Black Trans Actors Completely Shut Out by White Trans Casting

I’ve been so encouraged to see more inclusivity in entertainment lately, but I’ve noticed something really frustrating: when it comes to trans stories, the focus is overwhelmingly on white trans experiences. It feels like incredibly talented Black trans actors are constantly overlooked, facing barriers that just shouldn’t exist. There’s such a powerful legacy of Black trans performance, and so much potential! That’s why I’m excited to share a list of amazing Black trans actors who absolutely deserve to lead major films and shows – they have the talent and charisma to captivate audiences.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox is well-known for her role as Sophia Burset on ‘Orange Is the New Black’, a performance that was truly groundbreaking. She reached a historic milestone by becoming the first openly transgender actress to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award. Beyond that, she’s shown her range as an actress in films like ‘Promising Young Woman’ and the series ‘Inventing Anna’. Cox also consistently uses her public voice to champion equal representation and bring attention to the achievements of transgender people of color.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez gained widespread recognition for her moving performance as Blanca Evangelista, a caring mother figure, in the popular series ‘Pose’. She won a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a TV Drama for this role. Rodriguez is a remarkably talented singer and actress who effortlessly draws viewers in. Most recently, she’s shown off her comedic skills on the show ‘Loot’, acting alongside some of the biggest names in the industry.

Dominique Jackson

Dominique Jackson captivated audiences as Elektra Abundance in the FX series ‘Pose’. Her experience as a model gives her a striking and commanding presence on screen. She also wrote a memoir about her life and the strength it took to succeed in the fashion and entertainment worlds. Jackson continues to take on roles that allow her to portray characters with depth and emotional complexity.

Indya Moore

Indya Moore is a celebrated actor best known for their role as Angel Evangelista in the groundbreaking series ‘Pose,’ where they powerfully portrayed the life of a transgender sex worker. Before acting, Moore worked as a fashion model and brought a realistic, emotionally honest style to their performances. They’ve also demonstrated their versatility in films like ‘Queen & Slim’ and ‘Escape Room: Tournament of Champions,’ tackling both dramatic and action-packed roles. Beyond acting, Moore is a passionate voice for protecting and respecting people from marginalized communities in the entertainment industry.

Angelica Ross

Angelica Ross powerfully portrayed Candy in ‘Pose’ and then took on a leading role in ‘American Horror Story’. Beyond acting, she’s a tech advocate and founded TransTech Social Enterprises. Ross is known for bringing intelligence and deep emotion to her roles, making a lasting impression on audiences. In ‘American Horror Story,’ she particularly shone, expertly conveying both fear and tension.

Hailie Sahar

Hailie Sahar is an actress and musician who gained recognition for her role as Lulu in the series ‘Pose,’ where she portrayed a character full of both innocence and drive. Before ‘Pose,’ she appeared in shows like ‘Mr. Robot’ and ‘Transparent,’ steadily building her career in television. Sahar’s experiences in the ballroom scene heavily influence her art, and she often explores themes of friendship and resilience within the LGBTQ+ community through her work.

Brian Michael Smith

Brian Michael Smith is a groundbreaking actor, becoming the first openly Black transgender man in a recurring role on a major television network. He plays Paul Strickland, a courageous firefighter, on the popular show ‘9-1-1: Lone Star’. His character allows the show to explore the experiences of transgender men in a realistic way, without it being the only thing the character is about. Smith consistently gives authentic and engaging performances that connect with a broad audience.

Amiyah Scott

Amiyah Scott made history as Cotton in the Fox musical drama ‘Star,’ drawing on her personal experiences within the ballroom scene to create a genuine portrayal. Before becoming a traditional actress, she built a large fanbase through social media. By appearing on network television, she brought the experiences of trans women of color to a wide audience of millions.

Isis King

Isis King first became well-known on the reality show ‘America’s Next Top Model’ and then transitioned to acting. She gave a moving performance as Marci Wise in the highly praised series ‘When They See Us’. King is known for bringing a delicate strength to her characters, making them relatable and engaging for viewers. She consistently works on television and film projects that focus on telling a variety of stories.

Leyna Bloom

Leyna Bloom began her film career with ‘Port Authority,’ which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. She then made history as the first trans woman of color featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. Known for her authentic and honest performances, Bloom often portrays the challenges of city living. While continuing to work in fashion, she’s also building her acting career through independent films.

Alexandra Grey

Alexandra Grey is a talented actress who has appeared in popular TV shows like ‘Empire’ and ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. She also had a recurring role on ‘Transparent’, playing a younger version of the main character. Grey is known for bringing a genuine and engaging presence to her performances, quickly making a strong impression even when working with a large cast. Her acting often focuses on the complexities of family relationships and finding oneself in today’s society.

Ts Madison

Ts Madison turned her online popularity into a thriving career in TV and movies. She acted in the film ‘Zola,’ bringing her vibrant personality to the comedic scenes. She also created and starred in her own reality show, ‘The Ts Madison Experience,’ highlighting her skills as a businesswoman. Ts Madison continues to be a trailblazer, creating opportunities and visibility for Black transgender women who are proud and assertive.

Peppermint

Peppermint made history as the first openly transgender woman to star in a leading role on Broadway, appearing in the musical ‘Head Over Heels’. She first became well-known as a finalist on ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’, where she captivated audiences with her charm and sophistication. She’s also appeared in the TV show ‘God Friended Me’ and several online series. Peppermint skillfully blends her background in musical theater with her on-screen acting experience, creating performances that are both dynamic and captivating.

Laith Ashley

Laith Ashley is a model and actor who has worked in music videos and TV shows. He gained recognition on the reality series ‘Strut,’ which showcased the careers of transgender models in fashion. Known for his captivating and strong presence, Ashley attracts the attention of those casting roles. He consistently uses his work to promote greater representation of trans men in the media.

Jari Jones

Jari Jones is a versatile artist – she acts, models, and makes films. She became well-known through her work with Calvin Klein and her performance in ‘Port Authority’. Jones uses her visibility to push back against conventional ideas of beauty and promote body acceptance in the entertainment world. Her work is known for being both powerfully confident and uplifting.

Ahya Simone

Ahya Simone is a harpist and filmmaker known for creating and starring in ‘Treasure,’ a web series that tells the stories of Black trans women in Detroit. The series has been praised for its realistic portrayal of their lives. Simone blends her background in classical music with a contemporary approach to storytelling, and she’s part of a growing movement of creators who are taking control of their own narratives to guarantee authentic representation.

Shea Couleé

Shea Couleé, a celebrated drag performer, is now taking on acting, landing a role in the upcoming Marvel series ‘Ironheart’. Known for their versatility in performance and fashion, Couleé is bringing that talent to scripted television. This casting is a major achievement, representing increased visibility for Black and gender non-conforming artists in mainstream entertainment.

Let us know in the comments which of these actors you think would be great in a big-budget movie!

2025-12-03 09:18