Transgender Actresses Who Are Changing the Face of Television

Television has seen a significant shift in representation over the last decade, with transgender actresses leading the charge in authentic storytelling. These performers have moved beyond stereotypical roles to portray complex, multi-dimensional characters across various genres. Their presence on screen challenges traditional narratives and provides visibility for the LGBTQ+ community on a global scale. By securing leading roles and critical acclaim, these women are reshaping the industry’s landscape for future generations.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox rose to international prominence for her portrayal of Sophia Burset on the Netflix series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. Her performance earned her an Emmy nomination, making her the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy in an acting category. Beyond her breakout role, she has appeared in projects such as ‘Doubt’ and ‘Inventing Anna’. Cox is widely recognized for her advocacy work and her role in bringing transgender issues into the mainstream media conversation.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

Mj Rodriguez made history as the first transgender actress to win a Golden Globe Award for her role as Blanca Evangelista in the FX series ‘Pose’. The show features the largest cast of transgender actors in series regular roles for a scripted series. Her character serves as the matriarch of House Evangelista, navigating the ballroom culture and the HIV/AIDS crisis in 1980s New York City. Rodriguez has since transitioned into music and continues to work in television and film projects.

Dominique Jackson

Dominique Jackson is best known for her commanding performance as Elektra Abundance on the critically acclaimed series ‘Pose’. Her portrayal of the fierce house mother became a fan favorite for its sharp wit and emotional depth. Before her television career, Jackson was a prominent figure in the New York City ballroom scene and worked as a fashion model. She has also authored an autobiography detailing her experiences as a transgender woman from Trinidad and Tobago.

Indya Moore

Indya Moore portrays Angel Evangelista on ‘Pose’, a character who navigates the complexities of love and professional modeling. Outside of their work on the series, Moore has appeared in projects like ‘Queen & Slim’ and voiced characters in animated series like ‘Steven Universe Future’. They have been recognized by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Moore continues to use their platform to advocate for social justice and marginalized communities.

Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer made her acting debut as Jules Vaughn in the HBO teen drama ‘Euphoria’. In addition to starring in the series, she co-wrote and executive produced a special episode that explored her character’s internal journey. Before entering the world of television, Schafer had a successful career as a high-fashion model for brands like Prada and Dior. Her portrayal of Jules has been praised for its nuanced depiction of a transgender teenager’s experiences with friendship and romance.

Nicole Maines

Nicole Maines joined the cast of ‘Supergirl’ in its fourth season as Nia Nal, also known as the superhero Dreamer. This role marked the first time a transgender superhero appeared on television in a series regular capacity. Maines is an activist who was the subject of the book ‘Becoming Nicole’, which chronicles her family’s legal battle for transgender rights. She has also appeared in the series ‘Yellowjackets’ and continues to write for DC Comics to develop her character’s backstory.

Jamie Clayton

Jamie Clayton gained widespread recognition for her role as Nomi Marks, a transgender hacker and blogger, in the Netflix original series ‘Sense8’. She later joined the cast of ‘The L Word: Generation Q’, playing the character Tess Van De Berg. In 2022, she took on the iconic role of the Hellpriest in the ‘Hellraiser’ franchise reboot, showcasing her versatility across different genres. Clayton’s career is marked by her commitment to playing roles where her identity is just one facet of a complex character.

Josie Totah

Josie Totah starred as Lexi Haddad-DeFabrizio in the 2020 revival of ‘Saved by the Bell’ on Peacock. She also served as a producer on the series, ensuring that her character’s experiences were portrayed with authenticity and humor. Totah had previously appeared as a child actor in shows like ‘Jessie’ and ‘Glee’ before publicly coming out as transgender in 2018. Her work in comedy has been noted for its sharp timing and the way it integrates her identity into the narrative naturally.

Angelica Ross

Angelica Ross transitioned into acting with prominent roles in both ‘Pose’ and ‘American Horror Story’. On ‘Pose’, she played Candy Ferocity, a character whose storyline addressed the systemic violence faced by transgender women of color. She made history by becoming the first transgender actress to have two series regular roles running simultaneously on television. Ross is also the founder of TransTech Social Enterprises, an organization providing job training for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Hari Nef

Hari Nef appeared in the groundbreaking Amazon series ‘Transparent’ as Gittel, a character from the family’s ancestral past in 1930s Berlin. She has also held roles in the thriller series ‘You’ and the HBO drama ‘The Idol’. Nef was the first openly transgender woman to be signed to IMG Models and has walked for major fashion houses globally. Her career spans film, television, and theater, including a featured role in the 2023 blockbuster film ‘Barbie’.

Trace Lysette

Trace Lysette is well known for her recurring role as Shea in the Amazon series ‘Transparent’. She also starred alongside Jennifer Lopez in the feature film ‘Hustlers’ and led the independent drama ‘Monica’. Lysette has been vocal about the need for transgender actors to play transgender roles and for more opportunities in the industry. Her performance in ‘Monica’ received a lengthy standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival, highlighting her talent as a dramatic lead.

Jen Richards

Jen Richards is an actress, writer, and producer who co-created and starred in the Emmy-nominated web series ‘Her Story’. She has appeared in television series such as ‘Mrs. Fletcher’, ‘Tales of the City’, and ‘Clarice’. Richards served as a consultant on the documentary ‘Disclosure’, which examines the history of transgender representation in Hollywood. She frequently advocates for more transgender people to be involved behind the scenes in writing and production roles.

Patti Harrison

Patti Harrison is a comedian and actress known for her distinct humor in shows like ‘Shrill’ and ‘I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson’. She has provided voice work for animated series such as ‘BoJack Horseman’ and ‘Tuca & Bertie’. Harrison made history as the first transgender actor to voice a character in a Disney animated film, ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’. Her work often blends absurdist comedy with social commentary, making her a unique voice in the entertainment industry.

Alexandra Billings

Alexandra Billings is a veteran actress who played Davina in the series ‘Transparent’ and Robin in ‘The Conners’. She was the second openly transgender woman to play a transgender character on television in the 2005 movie ‘Romy and Michele: In the Beginning’. Billings is also an accomplished stage performer and professor, teaching acting at the University of Southern California. She has been a pioneer in the industry, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights for several decades.

Yasmin Finney

Yasmin Finney rose to fame for her role as Elle Argent in the Netflix series ‘Heartstopper’. The show has been praised for its positive and heartwarming depiction of LGBTQ+ youth and trans identity. Following the success of the series, Finney was cast as Rose in the long-running British science fiction series ‘Doctor Who’. Her presence on major platforms has made her a prominent figure for transgender representation in the United Kingdom and across the globe.

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