Seven legendary Black LGBTQ+ characters played by LGBTQ+ actors

In honor of Black History Month in the UK, we want to elevate the voices of a too-often silenced community. The LGBTQ+ community would not have achieved the progress it has over the past half century if not for the vital contributions of Black queer figures. Here are 7 characters played by LGBTQ+ actors who help reject this oppressive silence, providing confident, proud portrayals of Black queer life.

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Eric Effiong – Sex Education

With a role in the award-winning Barbie movie, and even being cast as the newest Doctor Who, Ncuti Gatwa is quickly taking the world by storm. But it's his initial portrayal of the eccentric beauty that is Sex Education’s Eric Effiong that has left a huge impact on queer viewers. Playing the role of the lead character’s best friend, it would have been easy for Eric to be another quirky gay sidekick, existing only in stereotypes and cliches. But the nuanced depth with which Gatwa plays him launches him to the unquestionable star of the show.

With storylines focusing on the impact of religion on his sexuality, the difficulties faced with his family and school bullies, how valued he feels towards his friends and, fittingly, his gradual understanding of educational sex topics, this tremendous character is a key example of representation done to perfection. Passion, time and care were put into creating the character of Eric Effiong, and it shows. All four seasons of Sex Education are available on Netflix now.

Elektra Evangelista – Pose

Said with all the love in the world for every character in this show - but Pose would be nothing without the indispensable inclusion of Elektra Evangelista. Performed to perfection by Dominique Jackson, this hardened character initially comes across as cold-hearted and needlessly cruel to her fellow LGBTQ+ outcasts. But as viewers delve deeper into her past, we learn that she has had to fight her whole life simply for the right to exist in peace. Every difficult decision she made was out of love for the community she found sanctuary in, eventually learning to soften up around those who care for her.

Perhaps the most iconic aspect of her character is her unparalleled sharp wit. Elektra provides the show’s greatest comebacks, ready to leave any transphobe that comes her way absolutely devastated. Jackson’s commanding voice and hilarious delivery will ring in your ears for hours after watching, in the best possible way.

Moira Strand – The Handmaids Tale

Hulu’s The Handmaids Tale offers a terrifying glimpse into an alternate reality where fertility is at an all-time low, causing America to be taken over by a far-right religious totalitarian government called Gilead. Elisabeth Moss plays June Osborne, a woman forced to take the role of a Handmaid, and bear children for the leaders of the regime. Fighting for freedom alongside her is Moira Stand, who must hide her lesbian identity as Gilead has forbidden LGBTQ+ identities of any kind.