important to him, and honestly, it’s refreshing, that he looks for projects where the people making the show actually get and appreciate who he is.

Darryl Stephens

Darryl Stephens became a well-known figure in the Black LGBTQ+ community thanks to his role in the show ‘Noah’s Arc.’ He’s always been a strong advocate for telling stories from the perspective of the people who actually live them. Stephens feels his early success came from the show’s Black LGBTQ+ creators sharing their genuine experiences, and he continues to look for roles that help increase representation for his community.

Jelani Alladin

Jelani Alladin is a talented actor known for his work on stage and in the show ‘Fellow Travelers’. He strongly believes it’s crucial to include Black queer writers when creating historical dramas, to make sure the stories are accurate and respectful. He feels their unique perspective adds depth and richness to the narrative, and he’s dedicated to projects that truthfully portray the complexities of Black queer history.

Nicco Annan

Nicco Annan, known for his role as Uncle Clifford in ‘P Valley’, often points to the show’s diverse writing team as a key reason for its success. He’s a strong supporter of creating more opportunities for Black LGBTQ+ writers to take the lead on their own film and television projects, believing it’s crucial for building a fairer entertainment industry for everyone.

Brian Michael Smith

Brian Michael Smith is a groundbreaking actor, recognized for his work in shows like ‘Queen Sugar’. As a Black transgender man, he brings a valuable perspective to the need for diverse and inclusive stories. He advocates for more Black LGBTQ+ writers to be involved in creating content, believing their unique voices will lead to more impactful and meaningful art.

Marquise Vilson

Marquise Vilson is an actor and activist who’s appeared in shows like ‘Tom Swift’ and on stage. He’s a strong advocate for including Black queer writers in all aspects of TV production, believing their voices are crucial for creating characters that feel both real and inspiring. Vilson actively seeks out projects and teams dedicated to social justice and honest storytelling.

Jussie Smollett

Jussie Smollett became well-known for his role in the TV show ‘Empire,’ where he played a significant LGBTQ+ character. He’s often spoken about how important it is to have Black LGBTQ+ writers involved in creating characters like his, ensuring authenticity. Smollett believes in a production process that prioritizes the real-life experiences of underrepresented communities and continues to work on projects with diverse creative leadership.

Karamo Brown

Karamo Brown, famous for his role as the culture expert on ‘Queer Eye,’ has also worked as an actor. He’s become a vocal advocate for increasing the number of Black queer writers in both reality television and scripted shows. Brown emphasizes that true representation means having diverse voices not only in front of the camera, but also behind the scenes writing the stories, and actively supports initiatives to create more inclusive writers’ rooms throughout the entertainment industry.

Branden Cook

Branden Cook is a rising actor, recognized for his work in shows like ‘Tell Me Lies’. He’s passionate about being part of projects that authentically represent Black LGBTQ+ stories. Cook feels that the entertainment industry is stronger when more diverse perspectives are included, and he actively looks for roles written by people who share his experiences.

J. Alphonse Nicholson

J. Alphonse Nicholson is known for his compelling acting, especially in shows like ‘P Valley’. He’s a strong advocate for supporting LGBTQ+ people and believes it’s crucial to have Black queer writers involved in creating TV shows. He feels these writers offer valuable perspectives that help actors portray characters more realistically, and he champions increased diversity among television writers.

Terrence Terrell

Terrence Terrell is an actor and writer who’s appeared in shows like ‘B Positive’ and ‘Giants’. He’s a passionate supporter of creating more stories made by and for Black LGBTQ+ people. Terrell feels this is important to fix the long history of inaccurate or unfair depictions in media, and he actively promotes work from talented Black queer writers and creators.

James Bland

James Bland created and stars in ‘Giants,’ a digital series about the lives of three young Black adults. He’s a strong believer in Black queer storytellers taking control of their work and distributing it themselves, rather than relying on traditional media channels. Bland champions independent creation and is committed to making and appearing in projects that authentically represent the Black queer experience.

Jay Jurden

As a huge fan of comedy, I’ve been following Jay Jurden for a while now – he’s a really sharp comedian and writer who’s been popping up on late-night shows and in stand-up specials. What I really appreciate about his work is how openly he tackles race and sexuality. He’s a big voice for getting more diversity into comedy writing rooms, arguing that Black queer writers specifically bring a unique and often missing perspective – and a much-needed sense of humor – to the table. He also consistently champions collaboration with other queer creators of color, which I think is fantastic, and leads to some genuinely fresh and exciting content.

Kalen Allen

Kalen Allen first became well-known for his funny reaction videos and TV appearances. He’s now an actor, with credits including the film ‘An American Pickle’. Allen is passionate about supporting Black LGBTQ+ writers and showcasing their original voices. He actively seeks out projects that celebrate the talent and innovation within his community.

