24+ Trans Stars Who Changed the Spotlight

We all recognize household names like Laverne Cox and Caitlyn Jenner, who helped push trans visibility into the mainstream and proved trans people belong center stage. But they are far from the whole story. A new wave of trans performers, athletes, models, and creators are stepping into the light and opening doors for the next generation.

Laverne Cox: Breaking TV Barriers

Laverne Cox became a household name for her powerhouse turn as Sophia on Orange Is the New Black, a role that changed how many viewers think about trans people. She pairs acting chops with relentless advocacy, pushing for more inclusive casting and better representation. Cox also champions body positivity and uses her voice to lift up other trans performers. She’s a figure people look to for both talent and leadership.

The Wachowski Sisters: Matrix Directors and More

Lana and Lilly Wachowski redefined sci-fi cinema with The Matrix movies and later each came out as trans women, quietly reshaping Hollywood expectations. Though private by nature, Lana has stepped into public conversation on occasion to talk about why visibility mattered when she was starting out. She has said she wanted to be a filmmaker but saw no role models like her, and that being visible might make a difference for someone else. Their work and journeys have inspired a lot of creators who followed.

Jazz Jennings: Young Voice, Big Platform

Jazz Jennings built an audience early through social media and then brought her story to TV with the reality series I Am Jazz, where she shares life as a trans teenager. Her openness has helped introduce trans issues to a younger generation in a frank, relatable way. Jennings also started two charities, TransKids Purple Rainbow Foundation and Purple Rainbow Tails, to support LGBTQ+ youth. She uses fame to educate and to create real resources.

Balian Buschbaum: Athlete Turned Advocate

Balian Buschbaum first drew attention as a top German pole vaulter and Olympian before retiring and coming out as a trans man. Rather than fade from public view, he embraced new opportunities, including appearances on German TV and dancing competitions that broadened his audience. His shift from elite sport to media figure helped open conversations about trans athletes and life after elite competition. Fans admire him for both his achievements and his frank, warm personality.

Caitlyn Jenner

Of course, one of the biggest names in the transgender celeb community is none other than Caitlyn Jenner. First finding fame as a celebrated Olympian athlete, Jenner went on to star alongside his wife and stepdaughters in the iconic reality TV show Keeping Up With the Kardashians. Jenner has spoken openly about her gender journey, revealing her new name and identity in a now-iconic cover story for Vanity Fair back in 2015, bringing trans rights to the forefront of the showbiz media.

Caroline Cossey

British model and actress Caroline Cossey made her name when she starred as a Bond girl in the 1981 movie For Your Eyes Only. As her popularity in the showbiz media increased, UK tabloid The News of the World publicly outed her as transgender without her permission. How awful! Fortunately, Cossey didn't let this invasion of privacy hold her back from achieving even greater heights of fame, and in fact made history when she became the first trans women to grace the pages of Playboy magazine.

Alex Blue Davis

Alex Blue Davis is a great example of a super talented trans actor who is also playing a trans character on screen. His performance as trans intern Casey on the super popular medical drama series Grey’s Anatomy gained him fame and admiration across the world, and he has gone on to star in a number of other roles—including appearances in NCIS and Two Broke Girls. "I’m grateful I get to be a part of changing the television landscape,” he said to The Jacket Journal. “And making it more inclusive so everyone can see themselves in the shows they love.”

Candis Cayne

Candis Cayne is an incredibly important figure in the history of trans people’s popularity and prominence on mainstream entertainment and TV. She made history when she became the first ever trans actress to play a recurring trans character on primetime TV, when she took the role of Carmelita Rainer on ABC’s super popular drama series Dirty Sexy Money. “I feel honored that I was able to take on this role,” she said to Chicago Pride. “And that it went off so well to help the community and push it forward.”

