TULSA, Okla. — Al Stone-Gebhardt worked hard in school to make sure he could graduate in May, and he spent hundreds of dollars on commencement regalia, but he is fully prepared not to participate in the ceremony.
The 17-year-old, who is transgender, said he feared his high school, Tulsa Union, might use his deadname — the name he was given at birth but no longer uses — on his diploma and during the ceremony instead of his legally changed name. He has had teachers call him by his birth name, sometimes inadvertently, and said he finds the experience traumatizing.
Sean Murphy, Associated Press
Al Stone-Gebhardt and his mother, Erika Dubose, outside their home March 3 in Tulsa, Okla.
“Being deadnamed just immediately makes you feel belittled, weak and insignificant,” Stone-Gebhardt said. “I didn’t want to be in the classroom. I didn’t trust the teacher.”
The Associated Press contacted the school about Stone-Gebhardt’s fears, as well as concerns from his mother, who felt she was getting the runaround when she tried to discuss the issue with the school officials. A spokesperson said the school will work with his parents to make sure his correct name is used.
As hundreds of bills nationwide take aim at nearly every facet of transgender existence, from health care to athletics to bathroom access, trans kids and their families say certain proposals could eliminate one of the last remaining safe havens to explore their identities: K-12 public schools.
Several “parental rights” proposals, which aim to give parents greater control over their children’s education, would formally allow or require schools to deadname trans students or out them to their parents without consent. While some parents and teachers argue they have a right to know, others warn it could jeopardize the mental health and physical safety of gender-nonconforming children and place educators in the crosshairs.
More than 25 proposals introduced across 14 states include provisions permitting teachers or fellow students not to honor the name and pronouns that align with a student’s gender identity. Some of those proposals and other standalone measures, including at least two at the federal level, would require parental permission to use different identifiers. At least a dozen would also require schools to alert parents of gender identity changes in most circumstances, which trans students like Stone-Gebhardt say would strip them of their privacy and autonomy.
The Oklahoma State Department of Education proposed new rules this year that would require parental notification if a child begins expressing gender identity questions. A similar proposal in the North Carolina legislature, where Republicans are just one seat shy of the supermajority they need to override any veto from the Democratic governor, passed the Senate last month and is now in the House.
Sean Murphy, Associated Press
Al Stone-Gebhardt and his mother, Erika Dubose, share a laugh at their home March 3 in Tulsa, Okla.
They mirror laws enacted last year in Florida and Alabama, and guidelines in Virginia, that prohibit schools from withholding gender identity information. Florida Republicans advanced legislation this week that would expand the law critics dubbed “Don’t Say Gay” to prohibit schools from addressing students with pronouns that don’t align with the sex they were assigned at birth.
Some education officials support the idea of notifying parents about identity changes. Education guidelines on social transitioning, including when to involve parents, vary widely across states and school districts. Such proposals would provide uniformity that some educators say is currently lacking.
“As a parent, I’d absolutely want to know that, and I think most parents do,” said Ginger Tinney, executive director of Professional Oklahoma Educators, a nonpartisan association that represents educators from across the state. “When it comes to serious stuff like this, this tells me the child is struggling with some major issues, and they need their mom and dad to know.”
Hannah Schoenbaum, Associated Press
Renee Sekel, the mother of a nonbinary teenager, poses for a portrait in front of family photos at her home Feb. 27 in Cary, N.C.
But others, like Emilly Osterling, a high school special education teacher in Wake County, North Carolina, say the reporting requirements force teachers to betray their students’ trust or risk losing their job. While collaboration with parents is essential to her work as a special educator, she said, it cannot come at the expense of any student’s safety or scare teachers away from building bonds with their students.
“Students wouldn’t trust teachers anymore,” Osterling said. “You’re putting educators in a very, very bad position. It’s kind of taking pieces of our job to a different level. A job is your source of income, I mean, it’s your livelihood.”
When Renee Sekel’s nonbinary teenager first requested a different name on their Christmas stocking, she responded with “absolutely not” in what she now considers “the wrong reaction.” The mother of three and local activist in Cary, North Carolina, said she took about six months to accept the new name.
