Feature Friday: 5 Reasons Why 2017 Was The Year of Lena Waithe

1) The episode of Master Of None that she penned, titled "Thanksgiving," was so, so good

Waithe told her coming out story via an episode of Netflix's Master Of None that took audiences through several of her on-screen character's Thanksgiving celebrations with her family over the years. It was the perfect blend of humor, heartbreak, and inspiration.

Most importantly, it highlighted an aspect of the queer experience that often gets left out of media representation: the fact that coming out is often not a one-time thing, but rather a never-ending process.

2)She became the first black woman to win an Emmy for outstanding writing in a comedy series

Not only did Waithe write a fantastic episode of television, but she also won an Emmy for it, AND made history by doing so.

3) Her Emmy acceptance speech was inspiring AF

Waithe used her Emmy acceptance speech as an opportunity to create a positive impact on the LGBTQ+ community:

“My LGBTQIA family, I see each and every one of you,” she declared. “The things that make us different, those are our superpowers. Every day when you walk out the door, put on your imaginary cape and go out there and conquer the world because the world would not be as beautiful as it is without us in it.”

4) She spent 2017 acting, writing, AND producing

In addition to writing an episode of Master of None, Waithe spent 2017 acting in Master of None, writing and producing her new Showtime series "The Chi," filming her scenes for a supporting role in a Steven Spielberg film, and developing a television show about queer women in their 20s. Talk about ladies gettin' stuff done.