Black Actors Who Say They Finally Feel Safe Being Out on Set in 2025

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The entertainment world is changing, with greater acceptance and safety for LGBTQ+ performers becoming the norm. For years, Black male actors faced unique challenges balancing who they are as individuals with the demands of their careers. But in 2025, many are sharing how things are improving on set. Better safety measures and more diverse leadership are creating a more supportive atmosphere, allowing these actors to confidently take on leading roles knowing their true selves are appreciated by those they work with.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter is a trailblazer who has challenged norms in theater and film for many years. He’s spoken openly about how Hollywood is finally becoming a place where he can be his authentic self without jeopardizing his career. In 2025, Porter continues to champion workplaces that embrace and celebrate Black queer men. His groundbreaking work on the show ‘Pose’ significantly increased visibility and paved the way for his current achievements. He feels the industry is at last prioritizing the emotional health of performers from all backgrounds.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo is now a highly regarded actor known for his compelling and layered performances. He often points to changes in the film industry as allowing him to play significant roles while being open about his identity. His recent work in films like ‘Rustin’ and ‘The Color Purple’ showcases his impressive talent and a growing openness within the industry towards LGBTQ+ actors. Domingo has shared that he feels much more comfortable and secure on set now than in the past. He continues to advocate for safe and respectful workplaces for all artists.

Ncuti Gatwa

Ncuti Gatwa first gained widespread recognition for his role in the popular series ‘Sex Education’. He’s now making history as the new lead actor in ‘Doctor Who’, starting in 2025. Gatwa has emphasized how important it is for film and TV crews to understand and support LGBTQ+ individuals. He also believes that the entertainment industry in both the UK and the US is becoming more accepting, offering him greater security in his career and personal life. His success is encouraging a new wave of performers to be true to themselves and pursue their ambitions.

Jeremy Pope

Jeremy Pope is a talented actor who has received praise for his performances in both theater and film. He’s spoken about the difficulties he faced when he was starting out, and how the entertainment industry has become more accepting in recent years. His powerful performance in ‘The Inspection’ sensitively explored themes of race and sexuality. Pope says he feels much more comfortable and secure working on major projects now, and believes the industry is finally delivering on its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Justice Smith

I’ve been really impressed watching Justice Smith’s career unfold. He’s moved seamlessly between huge blockbusters like the latest ‘Jurassic World’ and ‘Dungeons & Dragons,’ but what’s even more inspiring is his decision to be open about his identity. He’s shared that coming out actually led to positive changes in how he’s treated professionally, and he’s found sets are becoming more welcoming and understanding for LGBTQ+ individuals. As of 2025, he’s still landing major roles where he feels fully accepted, which is fantastic. Beyond that, he’s become a real role model, especially for young Black actors just starting out – it’s clear he’s paving the way for a more inclusive industry.

Keiynan Lonsdale

Keiynan Lonsdale is a talented actor and musician, best known for his work on ‘The Flash’ and in the film ‘Love, Simon’. He’s often spoken about how thankful he is for the support he’s received from fans and colleagues throughout his career. He appreciates the growing acceptance within the entertainment industry, which allows performers to be more open and genuine. In 2025, he’s still dedicated to fostering kindness and inclusivity in all of his projects.

Tituss Burgess

Tituss Burgess gained widespread recognition for his memorable role in ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’. Throughout his career, he’s consistently supported LGBTQ+ actors and has witnessed significant changes in the entertainment industry. Burgess feels current industry standards are helping to ensure the respect and well-being of Black gay men working in the field. He’s also expressed feeling more creatively free in 2025, and continues to inspire others with his work in both music and comedy.

Wilson Cruz

Wilson Cruz has been a visible and outspoken actor for many years, breaking ground with his role in ‘My So Called Life’ and continuing to star in shows like ‘Star Trek Discovery’. He’s seen a huge change in how the entertainment industry supports and portrays queer Black men. Cruz believes the advancements expected by 2025 are thanks to the dedication of activists and people working within the industry. He now mentors up-and-coming actors, all while experiencing a particularly fulfilling and stable period in his career.

Jaboukie Young-White

Jaboukie Young-White is a rising star known for his work as a comedian, writer, and actor, with appearances on shows like ‘The Daily Show’ and in popular animated films. He’s spoken often about the need to be authentic in his work, and he’s found that creative environments are becoming more welcoming and understanding of different viewpoints. This newfound sense of security allows him to be more daring and innovative in his performances.

