You’ve probably seen Colman Domingo everywhere lately. Whether he’s commandingly leading a group of survivors in Fear the Walking Dead, breaking hearts as Ali in Euphoria, or making history with his Oscar-nominated turn in Rustin, the man is a force. Naturally, when an actor reaches this level of "prestige era" fame, people start digging into the personal stuff. Specifically, the internet keeps asking: is Colman Domingo gay?
Honestly, he’s never been one to hide it. Unlike the old-school Hollywood era where actors were forced into the closet to keep their "leading man" status, Colman has been out and proud for his entire public career. He isn’t just "open"; he’s a champion of living authentically. In fact, he’s been married to his husband, Raúl Domingo, for over a decade.
Their story isn't some PR-managed Hollywood romance, either. It’s actually kind of wild.
The Craigslist "Missed Connection" That Started It All
If you think modern dating is hard, imagine trying to find a stranger you locked eyes with in 2005. That’s exactly what happened. Colman was walking into a Walgreens in Berkeley, California. He saw a man with long hair and a lip piercing walking out. They didn't speak. They just looked at each other.
Colman felt something. Most people would just shrug and move on with their day, right? Not him. A few days later, while looking for a used computer on Craigslist, he felt a whim to check the "Missed Connections" section.
There it was. Raúl had posted an ad looking for the guy he saw at Walgreens.
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They met up for a date three days later at a bar in San Francisco. Colman has told the story on The Graham Norton Show, admitting that by 4:00 AM on that first night, he whispered to a sleeping Raúl, "I think I love you and you’re about to change my life." He wasn't wrong. They’ve been together for twenty years now.
A Career Defined by Being "Out"
For a long time, there was this toxic idea in the industry that if you were an openly gay Black man, you’d be boxed into very specific, very small roles. Colman Domingo basically set that box on fire.
He’s played everything. A pimp in Zola. A civil rights icon in Rustin. A complicated father in If Beale Street Could Talk. A terrifying villain. A comedic genius on The Big Gay Sketch Show.
Making History at the Oscars
In 2024, Colman made history. He was the first Afro-Latino to be nominated for Best Actor. He was also the first openly gay man to be nominated for playing an openly gay character (Bayard Rustin) in over two decades. It was a massive moment for representation.
When the news broke, he was at home with Raúl. They didn't have a big party planned. They were actually cleaning the house. Colman was in the bathroom when the announcement happened. They just jumped up and down together in their pajamas. That’s the reality of his life—it’s grounded, even when the world is screaming his name.
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Why Colman Domingo’s Identity Matters in 2026
We’re living in a time where "authenticity" is a buzzword, but for Colman, it’s a survival tactic. He’s spoken about how being gay allows him to access a certain kind of vulnerability in his roles. He doesn't see his sexuality as a limitation. He sees it as a superpower.
"I play roles that are not defined just by their sexuality," he told Gay Times. And he’s right. When you watch him as Mister in The Color Purple, you aren't thinking about who he goes home to at night. You’re watching a master at work.
The Marriage and the Work
Raúl isn't just a husband in the background, either. He’s a producer. The two work together frequently through their company, Edith Productions. They recently worked on the film Sing Sing, which earned Colman even more critical acclaim.
They don't have kids, but they do have a very tight-knit circle of friends. They’re famously close with Niecy Nash-Betts and her wife, Jessica Betts. It’s a community of "loving out loud," as Colman puts it.
Common Misconceptions
People sometimes assume Colman "came out" recently because his fame skyrocketed in the last few years. That’s not the case. He’s been out since he was a teenager. He’s never had a "coming out" press release because he never felt the need to hide.
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Another thing? People often wonder if his husband is also in the spotlight. While Raúl is a producer and writer, he’s much more private. His Instagram is locked. He shows up for the red carpets and the big wins, but he’s not chasing the camera. He’s there for Colman.
Moving Forward: What to Watch Next
If you’re just catching up on his work, there’s plenty to dive into. Aside from his historical roles, he’s currently voicing the Cowardly Lion in the Wicked films and starring in the Netflix series The Four Seasons.
The takeaway here isn't just about labels. It’s about a man who refused to let the industry dictate who he could be. Colman Domingo is gay, yes, but he’s also a writer, a director, a fashion icon, and one of the best actors of our generation.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Creators:
- Value Authenticity: Colman’s career proves that you don't have to hide your identity to reach the top of your field.
- Support Inclusive Media: Watch films like Rustin and Sing Sing that highlight complex, queer, and Black narratives.
- Follow the Work: Keep an eye on Edith Productions for upcoming projects that prioritize diverse storytelling.
- Celebrate Longevity: In an industry of "flash-in-the-pan" romances, the 20-year bond between Colman and Raúl is a rare and beautiful example of stability.
The "secret" to Colman’s success? It’s pretty simple: he’s always been exactly who he says he is.