In a world that is constantly evolving, the voices and stories of transgender and non-binary individuals are finally getting the spotlight they deserve. It’s an incredibly exciting time to celebrate the power of authenticity, especially when it comes to groundbreaking celebrities who are not just making art, but also making history! These trailblazers are showing the world what it means to live openly and courageously, defying expectations and inspiring millions along the way. Yet, we can’t forget that their journey is still met with significant challenges, as evidenced by a record 491 anti-LGBTQ+ bills proposed across the United States in 2023 as of June 23, according to the ACLU. In such a landscape, positive representation isn’t just nice to have – it’s absolutely vital.
Before we dive into their incredible achievements, let’s quickly clarify some terms. When we talk about “transgender,” we’re referring to people whose gender identity doesn’t align with the sex they were assigned at birth. “Non-binary,” on the other hand, describes individuals whose gender identity or expression isn’t confined to the traditional “man” or “woman” categories, including identifications like agender, pangender, or gender fluid. While some non-binary folks identify as part of the transgender community, others don’t, which is why we’re embracing both terms in this article to celebrate a broader spectrum of identities. Historically, transgender people in media, from the days of Christine Jorgensen, often faced stereotypical and negative portrayals. While this sadly still happens, we’re now seeing a beautiful shift towards more complex characters and nuanced stories, often helmed by artists who share those very identities.
So, get ready to be inspired! We’re about to take a deep dive into the lives and careers of some of the most influential transgender and non-binary celebrities who have not only achieved personal greatness but have also paved the way for greater understanding and acceptance. Their history-making moments are shining examples of resilience, talent, and the power of being your authentic self. Let’s celebrate these incredible individuals who are not just breaking barriers, but completely shattering them, opening minds and providing hope in a world that desperately needs it.
1. **Alex Newell and J. Harrison Ghee: Making Tony Awards History** How cool is it that two incredibly talented Broadway stars made history for non-binary individuals on the very same evening? No response is needed because the only acceptable answer is “very cool.” The 76th Tony Awards in 2023 was truly a monumental night for gender minorities, as two remarkable individuals became the first non-binary folks to ever take home one of the highly coveted stage awards. Given how theatre has consistently been an LGBTQ+-friendly medium in modern times, it’s perhaps not surprising that the Broadway community has opened itself up to reconceiving what those in the “actor” categories need to look like, or how they need to identify. This was a night to remember, and these two stars absolutely owned it.
J. Harrison Ghee was one of these history-making winners, earning the “Best Actor in a Musical” award for their sensational portrayal of Jerry-slash-Daphne in “Some Like It Hot.” Ghee’s performance captivated audiences and critics alike, demonstrating an incredible range and depth that truly resonated. Their win was a powerful statement, not just about their talent, but about the evolving landscape of performing arts and the recognition of non-binary artists at its highest echelons.
Sharing the spotlight that evening was Alex Newell, a name many fans might recall from shows like “Glee” and “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist,” where they always stood out with their powerful voice and undeniable presence. Newell clinched the category of “Best Supporting Actor in a Musical” for their outstanding performance in “Shucked.” Their acceptance speech was particularly poignant, as Newell passionately declared, “Thank you for seeing me, Broadway. I should not be up here as a queer, non-binary, fat, Black, little baby from Massachusetts.” It was a moment of raw vulnerability and triumph, celebrating visibility for multiple marginalized identities.
The one-two punch of Ghee and Newell’s wins was undoubtedly a highlight of the evening, especially considering the recent debates surrounding the exclusionary nature of gendered categories at award shows. In fact, in 2023, Liv Hewson, a non-binary cast member on “Yellowjackets,” even removed themself from Emmy consideration due to this very issue. The Tony Awards, however, showed a beautiful example of progress and inclusivity, proving that talent knows no gender, and that diverse identities are not just welcome, but celebrated on the grandest stages.
2. **Candis Cayne: Primetime TV’s Trailblazer** The last few years have graced us with a handful of television shows that center notable transgender characters, and unlike many of the portrayals from the past – think “Ugly Betty,” “Twin Peaks,” or “Nip/Tuck,” which often fell into harmful stereotypes – a lot of these roles are now being played by actual trans actors. It’s a wonderful progression! However, it’s hard to imagine talents like Hunter Schafer, known for her role as Jules Vaughn on “Euphoria,” or Jesse James Keitel, who plays Jerrie Kennedy on “Big Sky,” ever getting their big breaks without the pioneering efforts of Candis Cayne. She is truly a trailblazer for transgender women in the television landscape.
