Veteran actor Niecy Nash-Betts poses for her Out100 cover photo, and she has one music request for inspiration: Destinys Child. Empowering anthems like Survivor and Independent Women, Part 1 create a perfect soundtrack for the 55-year-old artist, who is thriving on and off the screen. Never saw this day coming in my life. In my whole entire life, Nash-Betts laughs when asked about being named the Out100 Icon of the Year and cover star. I remember my daughter, when I said I wanted to be with Jessica, she said, Are you the same mama that said, Im strictly dickly? Im like, Well, I did say that, didnt I?So I never saw this day coming. And I love that for me, that means that life can continue to surprise you, she adds. And I love surprises. MODA GLAM Dress; ALEXIS BITTAR Earrings and Rings; TOM FORD ShoesErik CarterNash-Betts has been known and loved by the public for over two decades. In the 2000s, she starred as the hilarious Deputy Raineesha Williams in Reno 911!, and earned four Daytime Emmy nominations and one win as host of the home renovation show Clean House. In the 2010s, Nash-Betts garnered more notice and accolades for The Soul Man, Claws, Scream Queens, and Getting On, for which she was nominated for her first two Primetime Emmys.A turning point for the actor came in 2019 with the dramatic role of Delores Wise in Ava DuVernays When They See Us. Before starring in the series about the Central Park Five, in which she played the mother of one of the falsely accused boys, she was best known for her comedy. But as she says, she loves a surprise.In the summer of 2020, when the world was on lockdown, Nash-Betts, who had previously only been in relationships with men, delivered some happy news when she announced shed married a woman, Jessica Betts. Rather than soft-launching with a lead-up of social media posts of the two of them together, the couple introduced the relationship to the world with their wedding photos. MODA GLAMD dress; HANDMADE BY TARJA earrings; ROBERTO COIN bangles; AQUAZZURA shoesErik CarterFor Nash-Betts, it was just another day in a life filled with love of many kinds. It wasnt a big deal, or even really a coming-out; it was just a declaration of love, she says. To this day, shes surprised by the number of people their marriage positively impacted. When Nash-Betts initially posted her wedding photos on social media, she lost around 3,000 followers. Soon that loss of a few thousand turned into a gain of 30,000 new followers.Nash-Betts describes her ethos on other peoples love lives as I dont care whatever you want to do, you know what I mean? Go do it. Do it great. Matter of fact, do it two or three times just to make sure its locked in. And I didnt think anyone would care [about my relationship], she adds. Come to find out, a lot of people cared. I just did not see that coming.Now shes proud to represent Black queer women, especially those in relationships with other Black women. People who feel represented by their union have told Nash-Betts and Betts (who she calls her hersband), When it comes to Black-on-Black love in the queer community, that we are on a very short list of being someone you could look to for representation in that way.Its very, very powerful, weve learned. Because any time we go to an event that is especially for queer people, someone always comes up and brings it up, she says. First of all, I love being Black. I love being a woman. And now Im a Black queer woman in a relationship with another Black queer woman, and it matters. MODA GLAMD dress; HANDMADE BY TARJA earrings; ROBERTO COIN bangles; AQUAZZURA shoesErik CarterThe Emmy winner is moved by the positive influence shes had on others. It is such an honor for people to take stock in how you live your life. I think authenticity is one of the most beautiful attributes you could ever have, Nash-Betts says. To just be 100 percent who you are and allow people to see your happiness, you know what I mean? And see that Im in a situation that brings me joy, and for that to be celebrated, especially at such a time as this, is a beautiful thing.That joy and celebration of love are evident in Nash-Bettss family life. Her three kids from a previous marriage all love Betts. Dia Nash, her youngest daughter, has bonded with Betts over their shared love of singing. Meanwhile, her daughter Donielle Nash currently works as her mothers assistant, meaning she gets to spend even more time with Betts. And her son, Dominic Nash, is her turn-up baby, who loves tagging along with his mother and Betts for parties