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A movie starts, a red carpet interview pops up on your feed, or a new hit song takes over social media. Chances are, you’ve seen the work of transgender celebrities who have helped reshape entertainment and visibility over the past few decades.
These actors, musicians, athletes, models, activists, and creators have broken barriers, made history, and expanded representation for transgender people around the world. Some became famous before coming out. Others built their careers while openly sharing their journeys.
Here are some of the most influential trans celebrities and why they matter.
Trans Actors and Actresses
1. Elliot Page
Elliot Page is one of the most recognizable transgender actors in the world. Known for films like “Juno,” “Inception,” and the series “The Umbrella Academy,” Page came out as transgender in 2020.
His openness sparked important conversations about transgender visibility in Hollywood while continuing a successful acting career.
2. Laverne Cox
Few names are as closely associated with trans representation as Laverne Cox.
Her role as Sophia Burset in “Orange Is the New Black” helped introduce millions of viewers to a nuanced transgender character. Cox also became a major advocate for transgender rights and media representation.
3. Hunter Schafer
Hunter Schafer rose to fame playing Jules in the hit HBO series “Euphoria.”
Alongside acting, she has worked as a model, artist, and activist. Her work has made her one of the most recognizable young trans celebrities of the modern era.
4. Michaela Jaé Rodriguez
Known to many fans as Mj Rodriguez, she earned widespread praise for her performance in “Pose.”
Her success helped bring greater attention to transgender performers in mainstream television.
5. Daniela Vega
The Chilean actress gained international recognition through the Oscar-winning film “A Fantastic Woman.”
Her performance became a landmark moment for transgender representation in global cinema.
6. Karla Sofía Gascón
Karla Sofía Gascón made history with her acclaimed performance in “Emilia Pérez.”
She became the first openly transgender actress nominated for an Academy Award, marking a major milestone in film history.
7. Dominique Jackson
Best known for her role as Elektra in “Pose,” Dominique Jackson became a powerful voice for transgender visibility and Black trans representation.
8. Jen Richards
Jen Richards has built a respected career as an actress, writer, and producer while advocating for more authentic transgender storytelling in television and film.
Trans Musicians
9. Laura Jane Grace
As the founder and lead singer of the punk band Against Me!, Laura Jane Grace became one of the most visible transgender musicians in rock music.
Her songs often explore identity, transition, and personal growth.
10. Kim Petras
Kim Petras became a global pop star through chart-topping singles and collaborations.
Her success demonstrated that transgender artists can compete at the highest levels of mainstream music.
11. Sam Smith
Sam Smith identifies as nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns.
The Grammy and Oscar-winning singer has helped bring conversations about gender identity into mainstream pop culture.
12. Shea Diamond
Known for her powerful vocals and deeply personal songwriting, Shea Diamond has become an important voice in contemporary music and LGBTQ+ advocacy.
Models and Fashion Icons
13. Alex Consani
Alex Consani has become one of fashion’s biggest breakout stars. In 2024, she became the first transgender person to win Model of the Year at the Fashion Awards.
Her mix of high fashion success and social media popularity has introduced a new generation to transgender visibility.
14. Hari Nef
Hari Nef made history as one of the first openly transgender models signed to a major modeling agency.
She later expanded into acting and writing.
15. Valentina Sampaio
Valentina Sampaio became the first openly transgender model featured in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit and later worked with major global fashion brands.
16. Emira D’Spain
Emira D’Spain became the first Black transgender woman to work with Victoria’s Secret and has built a large following through fashion and beauty content.
Athletes and Sports Figures
17. Caitlyn Jenner
An Olympic gold medalist long before her transition, Caitlyn Jenner became one of the most widely known transgender public figures in the world after coming out in 2015.
18. Chris Mosier
Chris Mosier made history as the first openly transgender man to qualify for a U.S. national team consistent with his gender identity.
His work has helped shape conversations about inclusion in sports.
19. Schuyler Bailar
Schuyler Bailar became the first openly transgender NCAA Division I men’s swimmer.
He continues to speak publicly about inclusion, mental health, and education.
Influential Activists and Public Figures
20. Dylan Mulvaney
Dylan Mulvaney became a major social media personality through her online content documenting her transition journey.
She has used her platform to discuss transgender visibility, advocacy, and everyday life.
21. Jazz Jennings
Jazz Jennings gained national attention as a child and later starred in a long-running reality series that documented her life and experiences as a transgender teenager.
22. Zaya Wade
Zaya Wade has emerged as a young advocate for transgender visibility and LGBTQ+ youth support. She has emphasized the importance of allowing trans youth to be seen and celebrated.
23. Janet Mock
Janet Mock is an author, director, producer, and activist whose work has helped expand transgender representation behind the camera as well as in front of it.
24. Geena Rocero
Model and activist Geena Rocero has spent years advocating for transgender rights and visibility through public speaking, media appearances, and nonprofit work.
25. Leiomy Maldonado
Known as the “Wonder Woman of Vogue,” Leiomy Maldonado helped bring ballroom culture to mainstream audiences through television, dance, and choreography.
Why Representation Matters
For decades, transgender people were either absent from mainstream media or portrayed through stereotypes. The celebrities on this list have helped change that reality.
Their influence reaches far beyond entertainment. They have opened doors in film, television, music, fashion, sports, publishing, activism, and social media. They have also given many transgender people the chance to see themselves reflected in public life.
