About me
Brian Michael Smith is a groundbreaking American actor and LGBTQ+ advocate who has made history as a pioneering voice for transgender representation in mainstream entertainment.
Smith's journey as an advocate began through his authentic living and visibility in spaces where transgender people had been largely absent. After studying acting and video production at Kent State University and training at the William Esper Studio in New York City, he began securing roles that would reshape television representation for transgender men, particularly Black transgender men.
His breakthrough role as police officer Toine Wilkins in Ava DuVernay's "Queen Sugar" on OWN launched him into high-profile advocacy through visibility, followed by his portrayal of political strategist Pierce Williams in Showtime's "The L Word: Generation Q." Smith made television history when he was cast as firefighter Paul Strickland in FOX's "9-1-1: Lone Star," becoming the first Black openly transgender man in a series regular role on network television.
Through his groundbreaking casting and authentic portrayals, Smith has consistently used his platform to advance LGBTQ+ rights and representation. His roles across prestigious networks including HBO, NBC, and Showtime have created unprecedented visibility for transgender men in mainstream media, challenging stereotypes while normalizing transgender experiences for millions of viewers.
Smith's advocacy extends beyond his acting career through public speaking, mentorship, and visibility work that has opened doors for other transgender actors while educating audiences about transgender experiences. His career represents a significant shift in Hollywood's approach to transgender representation, moving from exploitative portrayals to authentic, complex characters played by transgender actors themselves.
Through his continued success in high-profile television roles and his commitment to authentic representation, Smith has become a powerful advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, demonstrating how visibility and excellence in mainstream entertainment can serve as effective tools for advancing social justice and human rights.
