In all honesty, Hollywood has been quite harsh on the transgender community. At one time, the representation of trans people in the media has been very limited in a quite narrow fashion: they were the source of the joke, the villain, or the unfortunate one who gets killed. Nevertheless, the change has been going on gradually. There have been several “firsts” in the last few years that have completely changed the way trans characters are perceived in the media, and all these firsts are highly indicative of the fact that trans entertainment is not only a viable industry but also a priority. Here are ten events that have been the most influential in the industry.
10. The Early Days—Stealth and Survival
Before trans actors gained the freedom to live openly in Hollywood, some of them went underground to conceal their identity so that they would not be fired. Caroline Cossey is regarded as the first trans Bond Girl in For Your Eyes Only (1981), yet the media callously outed her. Sandra Caldwell acted for decades in a cis role, and once she got her first trans part in the play Charm, she chose to come out as trans. These trailblazers are the ones who cleared the rags for present-day stars, proving that the trans community has never lacked talent in Hollywood, but perhaps the industry was not yet ready to embrace it.
9. Laverne Cox Breaks Barriers
It was not just a career high or a cultural milestone when Laverne Cox earned an Emmy nomination for her performance as Sophia Burset on Orange Is the New Black. Among all of the other fields, she had the most differentiations and was the first out transgender actor openly nominated in a Primetime Emmy acting category, and lastly, she was the Time Magazine cover face. In addition to the camera, Cox used her stage to advocate for the trans cause and for visibility, demonstrating the potential of light and how it can be powerful and life-changing.
8. Elliot Page’s Coming Out and Viktor Hargreeves
Elliot Page had already established a commendable career, but his highly publicized coming out as trans in 2020 was a turning point. Speaking of Viktor Hargreeves in The Umbrella Academy was Page’s introduction to the realm of trans superheroes as part of a flagship series, and his character was integrated into the narrative seamlessly. Thanks to his openness and honesty, he ignited the passion of hundreds of thousands of fans, and the slogan he employed, “I love that I am trans. And I love that I am queer”—was an empowering self-acceptance message that could never be easily erased.
7. Pose and MJ Rodriguez’s Historic Nomination
The work of Ryan Murphy’s Pose surpassed simply rewriting the guidebook of a TV show’s potential. It brought on board the largest group of trans actors ever cast in ongoing roles and, with it, brought the ballroom scene of the ’80s and ’90s to the masses with authenticity and heart. The Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series nomination of MJ Rodriguez was a milestone because it was an openly trans actor’s first appearance in said category, and it was historic and long-overdue recognition at the same time.
6. Hunter Schafer Redefines Complexity
Hunter Schafer’s portrayal of Jules in Euphoria was a revelation to the audience that a trans character didn’t have to be relegated to trauma or transition alone. Rather, Schafer managed to portray a consummate, fully realized teenager feeling love, friendship, and self-discovery. Additionally, she has also spoken on how Hollywood needs to show and accept that trans individuals are multidimensional and complex, the same way that everyone else in the globe is, something that is already too late coming for the movie industry.
5. Indya Moore and Dominique Jackson Take Center Stage
Pose also gave us legendary performances by Indya Moore and Dominique Jackson. Moore, the trans and non-binary actress, made history as the first openly trans and non-binary actor to grace the cover of Elle. Jackson’s commanding performance as Elektra Abundance made her a cultural icon. Both of them reminded Hollywood that trans representation can also be intersectional, i.e., involving race, immigration, queerness, and survival.
4. The Wachowski Sisters as Visionary Creators
Working in the background, the sisters Lana and Lilly Wachowski demonstrated that trans people are not only capable of running individualistic and successful movie franchises but also of producing intellectual and artsy movies. The Matrix and Sense8 rank at the top among the sisters’ movies, but their work has been, for quite some time now, founded on the very problems of self and transformation. Being openly trans after having already hit the heights of the entertainment world conveyed a very powerful message: trans women are out there in all corners of Hollywood, even in the director’s seat.
3. Why Representation Matters
Representation is not just a symbol; it influences individuals’ mindsets. Research done at the University of West London validated that positive representations of transgender actors, e.g., from Pose, contributed to quantifiable boosts in positive attitudes among audiences. Conversely, negative representations. Hollywood narratives not only utilize but also construct a culture of the era.
2. Trans Actors Playing Cis Roles
One of the most thrilling frontiers is to observe trans actors receiving parts in which gender identity is not central. Patti Harrison’s role in Shrill and Nicole Maines’ acting in Yellowjackets are simply ideal instances. Their transgender status is evident; however, it is not the focus. The characters are humanized, at least, dynamic and funny, like any other character. This kind of casting naturally attracts richer and more universal storytelling.
1. The Next Generation of Icons
The future of trans visibility is brighter than ever. Zaya Wade, who was trans and transitioned at the young age of 12, is now a role model for young individuals all over the world. Kim Petras became the first trans woman to be awarded a Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. Just as she did, the award was utilized to honor the pioneers who paved the way for her. With the current crop of stars paving the way, the next chapter of Hollywood is poised to become more diversified and motivating.
Hollywood isn’t quite there yet, but these are the moments that attest to how change can occur. Trans actors, artists, and icons are rewriting the script, if not from the margins and stereotypes, to the center stage. And that’s not merely revolutionary. That’s history in the making.