Back in 2007, Candis Cayne made history by becoming the first transgender actor to secure a recurring role on primetime television. She appeared as Carmelita Rainer on ABC’s soapy drama, “Dirty Sexy Money.” This was a monumental step forward, bringing a transgender character played by a transgender actor into millions of homes on a regular basis. It was a visible moment that began to chip away at the invisibility and misrepresentation that had plagued trans narratives in mainstream media for far too long.
Of course, Cayne’s character on the drama wasn’t without its limitations; she was, after all, a mistress to Billy Baldwin’s Patrick Darling IV, an Attorney General and Senate hopeful. The network even digitally lowered her voice for the series premiere’s “big reveal” moment when she was first introduced, a detail that reflects the era’s lingering prejudices and misunderstandings. Despite these elements, Cayne largely feels positive about the 11 episodes in which she appeared. She told Out in 2015, “It was written really well and my character was in love with this man and he was in love with her too.” This narrative choice, focusing on a genuine emotional connection, was groundbreaking.
Cayne further elaborated on the profound impact of her role, stating, “I realized that had never been portrayed, but I had no idea how big the impact would be socially until I was three to four episodes in and people started to realize that this was making the world aware of the fact that there are normal feeling trans women out there.” Her portrayal opened a vital dialogue and offered a glimpse into the humanity and complexity of transgender women, demonstrating that their experiences are just as valid and relatable as anyone else’s.
3. **Laverne Cox: A Beacon of Trans Visibility and Advocacy** Speaking of television, it simply doesn’t get more high-profile than Laverne Cox. Since making her debut in the early 2000s, Cox has meticulously worked her way up from an unknown to a colossal star, largely thanks to her breakout role in Netflix’s critically acclaimed series, “Orange Is the New Black,” which premiered in 2013. We could honestly dedicate an entire feature to the immense impact of Cox’s incredible achievements, but since we’re limited in space, we’ll just hit you with the highlights of her truly remarkable journey.
Cox has repeatedly shattered glass ceilings, particularly when it comes to awards and recognition. In 2014, she made history as the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in an acting category for her compelling work as Sophia Burset in “Orange Is the New Black.” This was a monumental moment, putting a transgender actress and a transgender character squarely in the mainstream awards conversation. Cox subsequently received three more nominations for her work on the Netflix show, cementing her status as a formidable talent. But the Emmy currently gracing Cox’s shelf actually comes from the Daytime Emmy Awards. She won the award in 2015 in the category of Outstanding Special Class Special for being an executive producer on “Laverne Cox Presents: The T Word,” making her the first openly transgender woman to achieve this feat.
Her history-making moments extend far beyond the Emmys. The popular star became the first transgender actor to play a transgender character in a series regular role with her part in the short-lived legal drama “Doubt.” And in 2014, she became the first openly transgender person to appear on the cover of Time magazine, a truly iconic moment that captured the public’s attention with the headline “The Transgender Tipping Point.” Not bad for someone who initially got a taste of fame appearing on Sean Combs’ reality show, “I Want to Work for Diddy”!
Laverne Cox’s unwavering commitment to advocacy, coupled with her undeniable talent, has made her a crucial voice in the fight for transgender rights. She has been instrumental in bringing transgender issues into mainstream conversations, using her platform to educate, inspire, and challenge societal norms. Her work has not only dramatically increased trans representation in media but has also encouraged countless trans people to embrace their true selves, becoming a beacon of hope and visibility for the entire community.
Read more about: 14 Inspiring Transgender Celebrities Making a Powerful Difference in Our World Today
4. **Kataluna Enriquez: Pageant Queen Breaking Barriers** While not everyone is entirely convinced they should still be around, beauty pageants undeniably remain a significant part of our culture – and not just in America, but on a global scale. Within mainstream pageantry, we’ve seen a number of openly transgender contestants make impressive strides in the years since Jenna Talackova successfully fought a ban to compete in Miss Universe Canada in 2012. This shift includes figures like Angela Maria Ponce, Miss Universe Spain 2018, who not only became the first openly transgender contestant to win her country’s Miss Universe pageant but also the first transgender woman to compete for the national title. Transgender contestants have also graced the stages of Miss Universe pageants in countries such as Germany, Nepal, and South Africa, showcasing a growing global acceptance.
