9 Badass Queer Black Women You Wanna Know

I can't be the only one constantly looking for Queer role models who look like me! So for those of you out there wanting some #QueerMelaninMagic here's a list of badass women of color who also happen to love other women. What can I say except #YoureWelcome!

1. Samira Wiley

Olivia Malone for Refinery 29 / Via en.wikipedia.org

For my "Netflix & Chill" peeps you may know Samira form her role as "Poussey" from Orange is the New Black and my "Hulu & You" peeps may know her as Moira from her role in The Handmaid's Tale. Doesn't really matter where you know her from so long as you know her! During her time on OITNB she stole the heart of Lauren Morelli, a writer on the hit TV show and the two tied the knot on March 25, 2017! She's done so much in the LGBTQ+ community that in 2014 was named OUT magazine's Ingenue of the Year and in 2015 she received the Human Rights Campaign's Visibility Award.

2. Lena Waithe

Popsugar / Via popsugar.com

This Chicago native is best known for her role in Master of None for which she just received an Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series. Thanksgiving, the nominated episode was actually based on Waithe's coming out story and therefore adds even more badassness to this Queer Queen. Her and longtime girlfriend Alana Mayo were engaged this past Thanksgiving, I guess you can say she's got a lot to be thankful for!

3. Amandla Stenberg

Instagram / Via vibe.com

*whistles Hunger Game tune*

Best known for her role as in Hunger Games Stenberg captured my heart as the sweet girl from District 11 who died in battle. While Rue may be gone Stenberg is far from done! Since coming out as possibly Pansexual during an interview with ELLE, the 19-year old actress and singer has been a well needed voice in the LGBTQ+ community. She's been spotted taking classes on NYU's campus so well you know #yourewelcome.

4. Jasika Nicole

Via jasikanicole.com

Nicole is best known for her role as Agent Astrid Farnsworth from Fox's TV show Fringe that aired from 2008-2016. She's been listed on OUT magazine's OUT 100 and has been married to Claire J. Savage since October 5, 2013. Not only is she a damn good actress she's also a damn good illustrator. Closetalkers and High Yella Magic just being a few of her comics out there for fans to indulge themselves in!

5. Djuan Trent

Via en.wikipedia.org

Trent is a former Miss Kentucky who came out as gay on her blog in 2014 saying that she wanted "to help foster visibility of young queer women of color" which honestly just has drowning in tears of joy and pride. Because honestly is that not a world we all want to live in!? All I have to say is go 'head on Miss Trent!

6. Crissle West

Instagram / Via pictame.com

*Ohhhhh Happpppyyyy Daaaaayyyyyyyy*

Now that I've gotten The Read's intro out of my system let me tell y'all about my girl Crissle! If you aren't on the podcast bandwagon yet I am BEYOND elated that you're here for this #QueerMelaninGirlMagic! Crissle is a cohost to the ever popular podcast The Read alongside Kid Fury. She is an absolute riot and says whatever needs to be brought to the table in an unapologetic manner. Matters not who opposes to her commentary because you guessed it! They're hearing it anyway. She also hosts host hour-long music blocks as a connector on Beats 1 radio because why not?

7. Shantell Martin

Via socialifechicago.com

OMG! Where do I start? Not only is this women visually appealing (literal drool over here) but she is also really great at creating just as visually appealing artwork. She's currently a Visiting Scholar at MIT and an adjunct Professor at NYU Tisch School of Art and ITP. She was born in London (OMG please have an awesome accent) but lived in Tokyo for 5 years before moving to New York. Once again #yourewelcome for dropping these locations for you to like totally not signup for every class she teaches. Who cares about student loans and debt up to your eyeballs when you can stare at the work of art.

8. Sara Geffrard

The chic ever so dapper Sara. She's a fashion blogger originally from Port-au-Prince, Haiti but currently resides in New York after traveling here as a teen to pursue architecture. She runs A Dapper Chick a blog first started as a creative outlet for her style but it has since grew into much more. ADC is now full of empowerment for women and definitely a great place for some Queer Melanin Girl representation. She started The Dapper Chicks as a result of her highly visible platform and speaks about bullying, women's equality and other related topics. Definitely a Badass!

9. Seimone Augustus

Via citypages.com

Augustus is a 7 time All-Star and four time winner and MVP of the WNBA Championship. The girl can play ball ok!? While she leans heavily on the stereotype that most of the WNBA falls on the LGBTQ+ spectrum that doesn't stop her from being active in the community in her support to those who aren't as open with their sexuality. She has become a very visible influencer for our community especially in the sports realm where in 2017 she was the only publicly out player in the WNBA finals. Maybe that's why she's dominating the court! She's been married to LaTaya Varner since 2015, the two had a beautiful ceremony in Hawaii.