20 inspirational Black LGBTQ+ icons

It's impossible to talk about trans representation in media without mentioning the trailblazing Laverne Cox. Her Emmy-nominated role in Orange Is the New Black changed the game, and she has since used her platform to advocate for trans rights.

No one has dominated a red carpet quite like Billy Porter, using fashion as a bold and fabulous form of self-expression. He's a true multi-hyphenate talent who backs up the style with an Emmy, a Tony, and a Grammy.

If you can't love yourself, how in the heck you gonna love somebody else? RuPaul took drag culture from the underground and made it a global phenomenon, building an entertainment empire one brilliant catchphrase at a time.

Dropping a critically acclaimed, genre-bending album and then disappearing for years is basically Frank Ocean's entire brand. His quiet but powerful honesty about his sexuality has made him an enigmatic and deeply respected icon in modern music.

Whether they're dropping a futuristic R&B album or stealing scenes on the big screen, Janelle Monáe is the definition of a multi-talented artist. Their unapologetic celebration of their queer identity and Blackness is woven into every incredible piece of art they create.

No artist has masterfully trolled his haters and broken the internet more times than the phenomenal Lil Nas X. He's unapologetically queer in a genre that hasn't always been welcoming, and he does it with a perfect sense of humor.

That groundbreaking Emmy win for writing on Master of None was just the beginning for the incredibly talented Lena Waithe. She has since become a powerhouse producer and actor, dedicated to creating and championing stories centered on Black queer experiences.

That iconic, instantly recognizable voice belongs to none other than Wanda Sykes, a comedy legend. Her trailblazing career and outspoken honesty as a Black lesbian comedian have paved the way for countless others.

Colman Domingo has been a master of stage and screen for years, but his recent Oscar-nominated turn in Rustin finally gave him his leading-man moment. He brings a quiet dignity and powerful presence to every role, all while being an openly proud gay man in Hollywood.

When the beloved Niecy Nash-Betts announced her marriage to musician Jessica Betts, it was a beautiful moment of an established star sharing her full truth later in life. Her joy is infectious, and her career continues to soar.

Yep, that's Raven. The former child star has been a fixture on our screens for decades, but her journey of publicly embracing her identity has been a powerful and inspiring new chapter for her fans to witness.

As the culture expert on Netflix's Queer Eye, Karamo Brown brought a new level of emotional vulnerability and real talk to reality TV. He has become a beloved role model, known for his compassionate advice and dedication to open and honest communication.

Sorry to this man, but Keke Palmer has been an unstoppable and multi-talented force in Hollywood since she was a kid. Her candidness about her fluid sexuality and her role as an authentic voice for her generation make her an undeniable icon.

No one captures the smooth, complicated, and vulnerable vibe of modern R&B quite like Kehlani. Their journey of being openly queer has been a central part of their music, making them deeply respected and relatable artist for their fans.

She's not a member of the community, but Beyoncé has earned her icon status as a powerful and unwavering ally who consistently celebrates Black queer culture. Her groundbreaking 2022 album Renaissance was a direct and intentional tribute to the Black and queer pioneers of house music and ballroom culture.

After decades as a trailblazing, platinum-selling female rapper, Da Brat chose to publicly share her love story with her wife, Jesseca Dupart, in 2020. Her journey of coming out later in life was a beautiful moment of joy and authenticity that resonated with fans everywhere.

Kerry Washington has been using her massive platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights for years, delivering some of the most powerful pro-equality speeches in recent memory. She is a true ally who consistently and passionately speaks up for the marginalized, reminding everyone that "to be represented is to be humanized."

TS Madison has built an empire on the back of her unapologetic humor and raw authenticity, turning viral internet fame into a legitimate media career. From her iconic "Wait a minute!" clip to memorable moments on RuPaul's Drag Race, she has become a celebrated and powerful voice for trans advocacy.

James Baldwin's brilliant, incisive writing explored the complex intersections of race, sexuality, and class in America long before it was mainstream. His work remains a vital and powerful touchstone for understanding the Black and queer experience.

Ma Rainey was an absolute force, and her nickname, the "Mother of the Blues," was well-earned. She had a legendary voice and stage presence, and was casually dropping lyrics about her relationships with women almost 100 years ago.