Here in the United States, there haven’t been as many transgender beauty pageant contestants, but the ones who have competed have certainly made waves and sparked important conversations. For instance, transgender contestant Brían Nguyen’s win in The Miss Greater Derry Scholarship Program generated considerable public blowback, and even some criticism from former pageant queens. While Nguyen ultimately did not win Miss New Hampshire 2023, the journey of Kataluna Enriquez stands out as a truly historic milestone in American pageantry.
Back in 2021, Kataluna Enriquez made headlines by beating out everyone else in her state, becoming the first transgender woman to win Miss Nevada USA. This victory was monumental, but she didn’t stop there. This win also made her the first transgender woman to compete for the prestigious title of Miss USA. Although Enriquez may not have cracked the top 16 nationally in the Miss USA competition, her groundbreaking participation was far more significant than a placement.
Kataluna Enriquez’s courage and success fundamentally opened the door for transgender competitors stateside, demonstrating that trans women are not only beautiful and talented but also deserve to be celebrated on every stage. Her journey underscored the importance of inclusivity in spaces that have historically been very traditional and often exclusionary, paving the way for future generations of trans pageant hopefuls to pursue their dreams without fear of being denied their rightful place.
5. **Michaela Jaé Rodriguez: Golden Globe Glory and “Pose” Power** The organization behind the Golden Globe Awards, The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), has not exactly been renowned for its embrace of diversity. In fact, many stars even boycotted the awards in 2021 due to the glaring lack of nominations for Black creators and Black-fronted projects. It was shockingly revealed at the time that there wasn’t a single Black journalist among the organization’s 87 members. Consequently, the following year, NBC declined to air the Golden Globes, citing that the HFPA still had considerable work to do in terms of reform and inclusion.
This lack of a televised ceremony in 2022 was a particular shame for one crucial reason: Michaela Jaé Rodriguez truly deserved to walk that stage and accept her award in person. Rodriguez had already made history the year prior when she became the first openly transgender actor to be nominated for a lead acting award at the Primetime Emmys. This nomination was for her incredible work playing Blanca Evangelista on the revolutionary FX series “Pose.” The series itself was a cultural phenomenon, centering on transgender women of color within New York’s vibrant ballroom scene in the late 1980s and early 1990s, bringing their stories and experiences to a broad audience with unprecedented authenticity.
Then, in 2022, Rodriguez made history yet again, securing a monumental win: the Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Drama for the very same iconic role as Blanca. This triumph officially made her the first transgender actor to ever win a Golden Globe, a significance that was certainly not lost on her. Her victory was a powerful moment of recognition for transgender talent and the vital stories they tell.
Rodriguez used her platform to amplify the message of inclusivity and hope. In a heartfelt message shared on Instagram Live, she declared, “This is for the LGBTQAI, Black, Latina, Asian [communities and] the many multi-beautiful colors of the rainbow around the freaking world. This not just for me, this is for y’all.” Her words resonated deeply, highlighting that her win was a victory for all marginalized communities fighting for representation and recognition, solidifying her status not just as an actress, but as a powerful advocate.
6. **Wendy Carlos: The First Transgender Grammy Winner** In 2023, there was justifiable excitement when Kim Petras and Sam Smith won a Grammy Award for their hit song “Unholy.” When the pair were announced as the winners of the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance category, Petras became the first openly transgender woman to win the award (and Smith the first non-binary winner of it), marking a truly joyous and visible moment in music history. However, Petras – who was one of the youngest people to ever receive gender affirmation surgery – isn’t actually the first transgender woman to win a Grammy in general. That truly pioneering title belongs to the extraordinary Wendy Carlos.
Wendy Carlos is a visionary transgender artist who revolutionized music with her mastery of the Moog synthesizer. For decades, she has been an acclaimed composer in Hollywood, with her iconic work including the score for Stanley Kubrick’s classic film “A Clockwork Orange.” Her musical genius transcended genres, and her innovations with electronic music paved the way for countless artists who followed. Carlos’s contributions to both classical and film music are undeniable and enduring.
Carlos won three Grammy Awards for her groundbreaking debut album, “Switched-on-Bach,” which was released in 1968. When she accepted her awards two years later, for Best Classical Album, Best Engineered Album (Classical), and Best Classical Performance (Instrumental Soloist), Carlos was already undergoing professional treatment for gender dysphoria, taking estrogen, and living as a woman in private. The key difference here, explaining why Petras made history with her *open* win, is that Carlos was not publicly out about her identity at the time of her remarkable Grammy triumph.
