24+ Inspiring Transgender Celebrities Making a Difference
Today, many famous transgender celebrities are helping to show the world that trans is beautiful and that living your best, most authentic life matters. Big names like Laverne Cox and Caitlyn Jenner have become powerful voices for the LGBTQ+ community, using their platforms to promote equality, acceptance, and mental health awareness.
But there are even more talented and courageous transgender celebrities gaining fame and attention. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most inspiring trans stars who are making waves in Hollywood, entertainment, and sports.
Laverne Cox
Laverne Cox became a household name through her standout role as Sophia Burset on the hit Netflix show Orange is the New Black. Her performance helped change how people see trans individuals in mainstream media.
But Cox is more than just an actress—she’s a powerful transgender rights advocate, speaking out about diversity in entertainment and the importance of body positivity. She uses her voice to fight for equal representation in Hollywood and encourages self-love and confidence.
The Wachowski Sisters
Lana and Lilly Wachowski created The Matrix movie franchise, one of the most successful sci-fi film series in history. After reaching global fame, both sisters publicly came out as transgender women.
Lana spoke at the Human Rights Campaign dinner, saying she hoped to inspire young people who feel different. Their story has made a huge impact in both the film industry and the transgender community.
Jazz Jennings
Jazz Jennings became a popular YouTuber before starring in the TLC reality show I Am Jazz, which follows her life as a transgender teen. She shares her journey openly, helping people understand what it’s like to grow up trans.
Jazz is also a successful author and founder of two non-profits: the TransKids Purple Rainbow Foundation and Purple Rainbow Tails, supporting transgender youth and promoting LGBTQ+ education.
Balian Buschbaum
Balian Buschbaum is a former Olympic pole vaulter from Germany. After retiring from athletics in 2007, he came out as a transgender man. His story of personal transformation and mental health resilience has inspired many around the world.
Balian is now a media personality and has appeared on Germany’s version of Dancing With the Stars, proving that you can always reinvent yourself and follow your passion.
Caitlyn Jenner
Caitlyn Jenner is one of the most famous transgender celebrities in the world. She first became known as an Olympic gold medalist, then starred in the popular reality show Keeping Up With the Kardashians.
In 2015, Caitlyn made headlines with her powerful Vanity Fair cover, where she revealed her new identity. Since then, she has used her fame to raise awareness about transgender rights, gender identity, and public acceptance.
Caroline Cossey
British model and actress Caroline Cossey became internationally known after her role as a Bond girl in the 1981 James Bond movie For Your Eyes Only. But her journey took a dramatic turn when a tabloid cruelly outed her as transgender without her consent.
Despite the media invasion, Cossey made history by becoming the first trans woman to appear in Playboy magazine. Her story is one of resilience, fame, and courage, inspiring others in the fashion and modeling world.
Alex Blue Davis
Alex Blue Davis gained global recognition for playing the transgender character Casey on the top-rated medical series Grey’s Anatomy. His role helped bring authentic representation of trans characters to mainstream TV.
Davis continues to push boundaries with appearances in popular shows like NCIS and Two Broke Girls, using his platform to promote inclusive storytelling in Hollywood.
Candis Cayne
Candis Cayne became the first openly transgender actress to have a recurring role on primetime television when she starred in Dirty Sexy Money on ABC.
She is a key figure in LGBTQ+ history, paving the way for future actors by proving that trans characters can be celebrated in mainstream media.
Chaz Bono
Child of music legends Sonny Bono and Cher, Chaz Bono transitioned in the public eye and courageously shared his story in the documentary Becoming Chaz, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
Chaz has become a powerful LGBTQ+ rights activist, working with GLAAD and the Human Rights Campaign to advocate for trans equality and mental health awareness.
Janet Mock
Before she became a transgender icon, Janet Mock worked as a journalist and editor at People magazine. In 2011, she came out publicly in Marie Claire, becoming a leading voice for trans women.
Mock later wrote the bestselling memoir Redefining Realness, and has since become a media mogul, director, and speaker promoting trans empowerment and gender justice.
Jenna Talackova
Canadian model Jenna Talackova made global headlines when she was disqualified from Miss Universe Canada in 2012 for being transgender. She fought back with a groundbreaking legal battle, forcing the pageant to change its rules.
She went on to win Miss Congeniality and became co-grand marshal of the Vancouver Pride Parade—making her a symbol of legal rights for trans individuals in competitive spaces.
Isis King
Isis King made history as the first trans woman to compete on America’s Next Top Model, becoming a symbol of trans visibility in fashion and reality TV.
Her boldness helped break stereotypes in the modeling world and brought powerful representation of transgender beauty to global audiences.
Carmen Carrera
Known for her appearance on RuPaul’s Drag Race and Real Housewives of New York City, Carmen Carrera shocked fans with the news that she was a transgender woman, not just a drag performer.
Her announcement helped ignite conversations about gender identity and acceptance in the entertainment industry, making her a role model for many.
Ian Harvie
Ian Harvie is a transgender comedian who has performed alongside Margaret Cho and gained a strong following with his honest and hilarious takes on life, identity, and gender.
He broke barriers in the comedy world and continues to use laughter to address serious topics like LGBTQ+ rights, mental health, and gender diversity.
Tracey Norman
In the 1970s, Tracey Norman became a star model for Clairol’s hair products. But after it was revealed that she was transgender, she was unfairly dropped from the campaign.
