Trans Celebs Who Walked Red Carpets in Gender-Bending Looks First

Red carpets have transformed from strict displays of traditional tuxedos and gowns into vibrant stages for self-expression and identity. Transgender and non-binary celebrities have been at the forefront of this fashion revolution by challenging old standards and proving that style has no limits. These stars use high fashion to dismantle the binary and showcase outfits that mix masculine and feminine elements in creative ways. Their courage to wear what they want has opened doors for future generations to experiment with their own public images. The following individuals have made history with their memorable and boundary-pushing ensembles.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter creates viral moments every time he steps in front of the cameras at major award shows. He famously stunned the world at the Oscars by wearing a custom Christian Siriano tuxedo gown that featured a velvet skirt. This specific outfit challenged the rigid dress codes of the Academy Awards and sparked global conversations about masculinity in fashion. Porter continues to work with designers to blend structured tailoring with dramatic silhouettes that refuse to be categorized. His fearless approach effectively set the standard for gender-neutral couture in Hollywood.

Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer brings a high-concept artistic sensibility to every event she attends. The star of ‘Euphoria’ often collaborates with luxury brands like Prada and Rick Owens to create looks that feel futuristic and otherworldly. She frequently chooses pieces that ignore traditional gender lines by incorporating armor or abstract shapes. Her style evolution reflects her background in modeling and her deep understanding of visual storytelling. Schafer consistently proves that red carpet fashion can be intellectual and avant-garde rather than just pretty.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe spent the early years of her career exclusively wearing a signature uniform of black and white tuxedos. She adopted this menswear-inspired aesthetic to pay homage to her working-class parents and to reject the industry pressure to dress exclusively in skimpy outfits. Over time her style has evolved to include surrealist gowns that still maintain a strong structural edge. Monáe identifies as non-binary and uses her wardrobe to explore the spectrum between masculine energy and feminine mystique. Her commitment to the tuxedo look established her as a fashion icon who plays by her own rules.

Sam Smith

Sam Smith embraced a much more fluid and experimental style after coming out as non-binary. The singer has walked red carpets in everything from lace jumpsuits to inflatable latex outfits that alter their body shape. They often wear heels and corsets to award shows to reject the boring suit standard usually expected of male artists. Smith works with top stylists to find garments that celebrate their identity and provoke thought among viewers. This shift in their wardrobe has accompanied a new era of confidence in their music career.

Emma Corrin

Emma Corrin is a master of using fashion to reference history while looking thoroughly modern. The actor turned heads at the Met Gala by wearing a Miu Miu look inspired by a historical socialite known as the King of Dudes. This ensemble combined a top hat and a long coat with sheer tights to blur the lines between classic menswear and lingerie. They frequently sport buzzcuts or short hairstyles that complement their androgynous fashion choices. Corrin treats every red carpet appearance as a chance to perform a character.

Jonathan Van Ness

Jonathan Van Ness regularly mixes traditionally feminine garments with a signature grooming style. The ‘Queer Eye’ star often pairs flowing gowns or skirts with combat boots and a full beard. This combination creates a striking visual contrast that challenges the idea that dresses are only for clean-shaven individuals. Van Ness chooses outfits that highlight their legs and love for dramatic fabric movement. Their joyful approach to fashion encourages fans to wear whatever makes them feel beautiful regardless of gender norms.

Indya Moore

Indya Moore uses the red carpet to display their stunning modeling background and fluid identity. The ‘Pose’ actor favors designers like Iris van Herpen who create intricate and skeleton-like structures that look almost alien. Moore often wears sheer fabrics or metallic materials that treat the body as a canvas rather than hiding it behind gendered clothing. They have become a muse for many fashion houses looking to move beyond binary designs. Moore consistently selects pieces that are as much about art as they are about clothing.

Alok

Alok Vaid-Menon is a writer and performer who actively campaigns to de-gender the fashion industry. They are known for wearing bright colors and skirts while proudly displaying body hair on the red carpet. Their style philosophy rejects the idea that non-binary people must look androgynous or delete their natural features. Vaid-Menon designs many of their own clothes or supports independent creators who align with their values. Their vibrant presence challenges the beige and minimal trends often seen in gender-neutral clothing lines.

Hari Nef

Hari Nef was the first trans woman signed to IMG Models and has always been a trailblazer in the fashion world. She has a close relationship with the brand Gucci and often wears their eclectic and theatrical designs. Her red carpet looks frequently involve layers of texture and unexpected accessories that defy simple categorization. Nef approaches dressing up with a sense of humor and deep knowledge of fashion history. She seamlessly moves between sharp tailoring and ethereal gowns depending on her mood.