Chaz Bono

Chaz Bono has lived in the spotlight his entire life, growing up with his super famous parents Sonny Bono and Cher in the showbiz world. So it’s no surprise that when he later came out as a trans man, the showbiz world immediately gained a new celeb member of the LGBTQ+ community. Bono documented his journey in the emotional documentary Becoming Chaz, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2011. Bono has used his status as a celeb trans man to speak up for his community, becoming a spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign and working for GLAAD.

Janet Mock

Janet Mock was already a super successful and popular figure in the entertainment world before coming out as trans, having worked for many years as the staff editor for the iconic People magazine. In 2011, Mock came out publicly as a trans woman with an exclusive and open article in Marie Claire magazine. Since opening up to the public about her journey, Mock has gone on to become a high-profile advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, releasing a bestselling memoir of her experiences entitled Redefining Realness.

Jenna Talackova

Canadian model Jenna Talackova is one trans celebrity who made headlines and history by simply refusing to be erased thanks to her gender identity. In 2012, Talackova competed in the Miss Universe Canada competition, only to be disqualified for being trans. Talackova wasn't going to take this lying down, and engaged in a lengthy and highly publicized legal battle with the pageant organizers—and won! After reentering the pageant, the inspirational star went on to win Miss Congeniality. That same year, the model was named co-grand marshal of the 2012 Vancouver Pride Parade.

Isis King

Another super powered model to make history in the area of trans rights and visibility in showbiz, Isis King rose to fame as a contestant on the renowned modeling reality TV show America’s Next Top Model, presented by fashion legend Tyra Banks. Not only was King one of the most popular contestants of all time, she also went down in the history books as the first ever trans woman to compete on the show—raising visibility for trans people in one of the most positive and inspiring ways.

Carmen Carrera

Carmen Carrera made her name as a larger than life reality TV star, as well as an actress, model, and burlesque performer. With high profile reality TV shows under her belt such as Real Housewives of New York City, Carrera also starred in the mega popular RuPaul’s Drag Race, before making a surprise announcement—that she was not in fact a man in drag, but rather a transgender woman. Carrera’s high profile announcement of her gender identity was a massive boost to trans women around the world to speak their truth and follow their dreams.

Ian Harvie

Hilarious comedian Ian Harvie first came out as a transgender man at the age of 32, and has gone on to become one of the most popular and successful performers on the comedy circuit. As well as keeping an audience in stitches of his own accord, hilarious Harvie is particularly well known for his comedy work with Margaret Cho. Over the years, Harvie and Cho have toured together extensively, with Harvie even becoming a permanent member of her off-Broadway revue.

Tracey Norman

Nowadays we are shocked to hear the truth of model Tracey Norman’s story, but sadly back in the day, the trans community faced this public discrimination on a daily basis. Back in the 70s, Norman was a featured model for the Clairol hair brand, but was dropped from the campaign after it was revealed that she was trans. Ever the star, Normal didn't let this stop her from going on to carve out a successful career as both a model and LGBTQ+ activist.

Aydian Dowling

We have seen many trans women on this list who made history for competing in female-only contests, despite initially facing opposition. But Aydian Dowling also flew the flag for trans men everywhere when he took part in the “Ultimate Guy” competition for Men’s Health magazine. This turned the table on many people’s internalized stereotypes on what defines manhood and masculinity. Today, Dowling runs his own men’s clothing line, the proceeds of which partially are donated to helping the trans community.

Renee Richards

Another trans woman who made history and paved the way for others following her is Renee Richards. Though she rose to fame as a player in the male division of the United States Tennis Division, she battled furiously to be able to compete instead in the women’s division after coming out as a trans woman in the 70s. After taking the USTA to court—in fact going as far as the Supreme Court!—she won her case and was allowed to play in the 1977 U.S. Open.

Jamie Clayton

What is even more inspiring than seeing trans celebs who have overcome adversity to become the stunning stars they were always destined to be, is seeing how their progress and victories help pave the way for other people who follow in their footsteps. That’s why it’s so inspiring to see the mega success of actress Jamie Clayton, who stars as a trans character on Sense8. Clayton rose to fame thanks to her work with the Wachowski sisters, who know exactly what it’s like to be a trans woman working her way through the biz.

