As society becomes more accepting and knowledgeable of differing identities, what we see in media and entertainment is a reflection of this forward progression. With this change comes more representation for formerly marginalized and largely hidden identities, such as those within the LGBTQIA+ community. This has been a gradual change, and the latest development is a long overdue shift towards better representation of transgender people. More and more, television and movies are starring transgender actors. These actors are creating new meaning to their roles, and increasing understanding of what it means to be transgender. Bravery is one characteristic that these actors have in common, and the willingness to be trailblazers for their community. Without them, our collective movement towards a better society would be far less advanced. They play characters that represent an array of lifestyles, professions, and a range of characteristics and emotions. Through this, they show the world that not only is the transgender identity is to be respected and appreciated, but that they are also people with a full spectrum of experiences and personalities and are not to be defined in totality by their identity as transgender. To learn more about these amazing actors, check out these transgender celebrities who are changing television.
Zion Moreno
Zion Moreno is a star of the Gossip Girl reboot, and originally became well known from her appearance in the Netflix series Control Z.
MJ Rodriguez
MJ Rodriguez has become an icon for her role as Blanca in the hit FX series Pose. She is the first transgender person to ever be nominated for an Emmy for major acting. “There’s never been a trans woman who has been nominated as a leading outstanding actress, and I feel like that pushes the needle forward so much for now the door to be knocked down for so many people,” Rodriguez said.
Elliot Page
Elliot Page has created a long-standing career as an actor before transitioning. He is known for his role in Juno, Tales of the City and Umbrella Academy before his transition in 2020.
Laverne Cox
Laverne Cox is another transgender actor who has become a cultural icon as a result of her role in Netflix series Orange is the New Black. For this role she was nominated for three Emmy’s. And in 2014, she became the first trans person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy in an acting category.
Asia Kate Dillon
Asia Kate Dillon starred in Orange is the New Black, and in Showtime’s Billions. They are the first non-binary actor to play a non-binary character in television history.
Alex Blue Davis
Alex became the very first transgender actor on the hit TV show Grey’s Anatomy. He started his career in shows like NCIS and 2 Broke Girls.
Dominique Jackson
Another transgender actor who made a name for themselves on the series Pose, Dominque Jackson portrays some groundbreaking scenes in this show. “Every trans person’s journey ends in a certain place. It is a personal journey,” Jackson said.
Indya Moore
Indya Moore has become a household name since her portrayal as Angel on FX series Pose. They started out as a model, and has gone on to become the first trans cover model for Elle Magazine.
Jamie Clayton
Jamie Clayton became well known for her role in the Netflix series Sense 8. She has sense begun starring in the Netflix series Designated Survivor.
Hunter Schafer
Hunter Schafer started their ascend stardom with the HBO hit series Euphoria. She has said, “We’re so much more complex than just one identity.”