Da’Vinchi

Da’Vinchi, known for his work on shows like ‘BMF’ and ‘All American,’ is a strong advocate for more diverse stories and the writers behind them. He believes it’s crucial to collaborate with creators who can authentically portray Black life, and he’s dedicated to projects that showcase the richness and complexity of the Black experience.

Jason Rodriguez

Jason Rodriguez is an actor and choreographer famous for his role in the TV series ‘Pose’. He’s a strong supporter of bringing the ballroom culture to screens, and he feels that stories about this community are best told by Black queer writers. He focuses on projects created by people within his own community.

Angel Bismark Curiel

Angel Bismark Curiel, known for playing Lil Papi on ‘Pose’, has often emphasized the need for diverse teams behind the scenes in entertainment. He’s a strong advocate for more Black queer writers leading the way in the industry, believing that genuine representation is essential for better and more authentic stories.

Bernard David Jones

As a critic, I’ve been consistently impressed with Bernard David Jones’ work in shows like ‘The Mayor’ and ‘Insecure’. But beyond his performances, I really appreciate how outspoken he is about the importance of authentic storytelling. He’s a strong advocate for having diverse writers – specifically, writers who truly get the complexities of Black queer experiences – in the writers’ room. It’s not just about checking boxes for him; he believes it’s essential for creating roles with real depth and honesty. And it’s clear he’s actively looking for projects that reflect that commitment to inclusivity and genuine representation.

Justin Simien

Justin Simien, known for creating ‘Dear White People,’ is a strong advocate for Black queer artists in Hollywood. He often appears in his own work and believes true representation in media requires writers from the communities they portray. Simien continues to push for a more inclusive entertainment industry where Black queer creatives have the support they need to succeed.

Tarell Alvin McCraney

As a huge movie fan, I’ve always been fascinated by the stories behind the films I love. Tarell Alvin McCraney is one of those storytellers who really moves me. He’s an incredibly talented writer – you probably know him best as the person who wrote the play that became ‘Moonlight.’ But what I really admire about him is how strongly he advocates for Black queer voices in storytelling. He believes – and I agree – that having those perspectives is crucial for creating stories that are truly rich, honest, and bring a depth you just don’t often see otherwise.

Jerrod Carmichael

Jerrod Carmichael is a celebrated comedian and actor, known for his work on shows like ‘The Carmichael Show’ and ‘Rothaniel’. He openly discusses his experiences as a Black queer man and prioritizes genuine representation in his creative work. Carmichael champions the idea that projects should be driven by people who understand his perspective, specifically emphasizing the need for Black queer writers to create truly honest and meaningful content.

Lee Daniels

Lee Daniels, the director and actor behind projects like ‘Precious’ and ‘Empire’, has consistently emphasized the importance of telling stories about Black LGBTQ+ people from their own perspectives. He feels the entertainment industry too often relies on outsiders to portray these experiences, which can lead to inaccuracies. Daniels champions a collaborative creative process where writers and actors can work together to ensure genuine and truthful representation.

RuPaul

RuPaul Charles is a groundbreaking figure in drag and entertainment, known for his work in film and television. He consistently champions the idea that LGBTQ+ creators should control their own narratives. When acting, RuPaul prioritizes working with writers who understand and can authentically portray the spirit of the queer community. He continues to be a strong advocate for inclusivity and diverse perspectives throughout the creative world.

Lil Nas X

Lil Nas X has achieved significant success as a musician and is now expanding into acting. He’s known for being open about the importance of staying true to yourself in your work and champions the need for more Black LGBTQ+ writers who can tell stories similar to his own. He feels this kind of representation is crucial for progress in the entertainment world.

Wentworth Miller

Wentworth Miller, famous for his role in ‘Prison Break’ and also a talented screenwriter, has openly discussed his identity and the importance of diverse representation in media. He champions Black queer writers and their work to create more opportunities for actors of color. Miller is optimistic that the entertainment industry is becoming more inclusive, so that people from all backgrounds can see themselves represented on screen.

Julian Walker

Julian Walker impressed audiences with his first film, ‘Blackbird,’ which explored the connection between faith and sexuality. Since then, he’s become a champion for stories that genuinely reflect the lives of Black LGBTQ+ people. Walker feels these kinds of stories are vital for creating a sense of community and helping viewers feel seen. He’s committed to continuing to work on projects that value real voices and include a variety of perspectives behind the camera.

Desean Terry

I’ve been really impressed with Desean Terry, both as an actor – you might recognize him from ‘The Morning Show’ – and as a passionate advocate for change behind the scenes. He’s been consistently vocal about the need for more Black queer voices in television writing rooms, and for good reason. He argues – and I wholeheartedly agree – that these creators bring a vital, fresh perspective that simply makes for better storytelling. It’s clear he’s dedicated to projects where artistic vision and meaningful social commentary aren’t just buzzwords, but core principles.

We’d love to hear your opinions on why it’s important to have Black LGBTQ+ writers in Hollywood. Share your thoughts in the comments below!

2026-01-14 06:54