Her journey of authenticity continued privately, and she underwent gender affirmation surgery in 1972. Despite this, she continued to release music under her birth name for years afterward. It wasn’t until a landmark Playboy interview in 1979 that Carlos bravely came out to the public. Following this, she began releasing music using her chosen name and stopped hiding, shedding the need to wear fake sideburns and a wig to present as male in public. Wendy Carlos’s story is a powerful testament to hidden courage and groundbreaking talent, showcasing the personal battles fought by pioneers who paved the way for future generations.
7. **Elliot Page: Time Magazine’s History-Making Cover Star** As we’ve already established, Laverne Cox was the first transgender person to grace the cover of Time magazine – an iconic publication with a storied history dating back to 1923. Her 2014 cover, boldly headlined “The Transgender Tipping Point,” felt like a pivotal moment. However, it’s clear that things didn’t quite “tip” enough for a significant amount of time, as it took another seven years for a transgender man to finally be featured on the cover. Even then, it required the coming out of a huge celebrity to facilitate the cover, despite numerous instances of trans-specific issues and events that could have earned a trans man the spotlight earlier.
Despite the long wait, we absolutely do not want to downplay the immense importance of Elliot Page’s March 2021 Time feature. This powerful cover story arrived just three months after Page courageously announced his gender identity and transition on Instagram. Page had already established himself as a prominent figure in Hollywood, captivating audiences with roles in blockbuster films like “Inception” and “X-Men: The Last Stand,” and earning a slew of awards, including an Academy Award nomination for his unforgettable performance as the titular character in the hit 2007 film “Juno.” His coming out was a significant moment for trans visibility globally.
The Time article marked Page’s first major interview since making his announcement, and it delved deeply not only into his personal journey but also into the pervasive transphobia that sadly persists in our culture. Page used his platform with remarkable humility and responsibility, reflecting on his position. He stated, “My privilege has allowed me to have resources to get through and to be where I am today.” More importantly, he added, “And of course, I want to use that privilege and platform to help in the ways I can.” This commitment to advocacy instantly made him a powerful voice for the transgender community.
Time magazine clearly remained a fan and a supporter of Page’s impactful narrative. In 2023, when Page published his memoir, “Pageboy,” the magazine ran an excerpted chapter, further amplifying his story and demonstrating their continued recognition of his significance. Elliot Page’s journey has provided a profoundly important narrative, offering strength and visibility to countless trans men and non-binary individuals, and showcasing the power of living one’s authentic truth on a global stage. This is not just a celebrity story; it’s a testament to courage and change.
8. **Andreja Pejic: Fashion Icon Redefining Beauty Standards**Get ready to talk fashion! Andreja Pejic shattered doors for transgender women in modeling. Popular before coming out in 2013, her agency surprisingly dropped her, despite her walking both menswear and womenswear runways for years. Pejic got the last laugh: in 2017, she signed with Ford Models, becoming the agency’s first transgender model.
Andreja was a pioneer, the first model to fearlessly cross gender lines, confidently strutting for male and female fashion. She also became the first trans model to grace a *GQ* cover and snagged the first *Vogue* profile in 2015. Her influence spread, with most *Vogue* versions welcoming trans models, like Valentina Sampaio for *Vogue Paris* in 2017.
Beyond runways, Pejic broke ground as Make Up For Ever spokesperson in 2015. This made her the first openly trans model to secure a major cosmetics contract. It was a significant moment, demonstrating trans women are powerful voices, leaving a legacy of glamour and inclusion.
9. **Emma Corrin: A Royal Road to Non-Binary Visibility**Let’s chat about Emma Corrin, an actor captivating audiences and breaking new ground for non-binary representation! Known for “House of the Dragon” and their Golden Globe for “The Crown,” Corrin bravely came out as queer and non-binary in 2021. Despite online negativity, their career thrives!
Corrin credited playing Princess Diana with helping them define their gender and sexuality. They told *The New York Times*, “She was so openhearted… Diana helped me explore so many depths of myself… because she was a very complex person.” A powerful connection to a legendary figure!
Then, in July 2022, Corrin made history as the first openly non-binary person to cover American *Vogue*. This was a massive game-changer! Non-binary models like Indya Moore and Taira Go have since appeared on *Vogue* editions globally, paving the way for inclusivity.
10. **Brian Michael Smith: People’s Sexiest Man Alive, Shattering Stereotypes**We *love* a list of hot men! We’re huge fans of *People*’s “Sexiest Man Alive” issue, thrilled it’s widening its definition of “sexy.” In 2021, *People* included its first transgender man – a truly history-making moment!
