6 Influential Transgender Celebrities Making History
History is being made, and some of the most incredible people leading the way are transgender celebrities who refuse to be invisible. Award-winning actors, chart-topping musicians, and fearless activists are smashing barriers while rewriting the rules of Hollywood, fashion, and culture.
Courage, talent, and unstoppable drive have opened doors for millions across the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. Celebrate these trailblazers and dive into the stories of eight remarkable individuals who are boldly changing the game; get inspired, share their journeys, and honor the power of visibility!
1. Laverne Cox
Before Laverne Cox walked onto a Netflix set, most TV screens had never featured a transgender woman in a leading dramatic role. Her portrayal of Sophia Burset in Orange Is the New Black was raw, powerful, and completely unforgettable.
Cox became the first openly transgender person nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in an acting category. She also landed the cover of Time magazine, a historic first.
Off-screen, her advocacy work continues inspiring countless people daily.
2. Elliot Page
If you have ever rooted for an underdog, Elliot Page is your person. Known first for his breakout role in Juno, Page publicly came out as transgender in December 2020, delivering a heartfelt letter that moved millions worldwide.
His memoir PageboyThe Umbrella Academy, released in 2024, shares his deeply personal journey with honesty and courage. Starring in further cemented his status as a beloved actor.
How many people can say they inspired a generation just by being themselves?
3. Hunter Schafer
Playing Jules in HBO’s hit series Euphoria launched Hunter Schafer into global stardom almost overnight. Her performance was nuanced, emotional, and completely captivating, earning her a massive fanbase and serious critical respect.
However, acting is only part of her story. Schafer has walked runways for Prada and Dior, becoming a major force in high fashion.
She uses her platform to push for LGBTQ+ rights and better representation. Talent plus purpose?
That is a seriously unstoppable combination.
4. Kim Petras
At the 2023 Grammy Awards, Kim Petras made history as the first openly transgender woman to win a Grammy Award, taking home Best Pop Duo/Group Performance alongside Sam Smith for their song “Unholy.” The crowd went absolutely wild.
Born in Cologne, Germany, Petras has been making infectious pop music since her teens. Her bubbly energy and powerhouse vocals have earned her fans across the globe.
Where there is a dancefloor, there is probably a Kim Petras song playing on it.
5. Indya Moore
Few roles in recent TV history hit as hard as Angel Evangelista in FX’s critically acclaimed series Pose. Indya Moore brought Angel to life with breathtaking depth, earning widespread praise and a devoted fanbase that spans continents.
Though acting is their calling card, Moore’s activism speaks just as loudly. Named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2019, they continue fighting for transgender rights and visibility.
Sometimes a single performance can genuinely shift the cultural conversation forever.
6. Raquel Willis
Words have power, and Raquel Willis wields them like a superhero wields a shield. As a celebrated writer, activist, and former executive editor of Out magazine, Willis has spent years amplifying voices that mainstream media often overlooks.
Her tireless advocacy for Black transgender communities has earned her national recognition. In 2025, Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
Willis shows us that storytelling and activism together can genuinely move mountains.