Dyllón Burnside

Dyllón Burnside became well-known for playing Ricky in the acclaimed series ‘Pose’. Since then, he’s moved into theater and other TV roles while remaining a dedicated advocate for his community. Burnside has observed a positive shift in the industry, with a greater focus on the well-being of performers than in the past. He shares that in 2025, he feels truly supported by production teams who appreciate his individual talents. He remains a prominent voice speaking out for fairness and safety for Black queer artists.

Ryan Jamaal Swain

Ryan Jamaal Swain gained recognition for his powerful role in ‘Pose,’ where he demonstrated his skills as both an actor and dancer. He’s a strong advocate for creating supportive and safe spaces for Black queer men working in the performing arts, and believes the industry has made real progress in this area. Looking ahead to 2025, Swain is focused on finding roles that resonate with his personal experiences, all while feeling confident and secure in his career. He’s dedicated to using his work to promote empathy and positive change.

Angel Bismark Curiel

Angel Bismark Curiel gained recognition for his performance as Lil Papi on the show ‘Pose’. He frequently talks about the close, family-like relationships he formed with his co-stars and how safe that made him feel. He’s encouraged by the fact that this kind of supportive atmosphere is becoming more widespread in the entertainment industry in 2025. Curiel feels the industry is starting to prioritize respect and inclusion for everyone. He’s continuing to thrive in his career while also working to protect the rights of all performers.

Nathan Stewart-Jarrett

As a movie and TV lover, I’ve really enjoyed watching Nathan Stewart-Jarrett’s work – you might recognize him from ‘Misfits’ or the recent ‘Candyman’ film. But I was really struck by something he said recently. He talked about how much more comfortable he feels on set now, especially working on big international projects like ‘Fellow Travelers’, which was a powerful look at queer history. He feels like the industry has finally become more professional and inclusive, and that’s allowed him to be more open about who he is. It’s great to hear that the industry is finally getting better at handling complex and diverse stories, and creating a more welcoming environment for everyone.

DeRon Horton

DeRon Horton is best known for playing Lionel Higgins in the series ‘Dear White People’, where he portrayed a Black and queer college student. He’s said that the show’s welcoming atmosphere helped him embrace his own identity. Currently, he focuses on projects that value his voice and well-being, and he continues to be a significant advocate for inclusive representation on television.

Brian Michael Smith

Brian Michael Smith is a groundbreaking Black trans man who has become a significant figure in acting. He’s best known for his role on ‘9-1-1 Lone Star,’ where he’s praised for the realistic and nuanced portrayal of his character. Smith has acknowledged the progress the entertainment industry has made in creating safer and more inclusive environments for trans actors, and reports feeling professionally fulfilled and secure on set as of 2025. He continues to champion increased and more accurate representation in all forms of media.

Marquise Vilson

Marquise Vilson is an actor and advocate who’s worked on shows like ‘The Kitchen’ and ‘Tom Swift’. He openly shares his experiences as a transgender man navigating Hollywood. Vilson credits safety improvements on set, particularly those made in 2025, with helping him thrive in his career. He feels secure enough to focus on his craft, both physically and emotionally. As a visible presence in the industry, he’s creating important representation for trans men of color.

Brandon Kyle Goodman

Brandon Kyle Goodman is a skilled actor and writer, recognized for his roles in the shows ‘Big Mouth’ and ‘Human Resources’. His work often touches on issues of identity and sexuality. He’s noticed a positive shift in the entertainment industry during the 2020s, with more acceptance of Black LGBTQ+ voices. Goodman feels that sets are becoming safer and more encouraging, and he continues to use his comedy and storytelling to promote inclusivity.

Jelani Alladin

Jelani Alladin is a successful actor known for his work on Broadway and in shows like ‘Fellow Travelers’. As a Black gay man, he’s spoken about what it’s like to be visible in the entertainment industry. He feels more secure now than in the past, and in 2025 continues to choose roles that break down stereotypes, knowing he has a safe work environment. Alladin believes the industry is starting to appreciate the importance of genuine diversity.