The sexy man? Actor Brian Michael Smith, firefighter Paul Strickland on Fox’s “9-1-1: Lone Star.” Featured on “25 of the Sexiest Men You Can Watch on TV Now,” it was a huge surprise for Smith. He wrote, “I’ve been called many things, this is a first… Big love to [People] for the historic shout-out.”
This wasn’t Smith’s first historic moment! On “9-1-1: Lone Star,” he became the first Black transgender male in a recurring or regular network TV role. Prior cable roles existed, but his network debut was monumental for visibility and representation!
11. **Angelica Ross: From “Pose” Star to Broadway’s Leading Lady**Angelica Ross just keeps shining brighter! She first shot to fame as Candy Ferocity on FX’s “Pose.” After her character’s death, Ryan Murphy cast Ross in “American Horror Story,” making her the first trans actor with two series regular TV roles. Michaela Jaé Rodriguez also achieved this later!
But Ross has an even bigger first: Broadway! After TV history, she bravely set her sights on stage. In September 2022, she played Roxie Hart in “Chicago” for eight weeks, becoming the first transgender woman with a leading part on Broadway!
This happened months after L Morgan Lee’s historic Tony nomination. 2022 was monumental for trans theatre actors. Ross captured her debut’s magnitude, telling the *AP*, “I think about the trans women… now thinking that this is possible.” So empowering!
12. **Zach Barack: Marvel’s First Openly Transgender Actor**Marvel fans, dive into a historic moment in the MCU! Since “Iron Man” in 2008, it’s a huge franchise, but diversity hasn’t always been central, despite recent Black Panther and Black Widow films.
LGBTQ+ representation has been slower. The MCU introduced its first openly gay superhero, Phastos, in 2021’s “The Eternals.” Transgender representation has been even scarcer.
Zach Barack broke boundaries, appearing in 2019’s “Spider-Man: Far From Home.” Playing Zach Cooper, he officially became the MCU’s first openly transgender actor! A significant step for Hollywood and trans visibility, showing young fans their heroes can look like them.
13. **Ian Harvie: The First Openly Transgender Comedian to Helm a Special**We’d *love* to say trans and non-binary people are well-represented in mainstream comedy, but it’s not accurate. Talented gender minorities exist, but often lack deserved stages. Still, progress happens: Mae Martin scored a Netflix special in 2023, and Hannah Gadsby moves things forward.
But before them, Ian Harvie made history with his own groundbreaking comedy special! This trans stand-up became the first openly transgender individual to have their own special, “May the Best C*ck Win,” on Seeso in 2016. A true achievement! Harvie told *The Daily Beast*, “If I couldn’t laugh, I’d die. And I think a lot of trans people probably feel that way.”
Besides stand-up, Harvie acts, appearing in “Mistresses” and “Young and Hungry.” Guested on “Transparent,” he achieved another first: the first trans male actor to portray a transitioned trans man on scripted American television. What a resume!
14. **Jonathan Van Ness: “Queer Eye” Star and Cosmopolitan Cover King**Alright, fam, when “Queer Eye” debuted on Netflix in 2018, many were skeptical. It not only captured the magic but has lasted more seasons, racking up 10 Emmys and 29 nominations! All five hosts broke out, but none more than Jonathan Van Ness.
JVN identifies as non-binary, preferring male pronouns (also cool with ‘she’/’they’). He won fans with his peppy personality and brave vulnerability. In 2019, he was remarkably open about living with H.I.V., past addiction struggles, and being a sexual abuse survivor in a *New York Times* interview.
This openness, humor, and unpredictable style were a recipe for superstardom! He starred in memorable commercials for LG, Pop-Tarts, and Uber Eats, getting tons of media coverage.
His iconic 2019 *Cosmopolitan* cover made him the first non-female-identifying celeb to cover it solo since Boy George 35 years earlier. JVN isn’t just breaking barriers; he’s doing it with boundless joy, authenticity, and sparkle, proving being your true self is powerful.
And there you have it – a dazzling journey through the lives and groundbreaking achievements of 15 transgender and non-binary celebrities who are not just shaping culture, but fundamentally changing the world for the better! From shattering glass ceilings in Hollywood and on Broadway to redefining beauty standards in fashion and inspiring laughs in comedy, these incredible individuals embody resilience, talent, and the unstoppable power of authenticity. Their stories aren’t just about personal triumphs; they’re powerful beacons of hope, visibility, and acceptance for countless people, reminding us all that true progress comes from celebrating every unique identity. Let’s keep cheering them on as they continue to lead the way towards a more inclusive and understanding future!
