DEWAYNE PERKINS
Representation is everything, especially for communities who tend to not have a voice at all. The abundance of Black gay actors is no short blessing to write-off, like Emmy-nominated comedian, writer, producer and Tony award winner, Dewayne Perkins. He’s a new leading force in Hollywood. On one of Netflix’s top shows, The Upshaws, Perkins plays Hector, the boyfriend of one of the main characters, Bernard, depicting the ups and downs of Black gay relationships. This pivotal moment is revolutionary as it’s one of the few shows that has displayed gay love not centered around whiteness or heterosexual ideologies. The Chicago native’s performance continues to push this narrative as many of his roles in the industry are built around Black and queer identities, which is most needed today. —E.F.