21 transgender and nonbinary celebrities who are changing television

Gabbi Shaw,Frank OlitoJun 17, 2024, 21:05 IST

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez attends the 2022 GLAAD Media Awards.Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for GLAAD

More TV shows are featuring transgender and nonbinary actors and characters.
Laverne Cox started on "Orange Is the New Black" and has become a superstar and trans activist.

According to GLAAD's 2023-2024 report on LGBTQ+ representation on TV, 5% of characters on TV are transgender (24 out of 468 characters).

While that may not seem like a lot, it's certainly progress. The first time GLAAD did this report, in 2007, there were zero trans characters and only nine gay or lesbian characters. We still have a long way to go, but there has been progress in the last 17 years.

Much of that progress is due to these actors, who have broken barriers and fought for both transgender and cisgender roles on TV.

These are 21 transgender actors who have changed the face of TV as we know it.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez is known for her work on "Pose" and became the first transgender person to win a Golden Globe in 2022.

Mj Rodriguez.Jordan Strauss/AP

Josie Totah transitioned after starring in NBC's "Champions" in 2018. Now, she's starring in the Apple TV+ series "The Buccaneers."

Josie Totah in "Saved by the Bell."Isabella Vosmikova/Peacock/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images

Hunter Schafer stepped into the limelight with HBO's hit "Euphoria," and is now a movie star.

Hunter Schafer.Jordan Strauss/ AP

Zion Moreno starred in the "Gossip Girl" reboot for two seasons from 2021 to 2023.

Zion Moreno on June 30, 2021.Dia Dipasupil/WireImage/Getty Images

Elliot Page acted in "Umbrella Academy" and "Tales of the City" before coming out as transgender.

Elliot Page at the 2021 Met Gala.Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan/Getty Images

Laverne Cox got her start on "Orange Is the New Black."

Laverne Cox.Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Asia Kate Dillon starred as Taylor Mason in "Billions" through its end in 2023.

Asia Kate Dillon.Bryan Bedder/GettyImages

Most know Alex Blue Davis as the first trans actor on "Grey's Anatomy."

Alex Blue Davis.Phil Mccarten/ AP

Dominique Jackson made a name for herself on FX's "Pose."

Dominique Jackson.Richard Shotwell/ AP

Indya Moore is another transgender star who appeared in "Pose."

Indya Moore.Jordan Strauss/ AP

Jamie Clayton is known for her role in Netflix's "Sense 8."

Jamie Clayton.Paul A. Hebert/ AP

Tom Phelan had a groundbreaking role on "The Fosters."

Phelan in "The Fosters" with co-star Maia Mitchell.Disney–ABC Domestic Television

Elliot Fletcher has had recurring roles on some of the biggest TV shows, including "Shameless," "The Fosters," and "Y: The Last Man."

Elliot Fletcher.Jordan Strauss/ AP

Before Yasmin Finney appeared on shows like "Doctor Who" and "Heartstopper," she was famous on TikTok for documenting her experience as a Black trans teenager.

Yasmin Finney.Dave Benett/Getty Images for Warner Bros.

Jen Richards produced and starred in the web series "Her Story."

Jen Richards.Demis Maryannakis/ AP

Alexandra Billings is most recognizable for her role in "Transparent."

Alexandra Billings.Chris Pizzello/ AP

Trace Lysette has appeared in "Transparent" and the movie "Hustlers."

Trace Lysette.Chris Pizzello/ AP

Brian Michael Smith starred as a trans man in OWN's "Queen Sugar" and was the first trans man to be named on People's Sexiest Men Alive list.

Brian Michael Smith.Phil Mccarten/ AP

Nicole Maines portrayed the first trans superhero on CW's "Supergirl."

Nicole Maines.Richard Shotwell/ AP

Leo Sheng was the only trans series regular on "The L Word: Generation Q."

Sheng.Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Patti Harrison is one of the funniest people on TV.

Patti Harrison in 2023.Amy Sussman/Getty Images

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