Ryan Jamaal Swain is an awarding winning actor and activist.
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Ryan Jamaal Swain
Star of Pose & LGBTQIA+ Activist
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Ryan Jamaal Swain is an awarding winning actor and activist. Most notably, a breakout star of FX’s award-winning show Pose, which has been internationally and critically praised for its authentic and skillful portrayal of queer and trans life on television. In it, he portrays the role of Damon Richards Evangelista, an ambitious dancer who, after being kicked out of his home for being gay, becomes part of a self-selected family in New York City’s ‘80s-era queer ballroom scene. Following the success of Pose, Swain has been seen in the television show The First Lady opposite Viola Davis, on Broadway in Choir Boy and on numerous Off-Broadway stages.
As an activist, Swain was named to Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list for his LGBTQIA+ work on and off the screen. In addition, he has won awards from the Human Rights Campaign, Howard University, TrevorLIVE and TV One, where he made a rousingly moving acceptance speech on his intersections of being Black, Millennial and Queer. Swain also takes pride in being a Stonewall Inn Ambassador. In his efforts to deepen his charge to protecting and liberating young Queer people, he created a national campaign with the It Gets Better Foundation titled #48HoursOfLove—sharing uplifting messages of hope, empowerment and support to LGBTQIA+ students during the stressful back-to-school season all over the country.
Swain has also been featured in numerous publications ranging from Vogue, Nyloån Germany, GQ, The New York Times, Forbes and WWD for his fashion advocacy for Queer visibility.
Known for his inspiring “rags to riches story” of heading to New York City with only $50 to pursue his dreams, Swain’s passion for performing began at an early age. In his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, Swain started tap lessons at age four and quickly expanded to ballet, jazz, modern and hip hop. As an actor, he then attended the esteemed Alabama School of Fine Arts. A first-generation college graduate, Swain earned a B.F.A. from Howard University and trained at the British American Drama Academy in conjunction with Yale School of Drama in Oxford, U.K.
As a writer, Swain wrote and starred in “A Negro Writer,” a one-man show about Langston Hughes and his proverbial and private life. And is currently writing a teen fiction novel loosely based on his own coming-of-age story.
He is also currently recording his first single to be shared later this year.
Whether sharing a life story that has parallels with Damon Richards (As a child, Swain was physically and emotionally abused by his stepfather because of his sexual orientation.) or inspiring others to boldly pursue their dreams, Swain brings an empowering message of overcoming odds while giving back to others. His keynotes motivate audiences to find their voice, cultivate their “why” and use what makes them unique as their superpower.
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Topics
Topics
Finding Your Chosen Family
Behind the Scenes at Pose
Black, Millennial & Queer
Don’t Just Accept. Be An Ally.
Videos
Videos
"Pose" Star Ryan Jamaal Swain Talks About The Importance of Chosen Family
"Pose" Star Ryan Jamaal Swain Says He Works On "The Best Show"
Books
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