Darryl Stephens

Darryl Stephens is well-known for his role in ‘Noah’s Arc’ and has worked steadily in the entertainment industry for over twenty years. He’s noticed a significant positive change in how sets operate, especially for queer actors of color. He feels much more comfortable and able to focus on his performance now than he did earlier in his career. Stephens is a respected and influential figure who has helped create opportunities for many actors today.

J. August Richards

J. August Richards is a well-established actor, best known for his work on shows like ‘Angel’ and ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’. He publicly shared that he is gay in 2020, and has spoken about how freeing it was to be open about his identity. Richards has found that his career has continued to thrive, and he feels secure and supported while working on today’s film and television sets. As of 2025, he remains a highly regarded actor who champions being true to oneself, and he observes that today’s actors have more support systems than those in the past.

Noah J. Ricketts

Noah J. Ricketts is a skilled actor known for his work in ‘Fellow Travelers’ and on Broadway. He’s a strong advocate for authentic and respectful representation of LGBTQ+ stories. Ricketts notes a positive shift in the entertainment industry, finding that today’s sets are more welcoming and supportive. He feels affirmed in his identity by colleagues and project leadership, and is dedicated to crafting a career that celebrates the diverse experiences of Black LGBTQ+ individuals.

Layton Williams

As a huge fan of British talent, I’ve been following Layton Williams’ career for a while now – you might know him from ‘Bad Education’ or the amazing musical ‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’! What I really admire about him is how openly he embraces who he is and uses his voice to uplift others. He recently shared how much safer he feels working in the entertainment industry now, especially on big TV and theatre projects, and that sense of belonging really shines through. Honestly, watching his career flourish is just joyful, and it means so much to see that kind of representation out there.

Omari Douglas

As a total movie and TV buff, I was blown away by Omari Douglas in ‘It’s a Sin’ – seriously, what a performance! Since then, he’s become a really in-demand actor, both here in the UK and abroad. He’s talked a lot about how vital it is to work on sets that genuinely prioritize diversity and treat everyone with respect. He seems optimistic about where things are heading, saying that by 2025, the industry is doing a much better job of making sure queer Black men feel safe and valued. And he’s not shying away from tough roles – he keeps choosing projects that tell important stories to audiences all over the world, which I really admire.

Nathaniel Curtis

Nathaniel Curtis is an actor who gained recognition for his part in the popular series ‘It’s a Sin’ and his stage performances. He’s shared how much he appreciates working with production teams that care about the well-being of LGBTQ+ performers. He’s noticed a growing awareness in the industry, heading into 2025, of the importance of creating supportive and safe environments on set. This allows him to feel secure and fully concentrate on his work. Curtis continues to be a strong advocate for greater representation and inclusivity in the UK.

Karamo Brown

Karamo Brown, famous for his role as the culture expert on ‘Queer Eye’ and his acting work, including ‘The Thing About Harry,’ is a strong voice for mental health and the well-being of Black LGBTQ+ people. He’s noticed a positive shift in the entertainment industry, with more professional treatment of diverse actors and creators. Moving forward into 2025, he’s focused on projects where he feels valued and safe, and he’s optimistic that recent improvements are building a fairer industry for all.

Nicholas L. Ashe

Nicholas L. Ashe is widely recognized for playing Micah West in the popular series ‘Queen Sugar’. He’s spoken about how accepting his coworkers were of his identity and believes the entertainment industry is increasingly focused on protecting LGBTQ+ performers. As of 2025, he’s continuing to take on new acting roles with the confidence that his identity won’t hold him back, and he’s dedicated to sharing stories that celebrate his community.

Johnny Sibilly

Johnny Sibilly is a successful actor who’s appeared in shows like ‘Hacks’ and the new version of ‘Queer as Folk’. He’s a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ representation and has spoken about how much more welcoming and supportive sets are becoming. Sibilly believes that things are significantly safer for Black gay men working in television and film in 2025, with production crews now actively working to create inclusive and respectful workplaces. He’s continuing to build a thriving career with increasingly important roles.

James Bland

James Bland created and stars in the award-winning digital series ‘Giants.’ A leader in independent filmmaking, he prioritizes safe and inclusive working environments on his projects. He’s encouraged by the industry’s growing commitment to these same standards and anticipates even more opportunities in 2025 to work on sets that celebrate his identity. Bland continues to champion the empowerment and protection of Black queer creatives.