Elliot Page

Elliot Page made headlines with his red carpet choices after coming out as transgender. He appeared at the Met Gala in a classic black Balenciaga suit paired with comfortable sneakers. This look symbolized a grounding moment of comfort and authenticity for the actor. Page often adds subtle floral accessories like a green carnation to his lapels as a nod to queer history. His style represents a softer side of masculinity that prioritizes personal ease over rigid formality.

Gottmik

Gottmik gained fame as the first trans man to compete on ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’. Kade Gottlieb uses his drag persona to perform hyper-femininity while identifying comfortably as a man out of drag. On red carpets he often blends these worlds by wearing severe makeup with deconstructed suits or punk-inspired couture. His aesthetic proves that clothing and makeup are art forms separate from gender identity. Gottmik consistently delivers high drama and visual shocks with every public appearance.

Andreja Pejić

Andreja Pejić was one of the first models to walk the runway for both male and female collections for major designers like Jean Paul Gaultier. This fluidity translated to her red carpet style where she would seamlessly switch between tuxedos and bridal-style gowns. Her ability to embody different energies made her a global sensation in the early 2010s. Pejić paved the way for many other trans models to be taken seriously in the luxury fashion space. Her look has always been about elegance and versatility.

Alex Newell

Alex Newell has never shied away from high glamour and dramatic silhouettes. The star of ‘Glee’ and Tony winner for ‘Shucked’ often wears voluminous gowns and sparkling jewelry to major events. Newell exudes confidence and refuses to tone down their style to fit into a traditional menswear box. Their fashion choices celebrate their vocal power and larger-than-life stage presence. Newell shows that non-binary style can be synonymous with old Hollywood opulence.

Bella Ramsey

Bella Ramsey has become a style icon for younger generations who prefer practical but stylish clothing. The star of ‘The Last of Us’ often wears tailored shorts suits or structured jackets to premieres. They prioritize comfort and tailoring that fits their frame without forcing a hyper-feminine or hyper-masculine silhouette. Ramsey works with stylists to find brands like Thom Browne that specialize in uniform-like precision. Their look is sharp and professional while remaining true to their non-binary identity.

Bimini

Bimini Bon Boulash exploded onto the scene via ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’ with a punk-rock approach to gender. They frequently wear avant-garde pieces that expose skin and use unconventional materials like safety pins or molded plastic. Bimini cites Vivienne Westwood as a major influence and carries that British rebellious spirit to every event. Their style is gritty and unapologetic while remaining incredibly chic. They have walked major runways and attended award shows in looks that defy all conservative expectations.

Mason Alexander Park

Mason Alexander Park brings a gothic and glam rock energy to the red carpet. The actor from ‘The Sandman’ favors sheer fabrics and plunging necklines that highlight their androgynous features. They often accessorize with dramatic jewelry and smoky eye makeup to complete the vibe. Park uses fashion to extend the fantastical characters they often play on screen. Their presence is a reminder that gender-bending fashion can be dark and mysterious.

Nico Tortorella

Nico Tortorella has been experimenting with gender-fluid fashion for years in the public eye. The star of ‘Younger’ frequently wears skirts and sheer tops that show off their extensive tattoo collection. They view clothing as a tool for spiritual and personal expression rather than a uniform. Tortorella often collaborates with queer designers to create custom pieces that tell a story. Their style is bohemian and free-spirited with zero regard for traditional gender rules.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez made history as the first trans woman to win a Golden Globe and her fashion matches her trailblazer status. While she often stuns in high-glam gowns she also experiments with structured jumpsuits and capes that command authority. Her red carpet moments are about taking up space and demanding respect in an industry that often sidelined trans talent. Rodriguez favors bold colors and clean lines that emphasize her strength. Her style strikes a balance between classic elegance and modern power dressing.

Shea Couleé

Shea Couleé is a drag superstar who brings high-concept fashion to every red carpet they walk. They identify as non-binary and use their platform to showcase designs that merge Afro-futurism with high couture. Couleé often wears architectural pieces that alter their silhouette in surprising ways. Their looks are meticulously planned and always reference specific cultural or artistic moments. Shea proves that drag artists are some of the most innovative fashion visionaries working today.

Tell us which of these iconic red carpet looks inspired you the most in the comments below!