The Risky Role That Made History: How Queen Latifah’s Set It Off Performance Changed Black LGBTQ+ Representation

In 1996, Queen Latifah took a career gamble that would leave an indelible mark on both cinema and queer Black history. Her portrayal of Cleopatra “Cleo” Sims — a swaggering, unapologetically queer bank robber in Set It Off — was not only a standout performance but a groundbreaking moment for LGBTQ+ representation on screen.

A Character Ahead of Her Time

In the mid-1990s, mainstream Hollywood offered few — if any — authentic portrayals of queer Black women. When such characters did appear, they were often reduced to stereotypes or sidelined entirely. Cleo was different. She was butch, openly lesbian, fiercely loyal, and unashamed of who she was. Latifah’s performance made her more than just a supporting character — she was a fully realized human being with depth, agency, and charisma.

By embodying Cleo with nuance and empathy, Latifah broke through the industry’s rigid limitations. Her Cleo was neither a punchline nor a tragic figure; she was a powerful, complicated woman who demanded to be seen on her own terms.

Taking the Risk

Latifah has since spoken about the potential challenges she faced in taking the role, including preparing her younger siblings for possible teasing or backlash. It was a risk in an era when being associated with a queer character — especially for a rising star in the hip-hop and R&B world — could have impacted public perception and career trajectory.

But for Latifah, the role’s importance outweighed the risk. She wanted to portray a character that shone a positive light on the gay African-American community while also expanding the scope of her acting career.

Lasting Cultural Impact

Critics praised Latifah’s performance for its authenticity, and audiences — particularly within the Black queer community — embraced Cleo as a rare and empowering figure in popular culture. Set It Off didn’t just entertain; it challenged Hollywood’s narrow storytelling norms and proved there was room for more inclusive narratives.

Cleo’s influence can still be felt today in the growing number of complex queer Black women appearing in film and television. Latifah’s work helped pave the way for stories that reflect a wider spectrum of identities and experiences.

A Career of Breaking Barriers

Set It Off was only one chapter in Latifah’s ongoing commitment to portraying layered, culturally significant characters. She went on to embody blues legend Bessie Smith in HBO’s Bessie (2015) — a role that openly explored Smith’s bisexuality — and brought charisma and grit to Matron “Mama” Morton in the Oscar-winning Chicago (2002).

In a personal milestone for LGBTQ+ visibility, Latifah publicly acknowledged her partner, Eboni Nichols, during her 2021 BET Awards acceptance speech, marking a significant moment in her relationship with fans and the entertainment industry.

Nearly three decades later, Queen Latifah’s Cleo remains a cultural touchstone — a fearless portrayal that blended artistry with activism. By taking on the role, Latifah not only cemented her reputation as a powerhouse performer but also cracked open the door for a richer, more authentic representation of queer Black womanhood in Hollywood.