Current Crush: Jeremy Pope Proves Being Black And Gay Is His Superpower
Jeremy Pope is proof that authenticity can redefine success. A black and gay actor, he’s made waves in Hollywood and beyond with his talent, style, and fearless advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community. From Broadway to viral photoshoots, Jeremy is a voice for those who need it most.
The Inspection and LGBTQIA+ Representation
Jeremy Pope’s role in the indie film The Inspection has been a significant milestone in his career and personal growth. The film, which tells the story of a gay Marine Corps recruit during the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” era, allowed Pope to channel his own experiences with homophobia into his character. In an interview with The Guardian, he described the role as “healing,” enabling him to address personal issues he had faced and affirm himself through the character of Ellis French.
Pope’s portrayal in The Inspection earned him critical acclaim, including a Golden Globe nomination. The film’s director, Elegance Bratton, specifically chose to cast an out queer Black actor to represent the experiences of Black queer men in America accurately.
Jeremy also starred in the Netflix miniseries Hollywood, created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan. Set in post-World War II Hollywood, the show follows a group of aspiring actors and filmmakers trying to make it big in the entertainment industry. Pope portrayed Archie Coleman, a gay Black screenwriter, in a performance that earned him a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie.
Fashion and Advocacy
Jeremy Pope has made significant strides in the fashion world, using his platform to promote LGBTQ+ visibility and self-expression. In 2024, he became the face of Calvin Klein’s Pride campaign, This Is Love, alongside Cara Delevingne. In an interview with OUT, Pope described this opportunity as “a marker in my own journey of self-love and self-expression,” reflecting on how he has overcome fear and anxiety to embrace his uniqueness.
Pope’s advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community has been widely recognised. In 2023, he received the Stephen F. Kolzak Award at the 34th GLAAD Media Awards, an honor given to LGBTQ+ media professionals who have made significant contributions to promoting acceptance and visibility.
During his acceptance speech, Pope emphasised the importance of storytelling in bringing visibility to marginalised stories and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent nuanced and emotionally truthful life experiences.
In a particularly touching moment during his acceptance speech, Pope took the time to recognise and honour his dad for his unwavering support throughout Pope’s journey. He shared that his father, a professional bodybuilder and pastor, was present at the ceremony, referring to him as “one of my heroes”.
So, what’s next for our current crush Jeremy Pope? His talent, stunning looks, and fearless approach to being himself make him an obvious choice for our list. If his journey so far is any indication, he’s just getting started—breaking barriers on-screen, ruling the stage, and winning hearts along the way.
When someone like Jeremy shows up fully and authentically in every space he enters, he reminds us all that being true to yourself isn’t just brave, it’s damn sexy. That’s exactly why he’s got us all crushing hard right now.
