Female Celebs Who Were Born Male

Transgender women have reshaped film, TV, music, fashion, and culture while opening doors for the next generation. The women below have shared their talent with the world and used their platforms to advocate for inclusion in their industries and beyond. Their careers span awards, chart successes, runway milestones, and headline roles that changed what audiences see on screen and stage. Here are standouts whose work continues to make a real impact.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox broke through on ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and became one of the most recognizable advocates for trans representation in Hollywood. She has produced and appeared in documentaries that highlight the challenges and achievements of trans communities. Her work includes acting roles across television and film along with frequent speaking engagements. She also collaborates with organizations on visibility and workplace inclusion.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez earned widespread acclaim for ‘Pose’ and made awards history with major wins and nominations for her performance. She has since led projects across TV and music, expanding into pop releases and live events. Her visibility has helped studios understand the audience for stories led by trans women. She continues to sign on to roles that center complex characters rather than stereotypes.

Kim Petras

Kim Petras has released global pop hits and performed on major stages around the world. She made history with a high-profile award for a chart-topping collaboration and followed it with festival headlining slots. Her catalog includes club anthems, glossy pop tracks, and fan-favorite deep cuts. She also uses interviews and appearances to highlight LGBTQ+ causes.

Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer is known for ‘Euphoria’ and for standout work in fashion as a model and creative collaborator. She has appeared in major campaigns and runway shows while co-writing and shaping episodes that resonated with viewers. Her projects span film roles and art collaborations that explore identity and design. She frequently discusses safer school environments and youth mental health.

Hari Nef

Hari Nef began as a model and quickly moved into acting with roles in ‘Transparent’ and studio films like ‘Barbie’. She balances indie projects with mainstream releases and writes essays that explore culture and identity. Fashion houses have tapped her for campaigns that focus on modern beauty standards. She supports organizations that advance healthcare access and media representation.

Jamie Clayton

Jamie Clayton starred in ‘Sense8’ and later led projects including ‘The L Word: Generation Q’ and ‘Hellraiser’. Casting her in genre and drama roles has demonstrated the range of stories trans actors can carry. She speaks regularly about equitable hiring and on-set safety for LGBTQ+ talent. Her career includes voiceover, hosting, and advocacy work with industry guilds.

Angelica Ross

Angelica Ross earned attention with ‘Pose’ and ‘American Horror Story’ while founding TransTech to create career pathways in tech. She has produced conferences and training programs that connect marginalized workers to paid opportunities. On stage she has performed in theater productions that center Black trans narratives. Her policy work includes testimony and public education on employment equity.

Dominique Jackson

Dominique Jackson came to prominence through ‘Pose’ and a successful career in high fashion. She has worked with global designers and appeared in campaigns that emphasize elegance and strength. Her memoir and public talks share lived experiences that inspire audiences. She continues to model and act while supporting organizations focused on housing and healthcare.

Isis King

Isis King introduced many viewers to trans models on ‘America’s Next Top Model’ and expanded into acting with roles on scripted series. She works with brands that commit to inclusive sizing and diverse casting. Her creative projects include design collaborations and public speaking. She emphasizes the importance of respectful storytelling and mentorship in media.

Carmen Carrera

Carmen Carrera transitioned from reality TV fame to a modeling career with major magazine features and runway appearances. She has partnered with beauty brands on inclusive product lines and marketing. Her work includes TV hosting and documentary appearances. She regularly advocates for trans healthcare and accurate media coverage.

Andreja Pejić

Andreja Pejić became a global fashion name with editorial covers and runway shows for top houses. After sharing her transition publicly, she continued modeling at the highest level and moved into acting. Her career helped shift industry standards on casting and beauty categories. She also engages in campaigns that promote self-acceptance and youth support.