After hearing her child’s teacher call them by that name in a parent-teacher meeting, Sekel said, she realized her child was already happily out at school. In time, she grew thankful that the public school had been a safe and affirming place for her child to express their identity before it was fully accepted at home — and that they were able to tell family on their own terms.
“I failed as a parent in not giving them the freedom and the safety they needed at home,” Sekel said. “But they were able to find it at school.”
Now, Sekel said, it’s worth sharing her own shortcomings to preserve that safe space for other kids. Proposals with forced-outing provisions could create life-threatening situations for those with unsupportive families, she said.
“I’m not LGBTQ or anything, but I was abused as a child, and school was the place where people didn’t call me names or didn’t hit me. School was safe for me,” she said. “Forcing teachers to call home and tell the parent things that those children have told them in confidence is going to hurt kids, it’s going to get kids beat.”
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Trans kids’ treatment can start younger, new guidelines say
Massimo Valicchia // NurPhoto via Getty Images
At the forefront of the movement for gay rights are transgender people, serving as the most fervent activists for the rights of queer people around the world. For the past few decades, transgender people have demonstrated their skills and passions in various fields and industries. By excelling at what they do, they have broken barriers, helping to progress social norms and attitudes toward queerness. And by using their profile and social status, these trans celebrities have acted as guiding lights to young queer people all over the world.
To that end, Stacker compiled a list of 25 prolific transgender celebrities, covering not only their individual backgrounds and bodies of work but also detailing any famous firsts they accomplished through their work and activism, if applicable. There are no politicians on this list.
These figures are actors, musicians, models, athletes, artists, and influencers. They are prominent not only for being transgender individuals in their fields but for also contributing to and advancing their fields overall. Whether they have been out their entire life or only came out in the middle of their career, they have served as inspirations to many.
Through the hardships and obstacles they faced from their peers and society, these figures have emerged in the mainstream, paving the way for more queer and trans people to follow. Read on to see which of these celebrities you recognize and whose work you have followed.
You may also like: Most famous celebrities from the year you were born
Massimo Valicchia // NurPhoto via Getty Images
At the forefront of the movement for gay rights are transgender people, serving as the most fervent activists for the rights of queer people around the world. For the past few decades, transgender people have demonstrated their skills and passions in various fields and industries. By excelling at what they do, they have broken barriers, helping to progress social norms and attitudes toward queerness. And by using their profile and social status, these trans celebrities have acted as guiding lights to young queer people all over the world.
To that end, Stacker compiled a list of 25 prolific transgender celebrities, covering not only their individual backgrounds and bodies of work but also detailing any famous firsts they accomplished through their work and activism, if applicable. There are no politicians on this list.
These figures are actors, musicians, models, athletes, artists, and influencers. They are prominent not only for being transgender individuals in their fields but for also contributing to and advancing their fields overall. Whether they have been out their entire life or only came out in the middle of their career, they have served as inspirations to many.
Through the hardships and obstacles they faced from their peers and society, these figures have emerged in the mainstream, paving the way for more queer and trans people to follow. Read on to see which of these celebrities you recognize and whose work you have followed.
You may also like: Most famous celebrities from the year you were born
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Trans kids’ treatment can start younger, new guidelines say
Stefania D’Alessandro/WireImage // Getty Images
Hailing from present-day Bosnia-Herzegovina, Andreja Pejić has modeled for both women’s and men’s clothing. Pejić has been featured on the covers of Elle, Marie Claire, and GQ, and became the first transgender model profiled by Vogue in 2015. In addition to becoming one of the most prolific transgender models in the world, Pejić has appeared as a guest judge on “Britain’s Next Top Model” and acted in 2018’s “The Girl in the Spider’s Web.”
Stefania D’Alessandro/WireImage // Getty Images
Hailing from present-day Bosnia-Herzegovina, Andreja Pejić has modeled for both women’s and men’s clothing. Pejić has been featured on the covers of Elle, Marie Claire, and GQ, and became the first transgender model profiled by Vogue in 2015. In addition to becoming one of the most prolific transgender models in the world, Pejić has appeared as a guest judge on “Britain’s Next Top Model” and acted in 2018’s “The Girl in the Spider’s Web.”
