Top 17 Black Trans Women to Follow in 2026

Amanda Valentine Dela Cruz July 2, 2026

This post was last updated on October 26, 2026.

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Black trans women have always been at the frontlines of activism, culture, and visibility—even when society refused to acknowledge their contributions. Their courage has pushed forward LGBTQ+ rights and transformed global conversations on gender, race, and identity.

1. Laverne Cox

When discussing black trans women who changed the cultural landscape, Laverne Cox stands at the forefront. As the first openly trans woman nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award, she shattered barriers with her unforgettable role as Sophia Burset on Orange Is the New Black.

Laverne Cox poses in an orange dress, one arm hidden, for Inventing Anna promo in 2022. — *Laverne Cox, press shoot for *Inventing Anna* – Instagram @lavernecox*

Cox’s presence on screen was more than representation. It was a shift in the narrative of how trans Black women are seen in mainstream media.

But her work goes beyond acting. Laverne has used her platform to educate the world about transgender issues, especially the intersection of being Black and trans in America.

She advocates tirelessly against violence toward trans women. She supports youth through public speaking engagements and champions inclusive healthcare and media representation.

2. Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez is an actor and singer whose performance as Blanca Evangelista in Pose made television history. Her warm, commanding portrayal of a ballroom house mother earned her an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, making her the first openly transgender performer nominated in a major acting category.

MJ Rodriguez posing at the Fashion Trust U.S. Awards in a tailored black suit, white shirt, and long straight black hair. — *MJ Rodriguez at the Fashion Trust U.S. Awards in 2025 – Instagram @mjrodriguez7*

Rodriguez later became the first openly transgender actor to win a Golden Globe, receiving the award for Best Actress in a Television Drama.

Beyond those milestones, she has continued building a varied career across television, film, music, and the stage while speaking about opportunity, dignity, and fuller roles for Black trans women.

3. Zaya Wade

Zaya Wade is a young model and LGBTQ+ advocate who has used her growing public platform to speak about confidence, family support, and living authentically. After coming out as transgender with the support of her father, Dwyane Wade, and stepmother, Gabrielle Union, she became a visible example of how affirmation can help trans youth thrive.

Zaya Wade poses outdoors wearing a brown leather coat and sunglasses beside a light blue car during a fashion shoot. — *Zaya Wade photographed for Who What Wear in April 2025 – Instagram @zayawade*

Her fashion work has included runway appearances and brand collaborations, while her advocacy often centers young people finding their voices. In 2025, GLAAD named Wade to its 20 Under 20 list, recognizing the influence she has built through style, storytelling, and thoughtful conversations about identity.

Follow Zaya Wade: Instagram

4. Indya Moore

Indya Moore is an actor, model, writer, and activist best known for playing Angel Evangelista in Pose. The role brought tenderness and complexity to a Black trans character navigating love, ambition, and ballroom culture, while Moore’s performance helped make the series a landmark for transgender representation on television.

Indya Moore posing in a sleeveless black dress with gold bracelets and earrings, resting their hands near their face. — *Indya Moore at a Tom Ford Beauty event in Venice in 2025 – Instagram @indyamoore*

TIME named Moore among its 100 most influential people in 2019. Moore has also worked in fashion and film, including Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, and consistently uses public visibility to support trans people, young people in foster care, and communities affected by violence and displacement.

Follow Indya Moore: Instagram

5. TS Madison

From viral videos to producing her own TV series, TS Madison has built an empire on authenticity, humor, and unapologetic self-expression. As one of the first Black trans women to become a major social media star, she transformed online culture. She did so long before “influencer” was even a word.

TS Madison wearing a vibrant blue outfit and matching blue wavy hair, accessorized with large hoop earrings and a sparkling — *TS Madison in a blue look – Facebook @TheofficialTsMadison*

Her reality show The TS Madison Experience brought viewers into her creative world, showcasing her hustle and her mission to uplift the trans community. She later made history as the first Black trans woman to star in and executive-produce her own reality series.

TS Madison’s boldness challenges stereotypes about trans black women. Her activism focuses on the rights and safety of people working in the adult industry, body autonomy, and economic opportunities.

She inspires thousands. She shows that success does not require fitting into society’s expectations. You can build your own lane and dominate it.

6. Ve’ondre Mitchell

Ve’ondre Mitchell is a Black and Latinx transgender creator, artist, and advocate who built a large audience by pairing humor and everyday storytelling with clear messages about trans equality. Her videos address misconceptions, celebrate femininity, and give viewers an honest look at the confidence and pressures that can come with being visible online.

Ve’ondre Mitchell posing in a turquoise rhinestone top, pink bottoms, and colorful bracelets against a dark wall. — *Ve’ondre Mitchell celebrates Pride Month in Los Angeles – Instagram @veondremitchell*

Mitchell was included in GLAAD’s 20 Under 20 and received a nomination for TikTok Queer Advocate of the Year. She has since expanded into music and broader creative work, using a lively, direct voice that makes advocacy accessible to younger audiences while insisting that Black trans joy deserves space alongside serious conversations.

