Lena Waithe

Personal context

Summary

Lena Waithe is an American writer, producer, and actor known for Master of None, The Chi, and Queen & Slim. Her work often centers black and LGBTQ characters and explores race, sexuality, and police violence. She has spoken publicly about her identity as a queer black woman, used her Emmy and GLAAD award speeches to address LGBTQ audiences, and described visibility for marginalized characters as part of her work. She founded Hillman Grad Productions to amplify underrepresented artists and stories, and co-founded Rising Voices to support diverse filmmakers.