In recent times, there has been a noticeable shift towards inclusivity and diversity in cinema and television. This positive change has resulted in an increase in the number of leading and supporting transgender actors and actresses. This shift has allowed transgender individuals to have representation on screen, and the opportunity to see themselves portrayed in a variety of stories told by fellow trans actors and actresses. Additionally, many of these actors and actresses share their personal transitioning journeys, providing support and encouragement to those facing similar challenges. This display of courage and openness is truly inspiring and invaluable for the trans community. To learn more about these groundbreaking stars, check out these six trans actors who are changing the film industry.
Elliot Page
Elliot Page is a Canadian actor known for his roles in popular films such as Juno, Inception, and X-Men: The Last Stand. In December 2020, Elliot Page came out as transgender and non-binary, sharing his personal journey with the world. In a heartfelt statement, he expressed gratitude for the support he had received and the privilege he had as a public figure to bring awareness and visibility to the trans and non-binary communities. “Hi friends, I want to share with you that I am trans, my pronouns are he/they, and my name is Elliot. I feel lucky to be writing this. To be here. To have arrived at this place in my life,” he wrote on Twitter.
Trace Lysette
Trace Lysette is an American actress, producer, and activist. Lysette is best known for her roles in the television series Transparent and the movie Hustlers. Lysette is an advocate for transgender rights and has been vocal about the importance of representation in the entertainment industry for marginalized communities.
Mj Rodriguez
MJ Rodriguez is an American actress and singer who gained widespread recognition for her role as Blanca Rodriguez-Evangelista in the hit television series Pose. In addition to her acting career, Rodriguez is also a talented singer and has released several singles, including “Something to Say” and “Caught You.” In 2022, Rodriguez won a Golden Globe award for “best actress” for her role in Pose. In 2016, she officially started her process of transitioning. She is an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and is known for using her platform to raise awareness about important social issues.
Laverne Cox
Laverne Cox is most recognized for her role in Netflix original series Orange is the New Black. She made history in 2014 as the first trans person to ever be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award. And in 2015, Time Magazine named Laverne Cox in the “100 Most Influential People” for the year. Laverne has also made groundbreaking strides by being the first trans person to grace the cover of several magazines, including Time, British Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and Essence.
Jamie Clayton
Clayton is best known for her work on the Netflix series, Sense8, in which she played the role of Nomi Marks. She has also appeared in several other television shows and films, including Dirty Work, The Neon Demon, and Designated Survivor. In addition to her work in the entertainment industry, Clayton is also an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. She is a transgender woman and has been open about her experiences with gender identity and the challenges faced by the trans community.
Indya Moore
Indya Moore first gained widespread recognition for her role as Angel Evangelista in the FX television series Pose. Moore’s performance in Pose has been widely praised for its authenticity and emotional depth, and she has been lauded as a trailblazer for transgender representation in mainstream media. In addition to her acting work, Moore is also a prominent activist and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, using her platform to raise awareness and fight for social justice.