Valentina Sampaio

Valentina Sampaio earned milestones with placements in major lingerie and sports publications. She has fronted campaigns for international brands and appeared on multiple high-profile covers. Her presence in mainstream outlets expanded visibility for trans models worldwide. She supports initiatives that broaden access to education and job opportunities.

Candis Cayne

Candis Cayne brought trans visibility to network television with a recurring role on ‘Dirty Sexy Money’. She has appeared in numerous series and stage productions while teaching dance and performance. Her career spans choreography, hosting, and advocacy panels. She often speaks about the value of authentic casting and creative leadership.

Geena Rocero

Geena Rocero is a model and producer known for a widely viewed talk that helped spark broader conversations about identity. She founded a media company to elevate stories from trans communities. Her projects include documentaries and campaigns with global organizations. She continues to work across fashion and film while promoting human rights.

Teddy Quinlivan

Teddy Quinlivan has walked for luxury houses and starred in beauty campaigns that reached international audiences. She uses her platform to call for safer workplace standards and fair contracts. Editorial features track her career from runway breakout to brand ambassador. She collaborates with nonprofits on anti-bullying and youth empowerment.

Gigi Lazzarato

Gigi Gorgeous built a large audience through digital content and later produced feature-length documentaries. She partners with beauty and fashion brands on product drops and educational initiatives. Her channels highlight makeup artistry, lifestyle content, and LGBTQ+ issues. She supports fundraising for healthcare access and community centers.

Munroe Bergdorf

Munroe Bergdorf is a British model, author, and broadcaster who advises companies on inclusive policy. She has fronted national campaigns and contributed to documentaries and radio programs. Her book tours and talks focus on equality and mental health. She works with charities that provide direct services to marginalized youth.

Laura Jane Grace

Laura Jane Grace leads the punk band Against Me! and has released solo projects with critical praise. Her writing chronicles touring life and personal growth, resonating with fans worldwide. She organizes benefit shows and supports grassroots groups. Her career shows how music communities can welcome and protect trans artists.

Sasha Colby

Sasha Colby gained international attention through competitive drag and high-profile touring productions. She uses stages and interviews to discuss inclusion across nightlife and mainstream entertainment. Her performances combine dance and storytelling that centers queer joy. She collaborates with charities on housing and mental health support.

Kylie Sonique Love

Kylie Sonique Love won a major drag competition and followed it with music releases and global tours. She works with beauty brands and designers on inclusive collections. Her appearances at festivals and pride events draw large audiences. She promotes safer work environments for performers and better protections for LGBTQ+ workers.

Janet Mock

Janet Mock is a writer, director, and producer who helped shape the series ‘Pose’. She signed a landmark overall deal to develop new projects for television. Her memoirs reached bestseller lists and are used in courses on gender and media. She frequently leads behind the camera to expand opportunities for trans creatives.

Trace Lysette

Trace Lysette appeared in ‘Transparent’ and earned strong notices for the feature film ‘Monica’. She has booked roles across network television and indie cinema. Her work includes producing projects that center complex trans characters. She speaks publicly about fair casting and pathways into leading roles.

Indya Moore

Indya Moore gained recognition from ‘Pose’ and built a global modeling career with luxury brands. They have appeared in films and voiced characters in animation. Their advocacy focuses on housing access and protections for marginalized youth. They partner with nonprofits and use social platforms to amplify local organizations.

Nicole Maines

Nicole Maines portrayed Dreamer on ‘Supergirl’, bringing the first trans superhero to a broadcast series. She later joined new genre shows and comic projects featuring that character. Her book with her family is used in classrooms to discuss identity and law. She continues to appear at conventions and university events.

Peppermint

Peppermint first reached a broad audience on ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ and later starred in Broadway productions. She has released music, hosted talk programs, and toured internationally. Her nonprofit work supports voter engagement and HIV services. She collaborates with networks on specials that highlight LGBTQ+ history.