7. Munroe Bergdorf

Munroe is a British Black trans model, writer, and activist known for her bold and fearless political voice. She has been a strong advocate for racial equality, trans rights, and gender liberation in the UK.

Glamorous portrait of Munroe Bergdorf with long highlighted hair and a ruched brown dress in a studio setting. — *Munroe Bergdorf at a campaign event with Neutrogena – Instagram @munroebergdorf*

Munroe made history as the first Black trans woman to become a L’Oréal UK ambassador (despite later calling out the brand for hypocrisy), and she remains one of the most influential trans Black women in global pop culture. Her memoir Transitional is widely praised for its insight and vulnerability.

Follow Munroe Bergdorf: Instagram | Threads

8. Leyna Bloom

Leyna Bloom is an actor, model, dancer, and activist whose work has opened doors in fashion and film. In 2019, Port Authority premiered at Cannes with Bloom in a leading role, making her the first openly transgender woman of color to lead a feature shown in competition at the festival.

Leyna Bloom sits confidently on stage during a panel talk at Essence Fest, speaking about fashion and diversity. — *Leyna Bloom speaks on stage at the Essence Festival 2023 – Instagram @leynabloom*

She also became the first Black and Asian transgender woman featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Bloom draws on her Black, Filipina, and Indigenous heritage in her creative work, using visibility to challenge narrow beauty standards and to show that trans women of color belong at the center of major cultural stories.

Follow Leyna Bloom: Instagram | Threads | TikTok | IMDb | Official Website

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9. Peppermint

Peppermint is a singer, actress, and reality-TV icon who made history as the first out trans woman to compete on RuPaul’s Drag Race. Since then, she has become a force in Broadway, activism, and LGBTQ+ advocacy.

Portrait of Peppermint with pastel lavender wet-look hair, dramatic eye makeup, and a black outfit as she poses against a white background. — *Peppermint in a lavender hair look – Facebook @peppermintnyc*

She uses her platform to talk about racial justice, trans rights, and the realities faced by Black trans women in entertainment. Peppermint is loved for her charm, honesty, and deeply impactful political commentary.

10. Dominique Jackson

No tribute to black trans women would be complete without Dominique Jackson, the iconic actress and model best known for playing Elektra Abundance-Evangelista in Pose. Her character became a symbol of power, glamour, and resilience—qualities Dominique possesses in real life as well.

A glamorous Dominique Jackson commands attention in red as she crosses a street in New York, surrounded by a monochrome city. — *Dominique Jackson owns the street and the narrative – Instagram @dominiquet.a.r.jackson*

Growing up in Trinidad and later experiencing homelessness in the U.S., Dominique survived unimaginable adversity. She turned that hardship into greatness by becoming a supermodel, LGBTQ+ activist, and one of the most recognizable trans black women in the world.

Her advocacy includes humanitarian work, public speaking on trans migration, and fighting for the rights of people working in the adult industry and survivors of abuse. Dominique’s story demonstrates that beauty and strength can coexist. It also shows that Black trans women are unstoppable when given the space to thrive.

Follow Dominique Jackson: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | TikTok | IMDb

11. Angelica Ross

A powerful addition to this list is Angelica Ross, known for her roles in Pose and American Horror Story. She is an actress with depth and intensity—but her work off-screen is equally groundbreaking.

Angelica Ross poses in front of a pink background, wearing a white lace top and earrings, hand under chin. — *Angelica Ross, photographed by Amos Mac for Trans Day of Visibility – Facebook @missrossinc*

Angelica founded TransTech Social Enterprises, a nonprofit that helps trans people develop digital skills and secure employment in the tech industry. As a former homeless youth who faced countless barriers, she transformed her pain into purpose by creating real opportunities for marginalized trans individuals.

She is one of the few trans black women merging technology, activism, and the arts. Angelica’s speeches at the White House, LGBTQ+ conferences, and global platforms continue to educate and empower.

12. Janet Mock

Janet Mock is one of the most influential trans storytellers of our time. Her bestselling memoirs Redefining Realness and Surpassing Certainty gave the world an intimate, honest look into the life of a trans black woman navigating identity, love, and growth.

Editorial portrait of Janet Mock by Lia Clay for Out Magazine. She wears a white pearl-covered couture outfit during a seaside photoshoot. — *Portrait of Janet Mock by Lia Clay for Out Magazine – Facebook @janetmock*

She became the first trans woman of color hired as a writer and director for a major TV show, contributing to the groundbreaking series Pose. Through this work, she amplified the voices of Black and Latinx trans women who shaped ballroom culture, honoring the community’s history and struggle.

Janet Mock’s activism is rooted in intersectionality—how race, gender, and class affect the lives of trans black women. Her influence crosses media, politics, literature, and global advocacy, making her one of the most important cultural leaders in modern LGBTQ+ history.

Follow Janet Mock: IMDb | Official Website

13. Jari Jones

Jari Jones is an actor, model, producer, creative, and activist whose career connects fashion with community advocacy. She worked on Port Authority as a cast member, producer, script consultant, and acting coach, becoming the first Black trans woman to produce a film selected for competition at the Cannes Film Festival.