Fallon Fox

Now, we have seen many models and actors on our list, but what about martial arts athletes? Well, Fallon Fox is one particularly high-profile trans woman who battles in the mixed martial arts competitive scene. During her career as a trans woman in MMA, Fox has faced much opposition against her competing opposite cis female athletes, but she hasn't let it hold her back from success. “I'm a transgender woman,” she wrote in a passionate op-ed for Bloody Elbow. “I deserve equal treatment and respect to other types of women.”

Alexandra Billings

Alexandra Billings is one of the most successful trans actresses in showbiz, having first rose to prominence back in 2005 playing a trans woman in made-for-TV movie Romy and Michele: In the Beginning. Since then, Billings has gone on to star in a number of critically acclaimed roles, with appearances in shows such as Transparent, ER, Eli Stone, How to Get Away with Murder, and Grey's Anatomy. In recognition of her work in raising visibility and normalizing the existence of trans people in showbiz, Billings was awarded the Human Rights Campaign Visibility Award in 2016.

Elliot Fletcher

While some celeb trans people find themselves outed against their will by the media or online fan sites invading their privacy, many others choose to reveal the sensitive and yet inspiring journeys they have been on, themselves. Actor and musician Elliot Fletcher is one such star, who has spoken openly about his desire to be as candid as possible when discussing his trans identity. “I happily tell people because my goal in life is not only to become a successful musician but also, a trans advocate,” he said to the New York Times. “I have so much love for my trans family and I want to spread that love as much as I can.”

Hari Nef

Actress, model and writer Hari Nef made history in 2016 when she became the first transgender model to grace the cover of a British fashion magazine, in one of Elle’s special collectors’ editions. She was also the first trans woman to be signed to international modeling agency IMG Models. “Being a woman is an option, being trans is an option, and they’re options that appeal to me,” she said in an interview with Vogue. “We need to listen to people, not labels, not semantics.”

Andreja Pejic

World renowned supermodel Andreja Pejic was already a big name in fashion and super hot catwalk property before coming out as genderfluid, modeling both male and female clothing in some of the most daring and innovative haute couture designs—and famously walking the runway for Jean-Paul Gaultier in both the men’s and women’s show. And since coming out as a trans woman in 2014, she made history when she became the first trans model ever to be spotlighted by Vogue magazine.

Candy Darling

Candy Darling achieved worldwide fame in the 70s as one of the Warhol Superstars, an elite group of glamorous and inspiring muses of the legendary pop artist Andy Warhol. As well as starring in Warhol’s films Flesh and Women in Revolt, she served as muse for glam rock icons The Velvet Underground. Darling passed away in 1974, but her enduring legacy remains to this day. In 2010, a feature length documentary on her life entitled Beautiful Darling, was released to critical acclaim.

Christine Jorgensen

Christine Jorgensen made history back in 1952 when she became the first American person to undergo a full gender transition, which at the time was called sex reassignment surgery. Jorgensen’s gender identity journey was published in a cover feature by the New York Daily News that same year, and catapulted her to instant fame. Thanks to her new celebrity status, Jorgensen used her platform to highlight the awareness of transgender issues, becoming an activist and lecturer as well as an accomplished entertainer.

Valentina Sampaio

Brazilian model and actress Valentina Sampaio is a bona fide trailblazer for the trans community in the fashion world. She has made history not once, not twice, but three times! In 2017, she was the first trans woman to grace the cover of Vogue Paris. She made headlines once again in 2019, when she became the first openly transgender person to model for Victoria’s Secret, and again in 2020 when she was the first openly transgender model to feature in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue—something that Sampaio said she was “excited and honored to be part of.”

