TV Shows That Cast Black Trans Women as Romantic Leads (Not Victims)

Television is finally showing Black trans women in a much more positive light, moving beyond old, damaging stereotypes. We’re now seeing them play complex, leading characters who experience happiness, find love, and achieve their career goals – all while taking control of their own lives. These shows are a welcome change from stories that only focused on hardship, and this list celebrates the series that are leading the way to more genuine and inclusive representation in entertainment. These programs also showcase the incredible talent of actors who are changing what it means to be a leading romantic figure on screen.

‘Pose’ (2018–2021)

The series centers on Angel Evangelista and Blanca Rodriguez, showcasing the vibrant ballroom culture of 1980s and 90s New York City. Unlike many stories about transgender individuals, this show focuses on their personal journeys and loving relationships. We see Angel balancing a modeling career with a meaningful relationship, and Blanca leading her chosen family – the House of Evangelista – while also starting her own business and finding romance. Ultimately, the story highlights the strength and unity within the LGBTQ+ community.

‘Star’ (2016–2019)

Amiyah Scott plays Cotton Brown, a key character in the Atlanta music scene. Throughout the series, Cotton has several significant romantic relationships, including one with a famous athlete. The show focuses on her independence and her often-difficult relationship with her mother, Carlotta. Cotton is portrayed as a glamorous and driven woman determined to find her own path, and she’s become a popular character thanks to her intelligence and emotional complexity.

‘Orange Is the New Black’ (2013–2019)

Laverne Cox portrays Sophia Burset, a strong woman dealing with life in a federal prison. The show explores Sophia’s relationship with her wife, Crystal, and their experiences as parents. As the prison’s hairstylist, Sophia holds onto her self-respect even in tough circumstances. Through flashbacks, viewers learn about her life before prison and the loving family she has. This role was groundbreaking, bringing much-needed representation to trans women of color on television.

‘Heartstopper’ (2022–Present)

Yasmin Finney plays Elle Argent, a student who starts attending an all-girls school and quickly makes a close group of friends. The show centers around her blossoming romance with Tao Xu, depicted as a genuine and heartwarming teenage love story. Elle is known for her creativity and ability to handle the ups and downs of high school life. Unlike many stories, the series emphasizes the happiness and everyday experiences of Elle’s life, offering a fresh and hopeful take on young love.

‘The Chi’ (2018–Present)

Jasmine Davis portrays Imani, who first appears as Trig Taylor’s girlfriend in season three. Their relationship is built on respect and a desire to protect each other, set against the backdrop of Chicago’s South Side. Imani runs her own salon and is dedicated to improving her community. The show depicts their romance as a strong and important part of the story. Imani is a strong and caring character, deeply committed to her loved ones.

‘With Love’ (2021–2023)

I’m really excited about Isis King’s role as Sol Perez! They play a nonbinary oncologist who’s looking for love, and the show beautifully follows their developing relationship with another doctor, Miles, throughout the year at different holiday events. Honestly, their romance feels like one of the heartbeats of this multi-generational series. What I love is how thoughtfully they handle Sol’s identity – it’s not the focus, but it’s treated with real sensitivity while still exploring that very relatable desire for connection. Plus, Sol isn’t just defined by their identity or the romance; they’re a successful doctor and a big part of a close-knit family, which makes them feel so real.

‘Doubt’ (2017)

Laverne Cox stars as Cameron Wirth, a smart and driven lawyer who went to an Ivy League school. The show centers around her as she expertly handles challenging legal cases. We also see Cameron’s personal life, including a developing romance with a coworker. She’s portrayed as a polished and well-respected professional. This role was groundbreaking, making her one of the first transgender actors in a leading role on a major television network.

‘Doctor Who’ (2005–Present)

Yasmin Finney has joined the popular sci-fi show as Rose Noble, a new character first seen in the show’s 60th anniversary episodes. Rose is the daughter of Donna Noble and quickly becomes essential in helping the Doctor protect the world. The show portrays her as a courageous and imaginative young woman who always fights for what’s right. Importantly, the story integrates her identity seamlessly into her family life and exciting adventures, marking a positive advancement in inclusive representation within large-scale franchises.

‘Sex Education’ (2019–2023)

Anthony Lexa portrays Abbi, a well-liked and influential student at Cavendish Sixth Form College. She’s a popular figure, known for being friendly and optimistic, and is half of the school’s ‘it’ couple. The show follows Abbi’s relationship and how she guides other students. She’s confident and feels accepted by her friends, and the story centers on her impact on others and her own well-being.

‘Survival of the Thickest’ (2023–Present)

Peppermint is a recurring character and a close friend to Mavis Beaumont, offering her advice and support, especially about life and love. She’s a glamorous and insightful woman who’s actively involved in New York City’s social life and independent in her own right. The show cleverly incorporates her into the story’s comedy and romance, avoiding predictable clichés, and she adds a touch of realism and sophistication to every scene.

‘Strut’ (2016)

This series showcases the lives of transgender women of color as they navigate the fashion industry and strive for success. We see stars like Dominique Jackson and Isis King working towards their career goals while also dealing with the ups and downs of their personal lives, including relationships and the challenges of dating in the public eye. The show highlights each woman’s leadership, pioneering spirit, and determination to achieve both professional fulfillment and lasting love.