Nicco Annan

Nicco Annan became well-known for his role as Uncle Clifford in the popular show ‘P-Valley’. He’s become an important advocate for seeing more queer Black men represented in entertainment. Annan has often spoken about how supportive and safe the environment on his show is for everyone involved. He’s optimistic that this positive trend will continue across the entertainment industry in the future, and believes that telling genuine stories is helping to create a more inclusive Hollywood.

Branden Cook

Branden Cook is quickly becoming a well-known actor, especially for his work in ‘Tell Me Lies’. He’s talked about how important it is to have support in the acting world and believes things are improving for young performers coming out. He’s now working on projects in 2025 where he feels accepted and celebrated for who he is, and is focused on building a successful career while also pushing for a more welcoming and diverse entertainment industry.

Philemon Chambers

Philemon Chambers reached a milestone by starring in ‘The Christmas House,’ the first LGBTQ+ holiday film for a major television network. He’s shared how welcoming and supportive the filming experience was. Chambers believes the entertainment industry is at last becoming a safe space for Black queer men to lead major projects. Looking ahead to 2025, he’s committed to choosing roles that challenge expectations and offer positive portrayals. He continues to pave the way for other queer Black actors, especially in romance and family films.

Gary Beadle

Gary Beadle, a British actor with a long career including roles in ‘EastEnders’ and ‘Grantchester’, has observed positive changes in the television industry. He’s particularly pleased to see that, by 2025, productions are prioritizing the safety and inclusion of Black actors and actresses. Beadle notes a more comfortable and respectful working environment, which he finds very rewarding. He remains a well-respected actor dedicated to supporting up-and-coming diverse talent.

Julian Walker

Julian Walker is an actor and writer who became well-known for his starring role in ‘Blackbird’. He’s a passionate advocate for the well-being and safety of Black queer men working in the entertainment industry. Walker believes the improvements made towards inclusivity on film sets in 2025 have been incredibly positive for many performers. He continues to choose projects that explore the connections between faith and personal identity, all while feeling secure and supported. His career demonstrates the impact of embracing authenticity, even in the public eye.

Lee Daniels

Lee Daniels is a highly accomplished director and actor known for creating groundbreaking work that has significantly impacted Black representation in media. Throughout his career, he has been openly himself and dedicated to fostering supportive environments for other performers through his projects. Daniels observes that in 2025, the entertainment industry is finally beginning to embrace the inclusive values he’s long advocated for. He feels more confident and secure in his career now than ever before, and continues to be a driving force for positive change and increased visibility for diverse voices in Hollywood.

Bernard David Jones

Bernard David Jones is an actor who’s appeared in shows like ‘The Mayor’ and ‘The Neighborhood’. He’s spoken about how much he appreciates having a supportive work environment. Jones believes the entertainment industry is now more inclusive and offers better opportunities for Black queer men. By 2025, he’s found himself working on projects where his identity isn’t a barrier to success, and he continues to thrive in both comedic and dramatic roles.

Justin Simien

Justin Simien, known for creating ‘Dear White People’ and directing ‘Haunted Mansion’, frequently examines themes of identity in his work. He’s noticed a real improvement in the entertainment industry, with more support and safe environments for Black LGBTQ+ artists. Looking ahead to 2025, Simien will continue to spearhead important projects, prioritizing inclusivity and ensuring a protective atmosphere. He’s optimistic that the industry is evolving into a place where all artists can flourish without feeling unsafe.

Todrick Hall

Todrick Hall is a talented performer who works in both theater and television. Having been a public figure for years, he’s witnessed significant changes in the entertainment industry. He’s pleased to see that working conditions and respect on set have greatly improved by 2025, and he’s finding more chances to work with teams that prioritize diversity and genuine storytelling. He continues to be a highly creative force, always striving to include more diverse representation in his work.

Kalen Allen

Kalen Allen first became known for his online videos, and he’s now working as an actor and TV host. He often talks about the great support he’s received on his projects, and feels the entertainment industry is becoming more accepting and safe in 2025. He’s had positive experiences with film and TV crews who prioritize inclusivity and personal well-being. Allen continues to use his humor and charm to help create a more positive environment for everyone in the industry.

Share your thoughts on these incredible actors and the progress of the industry in the comments.

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2025-12-26 23:19