Hunter Schafer

Model, actress, and activist Hunter Schafer is one of the most prominent and globally adored trans celebrities in the world today. She became a household name for her role in HBO’s Euphoria, but even before that she’s been featured in an astonishingly long list of high-profile fashion brand campaigns, including Dior, Miu Miu, Calvin Klein, Rick Owens, Helmut Lang, Tommy Hilfiger, Coach, Maison Margiela, Vera Wang, and Marc Jacobs. Schafer has always been open about her gender identity, saying to North Carolina public radio, "I do like people to know that I’m not a cis girl because that’s not something that I am or feel like I am. I’m proud to be a trans person.”

Nikkie de Jager

Nikkie de Jager, best known by her YouTube moniker NikkieTutorials, is one of the most popular lifestyle and beauty vloggers in the world! She launched her YouTube channel in 2015, and since then has gone on to gain millions of fans across the world—with a whopping subscriber count of 13.5 million, and total views amassing 1.3 BILLION! Wowser! She made headlines in 2020 when she came out as transgender in the candid video “I’m Coming Out”. Since then, she has launched her own beauty line in collaboration with Beauty Bay, and was announced as the online host of the Eurovision Song Contest 2020.

Zeke Smith

Survivor star Zeke Smith had been a darling of the American public for two seasons before his gender identity became public. Sadly, Smith did not choose to come out on his own accord, but rather was outed by his fellow contestant Jeff Varner. Smith later opened up about how he stayed strong in that situation, writing a moving piece for The Hollywood Reporter. “To adventure is to invite hazard into your life,” he wrote. “But you cannot control the hazards you face, be they repeated misfortune or the harmful actions of others. You can only control how you respond.”

Trace Lysette

Trace Lysette is another Hollywood star who had already carved out a successful career in showbiz before coming out publicly as transgender. In fact, her debut TV appearance as Lila in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit made history in 2013, when she became one of the first trans people to appear in a non-trans speaking role on primetime television. It wasn’t until 2014 that she came out publicly as trans, with her starring role as trans yoga teacher Shea on the Amazon series Transparent—and has since gone on to become one of Hollywood’s most celebrated stars.

Lea T.

Model and activist Lea T. was already a household name for her work in both fashion and the LGBTQ+ advocacy before she was named the face of Redken cosmetics in 2014. This was especially significant as she became the first openly transgender model to be the face of a major global cosmetics brand campaign. "I love working with Redken because they appreciate all kinds of beauty," the model said to Harper’s Bazaar. "They believe in the individuality of the person, and I think that's really important."

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What We Can Learn From This

What makes this story remarkable is how familiar faces helped change how we think about gender. These celebrities did more than entertain. They opened doors, pushed conversations into mainstream rooms, and showed that visibility matters. Their journeys are personal and public at the same time, and that mix is why their impact lasts.

Visibility Changes the Script

Seeing trans people on screens, runways, and in sports rewrites expectations. Representation makes it easier for the next generation to picture themselves in those roles. When actors, models, and athletes show up authentically, audiences start to accept that trans people belong in every part of public life. That shift accumulates, one role and one campaign at a time.

The Power of Speaking Out

Many of these stars chose to tell their stories, even when it risked their privacy. That choice often turned private struggles into public lessons. From magazine essays to documentaries and interviews, their honesty has helped shape public conversation. Speaking out can be an act of courage that changes perceptions overnight.

Barriers Still Exist, But They Shift

The list we looked at is full of examples where doors were slammed and later forced open. Some faced rude outing, some lost gigs, and some had to fight in court to compete. Progress has been uneven, but each victory nudges the needle. The work is far from over, but the landscape is different than it used to be.

Keep Watching, Keep Listening

If you enjoyed these stories, keep engaging with the work these artists make. Watch their shows, listen to their interviews, support causes they back, and amplify their voices when you can. Small actions add up - attendance, clicks, and honest conversation matter. Stick around; the next generation of trans talent is already stepping forward.