Over the past decades, Hollywood has witnessed a remarkable shift towards inclusivity and diversity, and the entertainment industry has been enriched by the presence of influential transgender individuals who have made a significant impact on and off the silver screen.
From talented actors and filmmakers to passionate activists and advocates, these twenty trailblazing transgender individuals have fearlessly shattered barriers, challenged societal norms, and, through their artistry and resilience, have become powerful beacons of representation and inspiration for countless people worldwide.
Fallon Fox
Fallon Fox is a trailblazing mixed martial arts (MMA) figure, the first openly transgender athlete to compete. She was born on November 29, 1975, in Toledo, Ohio, USA. Before her transition, Fallon lived as a man and went by the name Boyd Burton. However, she struggled with her identity for many years, knowing she identified as female.
Fallon Fox made her MMA debut in 2012, which brought attention and controversy to the sport. Some critics and fellow fighters raised concerns about the physical advantages that a transgender athlete might have over cisgender female competitors.
Chaz Bono
Born on March 4, 1969, as Chastity Bono, he is the only child of renowned entertainers Sonny Bono and Cher. But it was his courageous decision to publicly embrace his true gender identity that brought him into the spotlight as a pioneering transgender individual.
His journey and experiences as he came to terms with his true self were captured in the compelling documentary “Becoming Chaz.” The film, released in 2011, followed Chaz’s pre-transition days and the emotional process of undergoing gender-affirming surgeries and hormone therapy. Beyond his journey in the documentary, Chaz Bono has also thrived as a musician, showcasing his talents as a vocalist and songwriter.
Janet Mock
Janet Mock gained widespread recognition through her memoir titled “Redefining Realness: My Path to Womanhood, Identity, Love & So Much More,” which was published in 2014. The book delves into her journey as a transgender woman of color, sharing her experiences, challenges, and triumphs.
Throughout her career, Janet Mock has been an influential voice in the media. She worked for various magazines, holding notable editorial positions. Notably, she made history as the first transgender person of color to become a writer for a television show when she joined the staff of the popular series “Pose.”
Erika Ervin
She earned the moniker “Amazon Eve” due to her remarkable height, standing at an impressive 6 feet 8 inches tall, making her one of the tallest professional models in the world. Her height became a defining feature of her career and helped her break barriers in the fashion industry by challenging traditional beauty standards.
Beyond her work in the modeling industry, Erika Ervin ventured into acting and appeared in popular television shows. She notably appeared in “American Horror Story: Freak Show,” the fourth season of the acclaimed anthology series.
Amanda Lepore
Born on December 5, 1967, in Cedar Grove, New Jersey, she emerged as a prominent Club Kid, a subculture of young partygoers known for their striking and avant-garde fashion choices in the 1980s and 1990s.
Photographers such as Terry Richardson, David LaChapelle, and Ruben van Schalm recognized Amanda’s allure and artistic potential, leading to memorable photoshoots that further elevated her status as a fashion and cultural icon.
Candis Cayne
In the 1990s, Candis Cayne gained recognition in the drag scene and New York City’s underground nightclubs. Her captivating performances and charisma made her stand out in the city’s vibrant nightlife, earning her a devoted following.
Candis Cayne’s role in “Dirty Sexy Money” was significant for LGBTQ+ representation and visibility, as it provided a platform for a transgender actress to be part of a mainstream TV series, paving the way for more diverse and inclusive casting in the industry.
Alexis Arquette
Born on July 28, 1969, in Los Angeles, California, she came from a family deeply entrenched in the entertainment industry, with her siblings being actors David Arquette, Patricia Arquette, and Rosanna Arquette.
She was a talented poet and expressed herself through writing, and she also worked as a therapist and acting teacher, sharing her knowledge and passion for the arts with others. Tragically, Alexis Arquette passed away on September 11, 2016, due to complications related to HIV. Her death was a profound loss for the entertainment and LGBTQ+ communities, as she had been a vocal and compassionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and HIV/AIDS awareness.
Trace Lysette
Trace Lysette gained widespread recognition for her role as Shea on the critically acclaimed Amazon series “Transparent.” The show, known for its groundbreaking portrayal of transgender issues and experiences, provided an essential platform for Trace to showcase her acting prowess and bring authenticity to her character.
Beyond her on-screen work, Trace Lysette has been an outspoken advocate for transgender rights and visibility. She uses her platform to raise awareness about the issues faced by the transgender community and actively supports organizations and initiatives dedicated to LGBTQ+ causes.
Kate Bornstein
Born on March 15, 1948, in Neptune City, New Jersey, Kate’s life and career have been marked by resilience, advocacy, and a dedication to exploring and challenging societal norms surrounding gender and identity.
Throughout her career, Kate Bornstein has written extensively on various topics, including gender, identity, eating disorders, and personality disorders. Her books, essays, and articles have been instrumental in expanding the dialogue surrounding these critical issues and have provided valuable insights and support to individuals navigating their own experiences.