Despite the discrimination, Norman continued her career and became a pioneering LGBTQ+ advocate. Today, she’s celebrated for her courage in the beauty and fashion industry, helping pave the way for greater trans visibility in advertising.
Aydian Dowling
Aydian Dowling became a symbol of strength when he competed in Men’s Health magazine’s “Ultimate Guy” contest—the first trans man to do so. His story challenged old ideas about masculinity and gender roles.
Today, Dowling runs his own men’s clothing brand that supports the trans community, showing how transgender entrepreneurship can create both income and impact.
Renee Richards
Renee Richards was a top male tennis player who came out as a trans woman in the 1970s. When she was banned from playing in women’s tennis events, she fought back—and won a landmark Supreme Court case.
Her victory at the 1977 U.S. Open remains one of the biggest legal wins in transgender sports history, promoting equality and fair treatment in athletics.
Jamie Clayton
Jamie Clayton rose to fame starring as a trans character in the hit Netflix sci-fi series Sense8, directed by the Wachowski sisters. Her performance opened the door for more authentic trans characters in Hollywood.
Clayton continues to advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in entertainment, proving that trans actresses deserve leading roles on the global stage.
Fallon Fox
Fallon Fox is one of the first openly transgender women in mixed martial arts (MMA). Despite controversy and criticism, she kept fighting and became a role model for trans athletes in competitive sports.
She uses her voice to demand equal rights in sports, saying: “I deserve the same respect as any other woman.”
Alexandra Billings
Alexandra Billings made her TV debut in 2005 and has since starred in hit shows like Transparent, ER, Grey’s Anatomy, and more.
In 2016, she received the Human Rights Campaign Visibility Award, honoring her work in promoting transgender representation in showbiz.
Elliot Fletcher
Elliot Fletcher is a rising star who’s been open about his journey as a transgender man. Known for roles in The Fosters, Shameless, and Good Trouble, he’s also a talented musician.
Fletcher has said his mission is to use his platform to support the trans community, promote mental health awareness, and show young people that their stories matter.
Hari Nef
Hari Nef made fashion history in 2016 as the first trans woman on the cover of British Elle and the first trans model signed by IMG Worldwide.
She’s known for her bold personality and unique perspective on gender identity and creativity, proving that the fashion world is richer when it embraces diversity.
Andreja Pejic
Andreja Pejić became famous for modeling both men’s and women’s clothing in top fashion shows. She gained international attention after walking for Jean-Paul Gaultier in both male and female runway shows—challenging the industry’s gender norms.
After coming out as a trans woman in 2014, Pejić made history as the first transgender model featured by Vogue, becoming a major voice for inclusive fashion and transgender modeling success.
Candy Darling
Candy Darling rose to stardom in the 1970s as one of Andy Warhol’s legendary Superstars, appearing in films like Flesh and Women in Revolt. She was also a muse to The Velvet Underground, inspiring iconic music and art.
Her legacy lives on in the documentary Beautiful Darling, released in 2010, celebrating her life as a trans pioneer in art and film.
Christine Jorgensen
In 1952, Christine Jorgensen became the first American to undergo gender confirmation surgery, which made headlines around the world. Her story was featured on the cover of the New York Daily News, making her an overnight sensation.
Jorgensen used her fame to advocate for transgender awareness, education, and public speaking, becoming one of the earliest voices for trans visibility in media.
Valentina Sampaio
Valentina Sampaio is a top Brazilian model who keeps breaking records in the fashion industry. She was the first trans woman to appear on the cover of Vogue Paris (2017), the first trans model for Victoria’s Secret (2019), and the first openly trans model in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue (2020).
Her rise to fame symbolizes the push for diversity in modeling and beauty campaigns, inspiring millions globally.
Hunter Schafer
Hunter Schafer became globally recognized for her role as Jules on HBO’s Euphoria. Before acting, she was already a top model working with brands like Dior, Calvin Klein, Vera Wang, and Marc Jacobs.
Schafer proudly identifies as a trans person and has spoken out about gender identity, youth empowerment, and the importance of LGBTQ+ representation in media.
Nikkie de Jager
Known online as NikkieTutorials, Nikkie de Jager is one of the most successful beauty influencers in the world, with over 13.5 million YouTube subscribers and 1.3 billion views.
In 2020, she came out as transgender in her viral video “I’m Coming Out,” earning praise for her bravery. Since then, she’s launched her own makeup collection with Beauty Bay and hosted the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 online—blending beauty marketing with trans visibility.
Zeke Smith
Zeke Smith became a fan favorite on Survivor before being outed as transgender by a fellow contestant. Despite the painful moment, he responded with grace and strength.
Zeke later wrote an empowering piece for The Hollywood Reporter, sharing his journey and using the platform to talk about transgender dignity and media ethics.
Trace Lysette
Trace Lysette made history in 2013 as one of the first trans people to appear in a non-trans speaking role on primetime TV (Law & Order: SVU). She later starred in Transparent, playing Shea, a yoga instructor.
Her work has helped reshape how transgender people are seen on screen, promoting authentic trans roles in Hollywood.
Lea T.
Lea T. became a household name in both the fashion world and LGBTQ+ community. In 2014, she made history as the first openly trans model to lead a global beauty campaign for Redken cosmetics.
Her work pushes boundaries and promotes gender inclusivity in beauty marketing, while using her voice for LGBTQ+ advocacy.
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