17 Trans Actors Who Got Cast In Major Roles Before Ever Coming Out Publicly

Hollywood has a long history of actors who navigated their careers while keeping their personal lives private. Many performers established themselves in significant roles and built loyal fanbases well before they shared their authentic gender identities with the world. These talented individuals worked on hit television shows and blockbuster films while often grappling with their public image versus their private truth. Their eventual coming out stories have helped increase visibility and representation for the transgender and non-binary communities. This list highlights actors who achieved major professional success prior to making their gender journeys public.

Elliot Page

Elliot Page became a household name with his breakout role in ‘Juno’ where he played a pregnant teenager. He continued to secure major roles in blockbusters like ‘Inception’ and the ‘X-Men’ franchise while presenting as female. His work in ‘The Umbrella Academy’ began before his public transition announcement in late 2020. Page has since become one of the most visible transgender men in Hollywood and advocates for LGBTQ+ rights.

Tommy Dorfman

Tommy Dorfman gained international fame for her portrayal of Ryan Shaver in the hit Netflix series ’13 Reasons Why’. She worked in the industry for several years before announcing her transition and reintroducing herself as a woman in 2021. Dorfman explained that she had been medically transitioning privately for a year before sharing the news. Her career continues to flourish with directing and acting projects that embrace her identity.

Emma Corrin

Emma Corrin received critical acclaim and a Golden Globe for portraying Princess Diana in the fourth season of ‘The Crown’. The actor updated their pronouns and discussed their journey with gender identity after achieving global stardom. Corrin has been open about the fluidity of gender and the process of figuring it out while in the public eye. They continue to take on diverse roles in film and theater that challenge traditional casting norms.

Bella Ramsey

Bella Ramsey captured audiences as the fierce Lyanna Mormont in ‘Game of Thrones’ at a very young age. They later starred in the adaptation of ‘The Last of Us’ while navigating their gender identity publicly. Ramsey came out as non-binary and stated that they do not mind which pronouns are used for them. The actor emphasizes that their gender identity is just one part of who they are as a performer.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe established a successful career in music and acting with standout roles in ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Hidden Figures’. The artist came out as non-binary on social media and in interviews years after cementing their status in the entertainment industry. Monáe expressed that they live outside the binary and feel a connection to both masculine and feminine energy. This revelation added another layer of depth to their futuristic and often androgynous artistic persona.

Sara Ramirez

Sara Ramirez played the beloved character Dr. Callie Torres on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ for over a decade. They came out as non-binary in 2020 long after leaving the medical drama that made them famous. Ramirez has since taken on the role of Che Diaz in ‘And Just Like That’ which mirrors their own identity. Their visibility has helped bring non-binary representation to mainstream television audiences.

Ezra Miller

Ezra Miller was known for intense performances in ‘We Need to Talk About Kevin’ and ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’. The actor came out as queer and later clarified their non-binary identity after already landing the role of The Flash. Miller uses they/them pronouns and has expressed a rejection of traditional gender labels. Their career has included major franchise roles in the DC Universe and the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ series.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg first gained widespread attention for playing Rue in ‘The Hunger Games’. They have since come out as non-binary and use both she and they pronouns while continuing to act in major films. Stenberg often chooses projects that reflect diverse experiences and social consciousness. The actor uses their platform to discuss gender expansion and the importance of authentic representation.

Bex Taylor-Klaus

Bex Taylor-Klaus rose to prominence with roles in the crime drama ‘The Killing’ and the superhero series ‘Arrow’. They came out as non-binary in 2018 after establishing a solid resume in television and film. Taylor-Klaus stated that coming out allowed them to feel more comfortable and authentic both on and off screen. They have since voiced characters in ‘Voltron: Legendary Defender’ that align with their identity.

Liv Hewson

Liv Hewson starred as the witty teenage daughter in the horror-comedy series ‘Santa Clarita Diet’. They came out as non-binary and have been vocal about the need for gender-neutral categories in award shows. Hewson garnered further acclaim for their role in the survival drama ‘Yellowjackets’. The actor consistently pushes for industry changes to better accommodate non-binary performers.

Michael D. Cohen

Michael D. Cohen played the eccentric genius Schwoz Schwartz on the Nickelodeon hit ‘Henry Danger’. He revealed in 2019 that he had transitioned from female to male twenty years prior. Cohen chose to come out to support the trans community and show that trans people can lead successful lives. He continues to work in children’s television and advocates for trans inclusion in media.

Brian Michael Smith

Brian Michael Smith built his acting credits with roles on ‘Gossip Girl’ and ‘Blue Bloods’ while living stealth. He came out publicly as a trans man after being cast as a cisgender police officer on ‘Queen Sugar’. This decision allowed him to take on groundbreaking trans masculine roles in shows like ‘9-1-1: Lone Star’. Smith is now a prominent advocate for trans representation in Hollywood.

Quintessa Swindell

Quintessa Swindell secured a lead role in the Netflix series ‘Trinkets’ before gaining wider recognition. They identify as non-binary and have discussed the challenges of navigating Hollywood while exploring gender identity. Swindell later joined the DC Extended Universe as Cyclone in the film ‘Black Adam’. Their career trajectory highlights the increasing opportunities for non-binary actors in action blockbusters.

Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato began their career as a child star in ‘Barney & Friends’ and reached global superstardom with ‘Camp Rock’. The singer and actor came out as non-binary in 2021 after a long period of self-reflection. Lovato uses she/they pronouns and explores these themes in their music and documentary work. Their journey has been highly public and has sparked conversations about gender fluidity.

Jake Zyrus

Jake Zyrus gained global fame as the powerhouse vocalist Charice Pempengco with appearances on ‘Glee’ and ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show’. He came out as a transgender man in 2017 after years of struggling with his public image. Zyrus changed his name and began a new chapter in his musical and personal life. His transition was a significant moment for LGBTQ+ visibility in the Philippines and internationally.

Cara Delevingne

Cara Delevingne transitioned from modeling to acting with major roles in ‘Paper Towns’ and ‘Suicide Squad’. She has opened up about her gender fluidity and identifies as genderqueer or pansexual. Delevingne explains that her feeling of gender changes daily and she does not like to be boxed in. She continues to take on high-profile roles while remaining an outspoken figure in the fashion and film industries.

Mae Martin

Mae Martin created and starred in the semi-autobiographical series ‘Feel Good’ which deals with relationships and addiction. They came out as non-binary publicly after the first season of the show aired. Martin uses they/them pronouns and incorporates their gender journey into their stand-up comedy and writing. Their work provides a nuanced look at gender identity and modern romance.

Please let us know which of these actors has inspired you the most in the comments.