Let’s be honest: television and film haven’t always treated trans characters with kindness. For decades, they were written as jokes, villains, or tragic cautionary tales. But times are changing. Today, we’re in the midst of a cultural shift, a moment where trans characters are being written with depth, respect, and authenticity. They’re no longer sidelined; they’re leading stories, inspiring audiences, and played by trans actors who bring their truth to the screen. So, who are the script-alterers? Listed below are 16 of the most recognizable transgender characters to ever leave their mark on television and the big screen.
16. Luna La – Gossip Girl (2021)
Zion Moreno’s Luna La is unapologetically herself: stylish, quick-witted, and a force of nature on the Upper East Side. What’s refreshing is that Luna’s trans identity isn’t her main storyline; she just exists as Luna, period. As the show’s writers said, “Luna is Luna,” and that’s a powerful form of representation in and of itself.
15. Theo Putnam – Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
Lachlan Watson portrays Theo, one of Hollywood’s youngest trans non-binary actors, and his narrative is remarkable for how warm it is. His friends and loved ones confirm his identity in no time, and the show proves to audiences that trans stories are about happiness, belonging, a, nd, yes, surreal fun.
14. Elle Argent – Heartstopper
Yasmin Finney’s Elle is all of those things: creative, compassionate, and unconditionally committed. Rather than focusing on trauma, Heartstopper honors Elle’s path as she navigates a new school and new peers. Finney has stated that Elle serves as evidence that trans kids are capable of doing “amazing things” regardless of who or where they are.
13. Paul Strickland – 9-1-1: Lone Star
Brian Michael Smith broke barriers as the first Black trans man in a lead network TV role. His character, Paul, is not only a firefighter, but he’s a genius, a hero, and a deeply human character. For some, watching a Black trans man rescue lives on prime time was absolutely groundbreaking.
12. Nia Nal / Dreamer – Supergirl
Nicole Maines made history as the first trans superhero on TV. As Dreamer, she not only provided representation to the Arrowverse, but she also provided trans fans with a hero who could literally relocate mountains. Her character was a first in both superhero narrative and trans representation.
11. Jules Vaughn – Euphoria
Hunter Schafer’s Jules is messy, complex, and full of heart, just like any teen. Euphoria doesn’t reduce her to a stereotype or “trans struggle”; rather, Jules is seen to navigate love, identity, and adolescence with all its highs and lows. Schafer herself has described it as a relief to see a trans girl in a queer relationship on television.
10. The Women of Pose
Few series have changed culture as profoundly as Pose. Starring Indya Moore, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Angelica Ross, Dominique Jackson, and Hailie Sahar, the show boasted the biggest cast of trans performers in television history. Its celebration of ball culture and chosen family was radical, and Rodriguez herself became the first trans woman ever nominated for an Emmy in a lead acting category.
9. Nomi Marks – Sense8
Jamie Clayton’s Nomi is a hacker, a lover, and a fighter, and her trans identity is just one aspect of her complex narrative. Founded by trans women Lana and Lilly Wachowski, Sense8 paved the way by casting trans performers for real and centering stories that go far beyond trauma.
8. Viktor Hargreeves – The Umbrella Academy
When Elliot Page came out in the real world, the creators of The Umbrella Academy carefully incorporated his transition into the show. Viktor’s coming out is handled with sensitivity and respect, and Page has stated he’s happy with the way the story went. It’s a reminder that trans men belong in all genres, including superhero teams.
7. Sophia Burset – Orange Is the New Black
Laverne Cox’s Sophia is a trailblazing character. Her battle for dignity and health care in prison was gritty and unforgettable. Cox was the first openly trans performer to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy in acting, solidifying her legacy as a trailblazer who opened doors for representation to come.
6. Mae – Feel Good
In Feel Good, Mae Martin portrays a version of themselves that is messy, vulnerable, and human. Season two delves into Mae’s gender identity in a nuanced and honest way, allowing space for viewers who seldom get to see non-binary characters represented with such complexity.
5. Cole – The Fosters
Tom Phelan’s Cole provided television viewers with one of their first trans male adolescents who was going through foster care, transitioning, and the trials and tribulations of adolescence. His story spanned from binding to surge, wavered with care, and made him believable and relatable.
4. Kelsa – Anything’s Possible
Eva Reign’s Kelsa in Billy Porter’s feature directorial debut is a Black trans teenager living through love and friendship. Trans screenwriter Ximena García Lecuona penned the film, full of hope, putting trans happiness at its center in a genre that most often lacks it.
3. Adira & Gray Tal – Star Trek: Discovery
Blu del Barrio (Adira) and Ian Alexander (Gray) introduced trans and non-binary identities to the Star Trek universe. Their presence initiated a new era in science fiction, demonstrating that the future indeed has room for everyone.
2. Bertie – A League of Their Own
Lea Robinson’s Bertie, a Black trans man during the 1940s, provides a vital historical perspective to the show. His character, presented with sensitivity and accuracy, brings to the fore stories of trans history that have seldom been shared on television.
1. Dreamer – Supergirl
Dreamer had to be mentioned again because she’s that legendary. Nicole Maines not only acted but also wrote her story into existence. Witnessing a trans superhero stand alongside legends such as Supergirl and The Flash wasn’t only representation, it was a change in the game.
The surge in real casting of trans and queer actors playing characters that they can actually relate to has entirely transformed the landscape. As Gay Times has observed, LGBTQ+ actors simply don’t have the same access as their straight counterparts, but when they do get opportunities, the result is electric. From Elliot Page to Laverne Cox, these actors aren’t just filling roles; they’re pushing what’s possible in Hollywood.
And the effect is quantifiable. During 2021–2022, U.S. television had 42 recurring and regular trans characters, a record number and an improvement of 20 from 2021. That’s not merely progress-it’s visibility, hope, and evidence that audiences are craving stories that exist in real life. Here’s to the trailblazers, the actors, and the characters who’ve broken barriers and made television and film richer, diverse, and real to the world we inhabit.