Trans visibility in Hollywood has long traveled—albeit imperfectly and after a fight. For decades, trans characters were invisible or depicted with vicious stereotypes, their lives narrated by individuals who seldom comprehended them. Today, a new generation of trans actors, directors, and creators is remapping the terrain, demonstrating that genuine representation isn’t important—it changes culture. From breakout performers to industry legends, here are ten trans performers breaking the mold on what it means to be Hollywood’s brightest stars.
10. Scott Turner Schofield
Scott Turner Schofield broke TV records as the first openly trans man to lead a daytime soap, playing Nick on The Bold and the Beautiful. His performances not only garnered critical acclaim but an Emmy nomination too—securing his status as a trailblazer. Apart from performing, Schofield is an ardent spokesperson for authentic trans stories and works as a consultant and educator in media inclusion. He was once called a “Hollywood trans influencer” by Out Magazine, and the label suits—he’s been influencing the industry on and off screen since then.
9. Elliot Fletcher
With standout performances in Shameless, The Fosters, and Faking It, Elliot Fletcher has made a career out of nuanced, true-to-life representations of trans youth. What’s remarkable about him is that his characters are written as fully developed human beings, and not reducible to their gender. Fletcher was also featured in the award-winning documentary Disclosure, talking openly about the growth and continued struggles of trans visibility in TV and film. His reflective performances keep pushing TV toward a more inclusive horizon.
8. Angelica Ross
Angelica Ross is not just a powerhouse actress—she’s a force of culture. She initially stole our hearts as Candy Ferocity in Pose, a part that was both heartbreaking and unforgettable. She then broke barriers by becoming the first trans woman to have major recurring roles on several seasons of American Horror Story. Aside from acting, Ross established TransTech Social Enterprises, a company that empowers trans individuals through technology-driven job training. Her activism and talent go hand in hand, making her one of the most essential game-changers in Hollywood.
7. Indya Moore
When Indya Moore exploded onto the screen as Angel Evangelista in Pose, the audiences couldn’t help but take notice, and neither could Hollywood. Featured on Time’s 100 most influential people list, Moore has since ventured into producing, modeling, and activism. They opened their own media venture to raise marginalized voices and shine a light on their unseen stories. Whether strutting down the catwalk or standing in front of the lens, Moore’s light keeps shining brighter. They’re not merely included in the Hollywood conversation—she’s rewriting it.
6. Dominique Jackson
Before turning heads as Elektra Abundance on Pose, Dominique Jackson was a ballroom legend in New York. As Elektra, she gave television one of its most dominant and dazzling performances—fierce, unapologetic, and full of heart. Aside from acting, Jackson has also built a successful modeling career, strutting for top fashion designers and gracing the cover of Vogue España. Her very presence—both on and off screen—is an uncompromising declaration of pride, strength, and unapologetic authenticity.
5. Hunter Schafer
Hunter Schafer turned overnight star as Jules Vaughn in HBO’s Euphoria, whose popularity struck a chord with the globe. Playing a trans teenager exploring love, identity, and discovering oneself was new, authentic, and unprecedented on mainstream TV. Before ever acting, Schafer was already a vocal activist combating anti-trans bills in her native state. She now splits her time between acting and high-fashion modeling, representing brands such as Prada and Gucci. Schafer embodies a new generation of visibility—one that is tied to artistry and unapologetic self-expression.
4. MJ Rodriguez
MJ Rodriguez became a household face as Blanca Evangelista on Pose, a performance full of empathy, strength, and leadership. In 2022, she became the first trans actress to win a Golden Globe in an open acknowledgment of her gender, an honor that represented just how far Hollywood has evolved, and how much she’s contributed to its growth. Since then, Rodriguez has risen even higher, working on Tick, Tick… Boom! and other high-profile projects. Both in and out of the public eye, she is still a representation of resilience, ability, and poise.
3. Laverne Cox
Laverne Cox revolutionized television with her history-making role as Sophia Burset on Orange Is the New Black. Her Emmy nomination was the game-changer for trans representation, and her success since then has been no less powerful. Cox is a global human rights advocate today, and she has used her platform to teach and inspire. As an activist, producer, and public speaker, she still pushes Hollywood to do better and demonstrates to the world that visibility can produce actual change. She’s not only an actress; she’s an institution.
2. Lana and Lilly Wachowski
The Wachowski sisters—the creators of The Matrix, Cloud Atlas, and Sense8—are two of the most powerful creative minds in contemporary film. Their work has long been interested in issues of identity, transformation, and freedom, well before either of them publicly transitioned as trans women (Lana in 2010 and Lilly in 2016). Their honesty about their transitions added new richness to their work and motivated untold numbers of people throughout the world. The Wachowskis have demonstrated that good storytelling doesn’t only mirror life—good storytelling reshapes it.
1. Elliot Page
Elliot Page is among Hollywood’s most celebrated and esteemed trans performers. With critically acclaimed roles in Juno, Inception, and The Umbrella Academy, Page’s 2020 coming out was a turning point for trans visibility. His bravery and authenticity were the catalyst for important discussions about identity, representation, and acceptance—within Hollywood and beyond. Since then, Page has emerged as not just a renowned performer but also an ardent campaigner for trans rights. His genuineness continues to influence a generation of young people discovering their own voice.
These artists are not just stars—they’re trailblazers. By their talent, their activism, and their authenticity, they’ve broken down stereotypes and opened up what it means to be seen. Representation in Hollywood has yet to catch up, but because of these pioneers, the future of storytelling is more inclusive and more truthful than ever.