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Tag: Kya Azeen

  • 50 Black Queer Queens Slaying Sports & Style

    Get ready to update your #WCW (Woman Crush Wednesday) list because we’re shining a spotlight on 50 incredible Black queer queens who are absolutely dominating! Whether they’re making game-winning shots on the court or serving unforgettable looks courtside, these women are icons. With the WNBA season in full swing and the NBA playoffs heating up, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the talent and style gracing the sports world.

    Queens of the Court and Beyond

    This year’s edition is all about the ‘sports girlies’ – those who play the game and those who are always courtside, looking fabulous while cheering on their favorites. We’ve got WNBA stars who are fierce competitors and fashion-forward attendees who know how to make an entrance. These women aren’t just athletes; they’re trendsetters, role models, and unapologetically themselves.

    From electrifying plays to stunning fashion moments, these 50 women embody strength, grace, and undeniable charisma. They are breaking barriers, challenging norms, and inspiring a new generation with their confidence and talent. Let’s dive into some of the incredible individuals making waves this week.

    Featured Athletes and Style Icons

    This list features a dazzling array of talent. We’re talking about artists like Tinashe, who brings her signature style to NBA playoff games, and WNBA powerhouses such as Brittney Griner and Jewell Loyd, who are dominating the league. It’s not just about the players, though; we also celebrate those who bring their A-game in fashion, like Tessa Thompson and Janelle Monáe.

    The list also includes beloved figures like Queen Latifah, Niecy Nash-Betts and her wife Jessica Betts, and the iconic Laverne Cox. Each woman on this list brings a unique energy, whether they’re on the court, on screen, or making a statement with their personal style. Their presence is a powerful reminder of the diverse and vibrant Black queer community.

    More Than Just a List

    This isn’t just a collection of names; it’s a celebration of visibility and representation. In a world that often overlooks or underrepresents Black queer women, this list serves as a powerful affirmation. It highlights their achievements in sports, entertainment, and beyond, showcasing their influence and impact.

    We’re inspired by their dedication, their resilience, and their ability to shine so brightly. They are role models for aspiring athletes, artists, and anyone looking to live their truth with confidence and flair. Their journeys are a testament to the power of authenticity and the beauty of embracing one’s identity.

    Who’s On Your List?

    This compilation is just a snapshot of the incredible talent out there. From rising stars to established legends, these 50 Black queer queens are leaving their mark. They are proving that you can excel in multiple arenas, from athletic prowess to setting fashion trends.

    Who are your favorite Black queer queens dominating sports and style right now? Let us know in the comments below!

  • 50 Black Queer Queens Celebrated for Lesbian Visibility Week

    This week, MadameNoire is shining a special spotlight on the incredible contributions and undeniable presence of Black queer women. In honor of Lesbian Visibility Week (April 20-26, 2026), we’re celebrating 50 phenomenal queer queens who are making waves and dominating our screens, stages, and hearts.

    Celebrating Visibility and Value

    Lesbian Visibility Week, originally launched in July 1990, serves as a crucial movement to celebrate lesbians, queer women, and nonbinary individuals who often face erasure, stereotypes, and misrepresentation in media and broader culture. This week is a powerful reminder that their presence is not only valued but actively supported and championed.

    MadameNoire’s “Women Crush Wednesday” list goes beyond just appreciating beauty; it’s a platform to empower queer queens across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. Whether you identify as femme, non-binary, or a staddy, this celebration is for you, emphasizing that your voice and identity matter every single day.

    Honoring Trailblazers and Rising Stars

    This year’s list features a dazzling array of talent, including celebrated artists like Janelle Monae, Doechii, Niecy Nash-Betts, Kehlani, Tessa Thompson, Tinashe, Queen Latifah, and Laverne Cox. These influential figures, among many others, are not only owning their identities but also paving the way for future generations.