Nikkie de Jager

Nikkie de Jager built one of the largest beauty channels online and expanded into product collaborations. She served as a digital host for the ‘Eurovision Song Contest’ and fronted international campaigns. Her studio content includes tutorials, interviews, and brand showcases. She supports projects that address bullying and online safety.

Caroline Cossey

Caroline Cossey modeled for major magazines and appeared in the James Bond film ‘For Your Eyes Only’. She later wrote a memoir that documented her career and advocacy. Her legal efforts in the United Kingdom brought attention to gaps in recognition and rights. She remains a reference point in fashion and media history.

Christine Jorgensen

Christine Jorgensen became a household name in the 1950s through press coverage of her transition. She toured as a performer and gave lectures across the United States. Her autobiography introduced many readers to medical and social aspects of transition. She is frequently cited in museums and archives focused on modern history.

Jazz Jennings

Jazz Jennings stars in the reality series ‘I Am Jazz’, which follows her life and family. She has authored books for young readers and participates in educational events. Her foundation supports youth leadership and community service. She continues to work with health experts to promote respectful care.

Lilly Wachowski

Lilly Wachowski co created the film franchise ‘The Matrix’ and later the series ‘Sense8’. She writes and directs across film and television. Her public statements highlight the importance of creative autonomy and safe work environments. She mentors emerging writers through industry initiatives.

Lana Wachowski

Lana Wachowski co created ‘The Matrix’ franchise and led the fourth installment as director. She developed ‘Sense8’ with an international ensemble and production footprint. Her speeches and interviews discuss craft and collaborative storytelling. She supports arts programs that foster global crews and diverse teams.

SOPHIE

SOPHIE was a producer and artist known for innovative electronic music and high profile collaborations. Her work influenced pop production across radio and festivals. She directed visuals and crafted stage presentations that shaped modern live shows. Tributes and retrospectives continue to spotlight her impact.

Anohni

Anohni is a singer and visual artist whose projects include major museum exhibitions. She has released acclaimed albums and composed for theater and film. Her work addresses climate, surveillance, and human rights. She presents multimedia performances that combine music and political commentary.

Teddy Geiger

Teddy Geiger is a songwriter and producer behind multiple global pop hits. She has worked with top artists and released solo recordings. Her studio credits include charting singles and platinum certifications. She also develops new talent through production companies and writing camps.

Jen Richards

Jen Richards co created the Emmy nominated web series ‘Her Story’ and acted in shows like ‘Nashville’ and ‘Tales of the City’. She consults on scripts to improve authenticity in casting and dialogue. Her essays and talks appear in university programs on media representation. She continues to balance writing and on screen roles.

Shakina Nayfack

Shakina Nayfack appeared in ‘Difficult People’ and created original theater pieces that toured nationally. She has directed and produced musicals with regional companies. Her union work focuses on protections for performers and crews. She leads workshops that help writers build inclusive characters.

Hailie Sahar

Hailie Sahar starred in ‘Pose’ and has recorded music that accompanies her acting career. She participates in film festival panels on casting and production equity. Her charity partnerships include organizations addressing homelessness and youth services. She engages with fashion brands that commit to long term inclusion.

Jari Jones

Jari Jones is a model, producer, and casting professional who has led major Pride campaigns. She produced projects that premiered at notable film festivals. Her work in advertising emphasizes authentic storytelling and community partnership. She trains teams on respectful set culture and hiring practices.

Arisce Wanzer

Arisce Wanzer headlined the modeling docuseries ‘Strut’ and has walked for international designers. She hosts events and produces comedy content across digital platforms. Her advocacy includes speaking about contract transparency and model safety. She collaborates with photographers to showcase inclusive editorial work.

Shea Diamond

Shea Diamond is a singer and songwriter whose music appears in film and television. She tours with a live band and records tracks that blend soul and rock influences. Her activism supports incarcerated and formerly incarcerated trans people. She works with nonprofits to fund direct services and community programs.

Join the conversation and tell us which inspiring women you would add to this list in the comments.