‘Legendary’ (2020–2022)

Leiomy Maldonado is a judge and central figure in this competition showcasing modern ballroom culture. Celebrated as the ‘Wonder Woman of Vogue,’ she brings a wealth of knowledge to the judging panel. The show emphasizes her leadership and her iconic status within the LGBTQ+ community. She’s seen by viewers as both a mentor and a professional who pushes contestants to be their best. Her involvement highlights her powerful impact as a Black trans woman in the arts.

‘The Ts Madison Experience’ (2021)

This reality series follows Ts Madison as she builds her business and looks for love. The show offers a personal look at her drive to succeed and her experiences with relationships. Ts Madison is a strong, confident entrepreneur who isn’t afraid to be herself, and the series highlights her journey while navigating the ups and downs of fame and finding a meaningful connection. She continues to be a vocal advocate for acceptance and respect.

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ (2009–Present)

Black transgender women have increasingly found success on a popular global competition show, not only as contestants and winners, but also as storytellers. Talented performers like Peppermint and Sasha Colby have used the platform to share their experiences with love and overcoming challenges. Importantly, the show gives them the power to shape their own public image and present themselves as romantic leads. They are recognized for their artistic skills and have become beloved figures within the drag community, gaining international fame and devoted fans.

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

Isis King gained popularity as the first transgender contestant on the show, making history for the series. She returned for an all-stars season and continued to build a successful career as a fashion model. The show documented her progress as a professional and how she connected with the judges and other competitors. Isis is shown as a strong and talented woman who doesn’t let stereotypes hold her back. Her time on the show was a significant step forward for LGBTQ+ representation on television.

‘The Prancing Elites Project’ (2015–2016)

I’m totally hooked on this show! It follows this incredible dance troupe from Alabama – what’s really special is they have trans women who are central to the group. It’s so inspiring to watch them pursue their dreams, even though the dance world is really competitive and not always accepting. They deal with everything – their art, their love lives, personal challenges – with so much grace and humor. But what I love most is how much they support each other and how dedicated they are to their craft. It’s just a really moving and uplifting story.

‘I Am Cait’ (2015–2016)

Chandi Moore is a central figure in the show’s group of friends and plays a key role in its focus on social issues. She’s a passionate advocate for transgender rights and a respected leader both personally and professionally. The series showcases her insightful perspective and experiences as a Black trans woman. Chandi is portrayed as a caring friend with a full and active life, and her involvement helps to ensure the show includes a variety of viewpoints.

‘Project Runway’ (2004–Present)

Trans women of color are making a significant impact in the fashion world, both as models and designers. They’re portrayed as highly skilled professionals who are not only successful but also serve as role models. The focus is on their creativity and resilience under pressure, and their personal journeys often add depth to their work and motivation. They are presented as strong, multifaceted individuals who are shaping their own definitions of success, both in their careers and personal lives.

‘American Horror Story’ (2011–Present)

Angelica Ross became a prominent cast member in the anthology series, appearing in key roles across multiple seasons, including the ‘1984’ and ‘Double Feature’ storylines. She plays strong, intelligent women who actively shape the story. Though the show is horror-based, her characters are known for their smarts and ability to survive. The show also gives her characters compelling backstories and romantic relationships, making them well-developed. Critics have consistently praised her performances for being powerful and showcasing her impressive acting range.

‘Queer Eye’ (2018–Present)

The show highlights Black transgender women, giving them the chance to share their personal stories and be the stars of their own episodes. Each woman discusses her hopes, dreams, and love life, while the Fab Five help boost her confidence and embrace what makes her special. The series centers on empowering these women and preparing them for what’s next, celebrating their strength and beauty along the way.

‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’ (2008–Present)

Amiyah Scott quickly made a memorable impression on the show, both as a striking personality and a glimpse into the world of Black trans women in high society. She was portrayed as confident and eager to join the group of established housewives, and viewers saw how she navigated interactions with them while maintaining her composure. Even though she wasn’t on the show for long, she opened doors for more diverse representation in the future.

‘Her Story’ (2016)

This series follows a diverse group of people in Los Angeles searching for love, with a particular focus on the lives of several trans women. The show honestly and humorously portrays their dating experiences and the obstacles they encounter. Black trans women are featured as both friends and potential partners, offering valuable support and insights. Importantly, the story centers on their perspectives and gives them a powerful voice. Ultimately, it’s a fresh and moving look at the universal desire for connection and intimacy.

‘Looking’ (2014–2015)

The series realistically depicts trans women as integral members of San Francisco’s diverse community. Rather than focusing on hardship, the show portrays them as friends, lovers, and everyday people, showcasing their full lives and contributing to a vibrant LGBTQ+ community. This approach adds authenticity to the show’s representation of queer life in the city.

‘Transparent’ (2014–2019)

While the main family in the series is white, the show prominently features several Black transgender women in ongoing roles, even as romantic interests. These characters are portrayed as strong, successful women who mentor others and offer guidance within the queer community. The series delves into their individual lives and how they navigate the broader queer world, highlighting their resilience and giving them a platform to share their unique stories. Including these characters provides a more complete and nuanced representation of the transgender experience.

Please share your thoughts on these groundbreaking shows in the comments.

2026-02-03 20:47