    • Janelle Monae
    • Doechii
    • Niecy Nash-Betts
    • Kehlani
    • Ty Young
    • Tessa Thompson
    • Tinashe
    • Jozzy
    • Queen Latifah
    • Laverne Cox
    • Auntie Nae
    • Willow Smith
    • Victoria Monet
    • Big Boss Vette
    • Murph
    • Porsha Williams
    • Sway the Pro
    • Jerrie Johnson
    • Jessica Betts
    • Tia Hogue
    • Morgz
    • wellness.liss
    • Jasmin A. Robinson
    • Azzi Fudd
    • Tonya Latrice
    • Lena Waithe
    • traveling.auntie
    • Brandi
    • Brittany ‘Boss Britt’ Hodge
    • Chevena
    • Dym Mo’Nique
    • Alylah
    • Zaria
    • Tucker
    • Kennedy E.
    • Milan
    • Kari
    • Annabella
    • Heaven Grace
    • Goldie
    • Shanna Simon
    • Jus
    • MyLin Stokes Kennedy
    • SK
    • Amara Yacine
    • Sophia
    • Young M.A.
    • Kia Barnes
    • Raquel Willis
    • Maia

    A Movement for Representation

    This compilation serves as a powerful testament to the diverse and vibrant community of Black queer women. By highlighting these incredible individuals, MadameNoire aims to combat erasure and celebrate the unique experiences and talents that enrich our culture. It’s a love letter to the queens who inspire, challenge, and lead with authenticity.

    Who are some of the Black queer queens who inspire you? Share your favorites in the comments below and let’s continue celebrating Lesbian Visibility Week!

  • Kya Azeen on ‘Cats: The Jellicle Ball’ and Black Queerness

    Broadway’s latest reimagining of the classic musical ‘Cats’ is making waves, and at its heart is actress Kya Azeen, who is infusing ‘Cats: The Jellicle Ball’ with the vibrant energy of ballroom culture and the authentic voice of Black queerness. For Azeen, this role is more than just a performance; it’s a profound full-circle moment that celebrates the very culture that shaped her.

    Ballroom as a Foundation

    “Ballroom is how I became who I am today,” Azeen shared with MadameNoire. She explained that ballroom served as her formative ‘college years’ after she didn’t attend traditional university. At 19, she found herself, as a trans woman and a Black queer person, discovering her identity and purpose within the ballroom community.

    Now, stepping onto the Broadway stage, blending her dance and performance background with the ballroom influences that are so integral to her, feels almost surreal. “It speaks to the young kid that’s like able to just do everything that I was training for so long and then also to incorporate a culture that influenced me so deeply,” she expressed.

    Authenticity and Representation

    Azeen acknowledges the significance of creating a space where Black queer audiences can see themselves reflected. However, she emphasizes that the energy in ‘Cats: The Jellicle Ball’ is rooted in authenticity. “It’s so innate in me to be a Black trans woman who’s from ballroom. It’s just natural,” she stated. She hopes that queer youth will see this production and feel empowered to “exist as myself and still perform and execute things within theater,” something she didn’t feel was possible when she was younger.

    From ‘Pose’ to ‘Cats’

    Drawing parallels to her early career role on ‘Pose,’ Azeen finds her character, Etcetera, in ‘Cats: The Jellicle Ball,’ to be quite adjacent. Etcetera, daughter of Macavity, leaves her house with aspirations of forming her own. “Very Blanca in Pose, honestly,” Azeen joked, referring to her ‘Pose’ character’s journey.

    She credits the show’s creative team, including mother figure and ballroom figure N’yomi Stewart and associate director, for helping her build the character. Azeen feels deeply connected to Etcetera because she understands the ballroom culture so well. The main difference, she notes, is the need to be “extremely fearless” on stage, a quality amplified by her stunning cheetah-print costume designed by Qween Jean, which helps her fully embody the character.

    The Need for Community and Celebration

    Azeen believes this reimagining of ‘Cats’ is particularly vital today. “As people, especially as Black folk, we need community more than ever,” she asserted. The production fosters a sense of mutual celebration and recognition, which she finds deeply moving. She shared an emotional moment watching fellow cast member Chasity Moore, a Black trans woman from the ballroom scene, perform the iconic song ‘Memory.’

    “It means a lot to see ourselves in all our glory and in our light and just shining,” Azeen concluded. “With all that’s going on in the world, like to silence it, that this production is needed more than ever, not only for the people that come to see us, but for ourselves.”

    Have you seen ‘Cats: The Jellicle Ball’? What are your thoughts on Kya Azeen’s performance and the show’s celebration of ballroom and Black queer culture? Share your experiences in the comments below!