Jamie Clayton
Born on January 15, 1978, in San Diego, California, Jamie had a passion for acting from a young age. She pursued her dreams and moved to New York City to study acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. During her time in New York, she also became involved in fashion modeling, opening up various entertainment industry opportunities.
In 2015, Jamie Clayton landed the role of Nomi Marks in “Sense8”. The show’s inclusive and diverse representation, touching on themes of identity, acceptance, and human connection, struck a chord with viewers worldwide. As an openly transgender actress, she has been vocal about the importance of accurate and positive portrayals of transgender characters in film and television.
Our Lady J
Through her multifaceted career as a musician, writer, and producer, Our Lady J has become a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and representation. Her involvement in groundbreaking TV series has contributed to a more inclusive and diverse landscape in the media.
Our Lady J’s artistic journey embodies a commitment to breaking boundaries and challenging norms, both as a classical musician and as an influential figure in the television industry. Her impact on the arts and advocacy work has inspired many, and she continues to be a force for positive change in the entertainment world.
Jake Zyrus
In 2007, at the age of 15, Jake Zyrus gained widespread attention when videos of his performances on YouTube went viral. His powerful and soulful voice captivated viewers worldwide, leading to invitations to perform on numerous television shows in the Philippines and abroad.
After gaining international fame as Charice Pempengco, he decided to make a significant personal and professional transformation. In 2017, he publicly announced his decision to identify as a transgender man and changed his name to Jake Zyrus.
Christine Jorgensen
She is widely recognized as one of the first individuals to undergo gender reassignment surgery (also known as sex reassignment surgery or gender confirmation surgery). Her story played a significant role in raising public awareness and understanding of transgender issues during a time when discussions about gender identity were less common and often stigmatized.
Christine underwent a series of surgeries, including hormone therapy and gender reassignment surgery, under the care of Dr. Christian Hamburger. The surgery involved the removal of her male genitalia and the construction of female genitalia. This procedure was a significant milestone in the field of transgender medicine, and it marked a turning point in Christine’s life.
Alexandra Billings
Billings is a trailblazing force in the entertainment industry, leaving an indelible mark on both the stage and screen as a transgender actress and advocate. Born on March 28, 1962, in Los Angeles, California, Alexandra transitioned at a young age. She navigated the challenges of being a transgender woman in a society often unaccepting and ignorant of LGBTQ+ identities.
Apart from her role in “Transparent,” Alexandra Billings has appeared in various television shows, including “Grey’s Anatomy,” “How to Get Away with Murder,” and “Goliath.” Her contributions to the arts extend beyond the screen, as she has actively participated in theater productions, sharing her talent and advocacy on and off-Broadway.
Angelica Ross
The American actress and transgender rights activist is known for her groundbreaking work promoting trans representation and visibility. She gained prominence through her acting roles, particularly for her portrayal of Candy Ferocity in the hit FX series “Pose.” The show, created by Ryan Murphy, celebrated the ballroom culture and brought attention to the lives and struggles of LGBTQ+ communities, especially trans people of color, in the 1980s and 1990s.
In addition to her acting career, Angelica Ross has been an influential voice in the fight for transgender rights and equality. As an activist, she has used her platform to raise awareness about the issues faced by transgender individuals, advocate for policy changes, and promote greater inclusivity and acceptance.
Zackary Drucker
She is considered a talented multi-media artist known for her significant contributions to contemporary art and her exploration of gender identity and transgender experiences through her work.
Drucker’s art has been showcased in prestigious institutions and galleries, including the Hammer Museum, MOMA PS1, the Museum of Contemporary Art (San Diego), the Art Gallery of Ontario, and the Whitney Biennial. These exhibitions have provided a platform for her to share her unique artistic vision and perspective on gender, identity, and LGBTQ+ issues.
Harmony Santana
In “Gun Hill Road,” Harmony Santana played the role of Michael/Vanessa, a transgender teenage girl navigating her identity while dealing with the challenges of family and society. Her character portrayal was highly praised for its authenticity and emotional depth.
Beyond her work as an actress, Harmony Santana has used her platform to advocate for critical social causes. She became a spokesperson for issues related to homelessness among LGBTQ+ youth and the impact of bullying on transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals.
Calpernia Addams
Calpernia served in the military during her early years and, while in the service, grappled with her gender identity. She came out as transgender during her final year of service, a time when being openly transgender in the military was even more challenging due to restrictive policies and societal attitudes.
After her military service, Calpernia Addams transitioned and began a successful career as an actress, author, and transgender rights activist. She has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. She has used her platform to raise awareness about the challenges faced by transgender individuals, especially those who have served in the military.
Peppermint
Following her success on “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” Peppermint made history by becoming the first openly transgender woman to originate a leading role in a Broadway musical. She played the role of Pythio in the musical “Head Over Heels,” which premiered on Broadway in 2018.
Her talent as a singer and performer has also led to her success as a recording artist, releasing music that reflects her unique style and artistry. Peppermint remains an influential figure in the entertainment industry and a role model for many aspiring performers, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community.