and events.Even my mama got in on the act, Nash-Betts says. She was a little nervous at first when we got married, but now my mother and my spouse will link up, and I dont even know. You saw my mama today? Wait, whats going on? she says. Marrying Betts also helped her deepen her friendship with another Black gay icon, two-time Oscar nominee Colman Domingo (Rustin, Sing Sing). The two had met while filming Selma together and have since been bonded for life.Once I introduced Colman and his husband, Raul, to J.B. [Jessica Betts], it was like we became the Fab Four, Nash-Betts says. It was like, OK, we are locked. Now we vacation together. We plan swim dates together. We do all sorts of fun things together. And yes, Colman officiated our wedding.When we got our marriage license, the very first place we stopped on the way home was at Colmans house. And they celebrated us. We drank champagne. We danced in the living room. I just love him so much, on camera and off, she says. STYLE PR Two-Piece; SISTER LOVE Earrings; ALAIA ShoesErik CarterNow that the star of Murphys upcoming Alls Fair has found this happiness, she wants others to experience it too. Every single person who comes out of the closet, who comes out of hiding, it helps shift society towards more acceptance and love, she says. And when you think about a closet, its dark. You know what I mean? Its junk in there. Come from up out of there.Its always important to choose truth over fear and community over isolation, Nash-Betts urges. For those who dont find support in traditional family structures, she advises seeking out a chosen family. Theres always going to be someone to support you, when you look for it, she says. Recent Republican calls for the Supreme Court to reconsider its 2015 ruling on marriage equality wont dampen Nash-Bettss joy. She wonders why they even care. Why does it bother you so much? You know what I mean? she asks. You just want to lord over people and have somebody to tell what to do. Then have your own baby. Go get a dog. Go get something you could tell what to do.If the decision is overturned, Nash-Betts is ready to ride at dawn to fight for her community.You talk about turning up, you know what I mean? she says. Stepping on somebodys ability to love whoever they want to love is wild. Its wild behavior. And so let me tell you, I definitely would be on the front lines.Long a queer ally, Nash-Betts is now a proud card-carrying member of the LGBTQ+ family and has leaned into being a representative for her community since coming out. She and Betts became the first same-sex couple on the cover of Essence magazine in 2022. In 2024, she was awarded the Stephen F. Kolzak Award at the GLAAD Media Awards. STYLE PR Two-Piece; SISTER LOVE Earrings; ALAIA ShoesErik CarterSo tell me, wheres the rally? Wheres the meeting? she says of standing up to those seeking to erase queer identities. You need me to make signs? You know what I mean? Bring sack lunches. What are we doing? Making phone calls. You know what I mean? Im in it up to my weave.While Nash-Bettss personal life is inspiring, her career is on fire. In 2023, she won her first Primetime Emmy for playing Jeffrey Dahmers neighbor, Glenda Cleveland, in Murphys Dahmer Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story. Nash-Bettss working relationship with Murphy dates back to Scream Queens in 2015-2016, where she was a scene stealer as a security guard assigned to protect a sorority being hunted by a serial killer. There was a time after she got together with Betts when folks advised her to keep her private life private or she wouldnt be hired, but Murphy had her back. The creator of American Horror Story and Glee called Nash-Betts and assured her, As long as Im alive, you will have a job in this town.Cut to two years later, and shes on the Emmys stage delivering an electrifying speech. After thanking her wife and Murphy, Nash-Betts added one more thanks: Me. For believing in me and doing what they said I could not do. And I wanna say to myself in front of all you beautiful people, Come on girl, with your bad self, you did that!After starring in another of Murphys horror series, Grotesquerie (2024), Nash-Betts is set for his anticipated star-studded legal drama, Alls Fair. Nash-Betts stars alongside Glenn Close, Sarah Paulson, Teyana Taylor, Naomi Watts, and Kim Kardashian as a group of high-powered lawyers who leave their male-dominated practice to start their own divorce firm. Its the latest cast of legendary actresses to power Murphys projects. Nash-Bettss