Jari Jones posing with a voluminous curly afro, oversized glasses, gold hoop earrings, and a black strapless corset. — *Jari Jones poses in New York during Fashion Week – Instagram @iamjarijones*

Jones has also appeared in major fashion campaigns and used her platform to celebrate plus-size bodies, Blackness, and trans femininity. Her work expands the image of who gets to be seen as glamorous and powerful, while her organizing and public speaking keep attention on the safety, dignity, and creative leadership of Black trans people.

14. Raquel Willis

Raquel Willis is a writer, strategist, and activist whose advocacy focuses on elevating trans black women to positions of power. As the former Executive Editor of Out magazine, she became the first trans woman to hold that position and used the opportunity to spotlight stories the mainstream often ignores.

Portrait of Raquel Willis wearing a teal satin blouse, statement earrings, and a short curly hairstyle while looking directly at the camera. — *Studio portrait of Raquel Willis – Facebook @RaquelWillisOfficial*

Her memoir, The Risk It Takes to Bloom, chronicles her journey from the American South to becoming one of the most impactful voices in the fight for transgender equality.

Raquel’s activism centers on ending violence against black trans women, dismantling structural racism, and uplifting grassroots leadership. Her presence in national movements—such as the Trans Lives Matter marches and policy work—has positioned her as a vital force for liberation.

15. Imara Jones

Imara Jones is an award-winning journalist and the creator of TransLash Media, a powerful platform dedicated to telling the stories of transgender people with depth and dignity. Her work exposes the political and social forces affecting trans communities—especially Black trans women who experience the sharpest edges of discrimination.

Imara Jones poses in a bright pink one-shoulder gown while holding an award at the GLAAD Media Awards in front of the event sponsor backdrop. — *Imara Jones at the GLAAD Media Awards – Instagram @imara_jones_*

Through documentaries, podcasts, and investigative reporting, Imara has built one of the most important storytelling spaces for trans people today. She helps ensure that their realities are accurately represented and widely seen.

Beyond media, Imara is a strategic force in activism. She works with national and international organizations to combat anti-trans legislation, improve access to healthcare, and dismantle the systems that place Black trans women at disproportionate risk.

She was named to Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” list, highlighting the scale of her impact. Her leadership shows what a trans Black woman can achieve when she refuses to let the world look away.

16. Ashlee Marie Preston

Ashlee Marie Preston is one of the most visible and outspoken Black trans activists of the past decade. As a media personality, journalist, and advocate, she uses her voice to confront racism, transphobia, misogyny, and the injustices faced by marginalized communities.

Close-up portrait of Ashlee Marie Preston wearing a floral outfit, statement feather earrings, and long blonde waves while smiling at the camera. — *Portrait of Ashlee Marie Preston – Facebook @peppermintnyc*

She became the first trans woman to become editor-in-chief of a national publication (Wear Your Voice Magazine) and has been a fierce advocate for survivors, people in poverty, and those navigating hostile political climates. Her commentary is sharp, bold, and fearless—reflecting the lived reality of many trans Black women.

Her activism is deeply personal and community-forward. She works on campaigns addressing homelessness, addiction recovery, and healthcare access, often drawing from her own experiences to highlight what Black trans women need to survive and thrive.

Follow Ashlee Marie Preston: Facebook | Instagram | Threads

17. CeCe McDonald

CeCe McDonald is a Black transgender artist and activist known for her work against racist and transphobic violence and the prison industrial complex. After surviving a 2011 attack in Minneapolis and being incarcerated following the confrontation, her case drew international attention to the dangers Black trans women face and the unequal treatment of transgender people in custody.

CeCe McDonald speaking at a wooden podium with a microphone, wearing a gray sweatshirt and long blonde braids. — *CeCe McDonald speaks at a podium in New York – Instagram @fpd8652*

Since her release, McDonald has continued organizing, speaking, and creating art centered on collective liberation. She has used her experience to advocate for incarcerated LGBTQ+ people, support community-based safety, and challenge systems that punish marginalized people instead of providing protection, care, and accountability.

In Memoriam: Miss Major Griffin-Gracy (1940–2025)

Miss Major is a legendary Black trans activist whose work spans over 50 years. A veteran of the Stonewall uprising, she has dedicated her life to fighting for incarcerated trans women, and Black trans women disproportionately affected by violence.

Close-up of Miss Major Griffin-Gracy in a pink zip-up top, looking serious, taken for HBO’s The Trans List in. — *Miss Major Griffin-Gracy for HBO’s *The Trans List* – Instagram @missmajor1*

Her leadership through organizations like TGIJP (Transgender, Gender-Variant & Intersex Justice Project) has made her one of the most influential trans Black women in history. She is literally an icon of our movement.

Follow Miss Major Griffin-Gracy: Facebook | Instagram | Official Website

If you found this article helpful or informative, please share it with others. Learning about the work and experiences of Black trans women encourages awareness, understanding, and support. A simple share helps more people discover their stories, follow their work, and stay engaged with the issues that affect the community.

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