11 times trans characters were actually played by trans actors

Representation at its finest!

We're super stoked to see some LGBTQ+ representation not only making headlines in the media, but also getting award nominations and wins to remind people of queer talent.

In an ongoing debate about whether or not straight actors should take on gay roles, there is also another discussion happening that people don't talk about as often: trans actors who have had the fortune of taking on trans roles, instead of those opportunities being taken by non-trans actors.

If you're looking to add some more trans representation to your watchlist, check out these 10 shows and films!

The main characters of 'Pose'

FX's Pose deserves its own category because it does a phenomenal job putting trans representation at the forefront. Among the trans actors on the show are Indya Moore as model Angel, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez as her house mother Blanca Evangelista, Dominique Jackson as her mother Elektra Abundance, Hailie Sahar as her second-in-command Lulu, and Angelica Ross as her bestie Candy. The show itself also tackles trans issues, both from the 1980s where the show takes place as well as the mirror to the issues that continue to harp on us now.

Margo Fairchild from 'Mrs. Fletcher,' played by Jen Richards

Jen Richards is an actress and trans activist who has had a number of trans roles, including Allyson Del Lago on Nashville, marking her as the first transgender person to appear on a CMT show. Other credits include Margo Fairchild on HBO's Mrs. Fletcher, Anna Madrigal in Netflix's Tales of the City, and herself in E!'s I Am Cait, which is where she got her start. She also co-created and starred in the web series Her Story, which garnered a lot of praise for its portrayal of trans characters. Basically, if you see Jen Richards' name attached to a project, you know it'll have some great trans representation.

Sophia Burset from 'Orange Is the New Black,' played by Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox was the first transgender person nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in an acting category for her role as Sophia Burset in Netflix's Orange Is the New Black. Outside of the screen, Cox is also known for her advocacy work within the trans community and uses her platform to build visibility. She also hosted a season of If We're Being Honest, where she explored powerful conversations with some of the most influential talent in the industry, which helped explore different and fresh perspectives with a move toward getting rid of adversity.

Jules from 'Euphoria,' played by Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer recently gained a lot of attention for her role as Tigris Snow in The Hunger Games prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, but she also made waves for her role as high schooler Jules in HBO's controversial teen drama Euphoria long before. This marked Schafer's acting debut, and she went so far as co-writing the Jules-focused Euphoria special to help develop the character. Besides being an actress, Schafer is also known for completely shutting down the runway and the premieres with her fierce fashion choices.

Bex from 'Assassination Nation,' played by Hari Nef

Hari Nef plays Bex Warren in Sam Levison's 2018 film Assassination Nation and had her breakout role as Tante Gittel in Amazon's Emmy-winning television series Transparent. She's also "just another Barbie" in the 2023 Barbie movie as Dr. Barbie, and she's one of the first openly trans women to sign with a major modeling agency, IMG Models.

Sin-Dee Rella and Alexandra from 'Tangerine,' played by Kitana Kiki Rodriguez and Mya Taylor 

Mya Taylor became the first trans actress to win a Spirit Award for her role as Alexandra in the 2015 film Tangerine, which she starred in alongside her roommate-turned-costar Kitiana Kiki Rodriguez as Sin-Dee Rella. The film itself gained additional attention for being one of the first feature films to be shot entirely on an iPhone, and the film is meant as a dedication to celebrate the lives of trans women and women of color. In their own right, each of the film's stars has gone on to advocate for trans visibility.

Luna La from 'Gossip Girl,' played by Zion Moreno

Trans actress Zion Moreno is known both for her role as Luna La in HBO Max's Gossip Girl reboot, and she also starred as Isabela de La Fuente on Netflix's Control Z. Prior to pursuing her acting career, Moreno had a small modeling career that has gained some traction since her roles. She's also vocal about her support of the LGBTQ+ community and has spoken about the impact of bringing Latino trans representation to the media from her role in Gossip Girl. Before gaining any spotlight, she briefly attended the University of New Mexico on a full-ride scholarship with the intention of being an investigative reporter.

Viktor Hargreeves from 'The Umbrella Academy,' played by Elliot Page

Elliot Page came out as trans in 2020 and his Umbrella Academy character Viktor also transitioned. Page coming out as trans was also a pretty landmark revelation and his courage is often praised as his public announcement helped bring more awareness to trans representation. In March 2021, Page also became the first openly trans man to appear on the cover of Time magazine, which is certainly anything but a small feat. Outside of The Umbrella Academy, Page has a huge list of credits, starting with his Oscar-nominated breakout role as the title character in Juno back in 2007.

Nomi Marks from 'Sense8,' played by Jamie Clayton

Jamie Clayton is best known for her role as Nomi Marks on Netflix's Sense8. The San Diego native also made waves for her portrayal of Sasha Booker in season 3 of Designated Survivor and as Tess Van De Berg in Showtime's The L Word: Generation Q. Clayton got her start back in 2010 as the makeup artist and co-host of VH1's makeover show TRANSform Me and also lent her voice to the audio book for the children's novel Melissa about a young trans girl. In regard to Sense8, Clayton has noted that she was happy to both be able to play a trans character, as well as work alongside trans creators Lana and Lily Wachowski.

Elle Argent from 'Heartstopper,' played by Yasmin Finney

Yasmin Finney plays Elle Argent on Netflix's beloved queer teen romance series Hearstopper. Her character's trans identity wasn't blown out of proportion or made into a big deal, with the show basically leaving it that she transferred from a school for boys to a school for girls. Finney also starred as Rose Noble, daughter of Donna Noble (Catherine Tate) from BBC's Doctor Who for the show's 60th anniversary, and she's also appeared as a guest judge on RuPaul's Drag Race UK.

Emilia Pérez from 'Emilia Pérez,' played Karla Sofía Gascón

Emilia Pérez stars trans actress Karla Sofía Gascón as notorious crime lord Juan "Manitas" Del Monte, who wants a lawyer named Rita (Zoe Saldaña) to help fake her death and arrange a variety of surgeries so that she can transition and live as her true self, the titular Emilia. Even though the film ostensibly tells a very stereotypical story of a trans woman undergoing transition, how hard it is on her family, and the tragedies that result, it in no way revels in those tropes or feels clumsy or backward in its treatment of trans women.