reaction to becoming part of a legacy that includes Angela Bassett, Kathy Bates, Jessica Lange, Paulson, and Patti LuPone? Mama, I made it. BENT KAHINA Dress; STYLE PR Feathers; NIECYS OWN Earrings; TOM FORD ShoesErik CarterIt feels like a dream come true. You know what I mean? she smiles. We come into this world with big dreams, and then when they manifest, youre like, my head is about to pop off. I cannot even wrap my mind around all the feelings that come with this sort of a pedigree, she adds. I just consider myself to be very, very blessed, because these are not spaces in life that you wish for these are places you work for.The lineup of heavy hitters created a culture on set that Nash-Betts says was like summer camp with better clothes and good makeup. Sometimes you get a big cast together and theres a little tension, a little friction, but we genuinely like each other and are genuinely supportive of each other, she says, swapping stories about their kids, having a laugh or a cry when needed.On Alls Fair, there was a sisterhood behind the camera, but Nash-Betts warns that their characters dont always get along so well. The shows magic comes from portraying women who can be strong, confident, and assertive, but who also have cracks in their armor. You get to see the places where we need each other. You get to see that you can only put on a face for so long before your truth is revealed, she says. So these relationships with these women are very complex. The performances are very nuanced. I love that it is just not a picture of perfection, but its also progression towards what were working towards emotionally, mentally, physically, all of that.Though she clocks Kardashians and Paulsons characters as having some of the fiercest fights of the show, she says in real life, They can never make it through one scene without having a giggle fit. Not one. STYLE PR Headpiece and Gloves; ALEXIS BITTAR JewelsErik CarterAt the same time, Nash-Betts says she couldnt be more impressed by Kardashian, who has recently made a pivot to acting. This will be Kardashians second project with Murphy after American Horror Story: Delicate. Before beginning work on Alls Fair, Nash-Betts admits she had never seen an episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians and had no preconceived notions of what to expect from the reality star, whose public persona has at times been polarizing. But they were fast friends who instantly clicked, instantly bonded, she says. Kardashians lack of ego on set and tireless work ethic impressed the veteran actor. I have seen her on the computer running her businesses, you know what I mean? she says. All the while she got a baby on FaceTime, shes got a law book right here to the left. Shes got something else shes working on, a script to the right. She is the definition of multitasking. So I feel like I could take a page out of her book when it comes to that.Theres plenty of buzz for Alls Fair, and Nash-Betts says she hopes the show will become appointment TV, akin to classic nighttime soaps like Dynasty, Knots Landing, and Dallas, after it premieres this November on Hulu.And theres another awards season to consider. After thanking herself in her first Emmy acceptance speech, Nash-Betts has a plan for who shell thank if her name gets called again: her family.I think that when you give yourself over to the arts, there are a lot of times that you dont have with your loved ones. So it is very important because theyre sharing you with the world she says. Im leaving my family to go on a three-week press tour. I have 16-hour work days. And it is very important to let those that support you know how much that means and how much you appreciate them sacrificing their time with you, because theres that too. This cover story is part of Out's Nov/Dec 2025 'Out100' issue, which hits newsstands October 28. Support queer media and subscribe or download the issue through Apple News, Zinio, Nook, or PressReader starting October 16.talent NIECY NASH-BETTS @niecynash1photographer ERIK CARTER @erik_carter with ANDERSON HOPKINS @andersonhopkinsdigital tech JOSEPH MITCHELL @dudesgottadofirst assistant SANDRA RIVERA @xsandiiasecond assistant PRISCILLA MARIE SERRANO @priscillamariesset designer KELLEY SILVERMAN @fusilli_jerry_stylist ASHLEY SEAN THOMAS @ashleyseanthomasstylist assistant KIMBERLY BATINO @kimberly.batinomakeup NAIMA JAMAL @allinadayswerk with CROWDMGMT @crowdmgmthair SHARIF POSTON @sharifpostonvideographer ROBERT MARRERO @itsrobertmarrerolocation EDGE LA @edge_studios