Although Caitlyn Jenner may be the most famous transgender woman in the world, there are many other trans people who are working to break down barriers. With the rise of shows such as Transparent and Orange Is The New Black, transgender stars are finally getting the airtime they deserve. Below, 10 celebrities who are increasing the community’s visibility in the media.
Nikkie De Jager
Nikkie De Jager, who is known to fans on YouTube as NikkieTutorials, came out as transgender via a video on her popular channel. “Filming this video scary, but it’s so liberating and freeing,” she said at the beginning of the video. “I’ve been wanting to share this side of myself to all of you for so long but I could never figure out the timing.”
The 25-year-old makeup artist and beauty vlogger revealed that she was “born in the wrong body” and started identifying as a girl at age six. When she was 14, Nikkie started hormones and used growth stoppers to prevent her from becoming taller. When she was 19 and while she was already making YouTube videos, Nikkie fully transitioned. “Yes I am transgender,” she said. “But at the end of the day I am me.”
Andreja Pejic
Pejic, who formerly went by the name Andrej, made headlines in the fashion industry for modelling both men’s and womenswear. In 2014, she underwent gender reassignment surgery.
Lea T
The gorgeous Lea T made history last year when she was named the new spokesmodel for Redken haircare. “I love working with Redken because they appreciate all kinds of beauty,” Lea T stated at the time.
Laverne Cox
If you’re an Orange Is The New Black fan, you’ll already know who Laverne Cox is. The stunning star became the first transgender person to be nominated for an Emmy in an acting category in 2014.
Conchita Wurst
Otherwise known as the “bearded lady”, Conchita is an Austrian recording artist and drag queen. Wurst came to international attention for winning the Eurovision Song Contest 2014 with the song “Rise Like a Phoenix”.
Ines Rau
Transgender model Ines Rau has posed with everyone from Tyson Beckford to Kate Moss. “Having a sex change is not the answer to insecurities or other issues; [it requires] a real deep desire to be a woman from a younger age.”
Isis King
America’s Next Top Model fans will recognise Isis King, who was revered by Tyra Banks for her incredible bone structure. King’s inclusion on ANTM has been called an “unprecedented opportunity” by the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation.
Jenna Talackova
Jenna Talackova first came to media attention when she successfully waged a legal battle to be allowed to compete in Miss Universe Canada. Since then, she’s been hailed as a role model.
Candis Cayne
Candis Cayne has been a fixture on TV for some time after rising to fame in the series Dirty, Sexy, Money. She was the first transgender actress to play a recurring transgender character on prime time television.
Caitlyn Jenner
Caitlyn Jenner publicly came out as a trans woman in April 2015. Her new name was publicly announced in July of that year, with her name and gender being legally changed the following September. In January 2017, she underwent sex reassignment surgery and has been called the “most famous transgender woman in the world”.