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Trans kids’ treatment can start younger, new guidelines say
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic // Getty Images
Actor Asia Kate Dillon is the first nonbinary performer to portray a major role in an American television show, playing the character of Taylor Mason in “Billions.” They have been nominated for several Critics’ Choice Television Awards and co-starred in “John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum.” Their presence in film and television has helped observers learn about the nonbinary experience and the use of singular they/them pronouns, resulting in such awards ceremonies as the MTV Awards making some of their categories gender-neutral and inclusive.
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic // Getty Images
Actor Asia Kate Dillon is the first nonbinary performer to portray a major role in an American television show, playing the character of Taylor Mason in “Billions.” They have been nominated for several Critics’ Choice Television Awards and co-starred in “John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum.” Their presence in film and television has helped observers learn about the nonbinary experience and the use of singular they/them pronouns, resulting in such awards ceremonies as the MTV Awards making some of their categories gender-neutral and inclusive.
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Trans kids’ treatment can start younger, new guidelines say
Michael Ochs Archives // Getty Images
For several decades in the 20th century, Billy Tipton was one of the most accomplished jazz musicians of his time. As a bandleader and a pianist, Tipton toured the country and released several successful albums. Tipton, assigned female at birth, changed his gender presentation in the early 1930s to fit the “jazz band image” at the time; his status as a trans man was unknown until after his death and was a surprise to even his closest friends and family.
Michael Ochs Archives // Getty Images
For several decades in the 20th century, Billy Tipton was one of the most accomplished jazz musicians of his time. As a bandleader and a pianist, Tipton toured the country and released several successful albums. Tipton, assigned female at birth, changed his gender presentation in the early 1930s to fit the “jazz band image” at the time; his status as a trans man was unknown until after his death and was a surprise to even his closest friends and family.
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Trans kids’ treatment can start younger, new guidelines say
Sarah Morris // Getty Images
One of the most prolific coming-out moments from a celebrity in the modern era was that of Caitlyn Jenner, who is a long-retired gold medalist decathlete. Jenner’s transition sparked publicity and wide discussions about the transgender experience, and she would win accolades such as the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPY Awards for sharing that of her own.
Sarah Morris // Getty Images
One of the most prolific coming-out moments from a celebrity in the modern era was that of Caitlyn Jenner, who is a long-retired gold medalist decathlete. Jenner’s transition sparked publicity and wide discussions about the transgender experience, and she would win accolades such as the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPY Awards for sharing that of her own.
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Trans kids’ treatment can start younger, new guidelines say
John Lamparski/WireImage // Getty Images
Before her successful acting career, Candis Cayne performed as a drag queen in the early 1990s. She then began to appear in film and television, including some projects by RuPaul. By 2007, Cayne had a spot on the television show “Dirty Sexy Money,” becoming the first transgender actress to portray a recurring role as a transgender character on prime time television.
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John Lamparski/WireImage // Getty Images
Before her successful acting career, Candis Cayne performed as a drag queen in the early 1990s. She then began to appear in film and television, including some projects by RuPaul. By 2007, Cayne had a spot on the television show “Dirty Sexy Money,” becoming the first transgender actress to portray a recurring role as a transgender character on prime time television.
You may also like: The best streaming services in 2021
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Trans kids’ treatment can start younger, new guidelines say
Brendan Monks/Mirrorpix // Getty Images
After the release of the 1981 James Bond film “For Your Eyes Only,” in which model Caroline Cossey appeared as an extra, British tabloids outed Cossey as a transgender woman. While the incident severely upset her, Cossey continued her modeling career and fought for trans rights in the U.K., with her efforts reaching all the way to the European Court of Human Rights.
Brendan Monks/Mirrorpix // Getty Images
After the release of the 1981 James Bond film “For Your Eyes Only,” in which model Caroline Cossey appeared as an extra, British tabloids outed Cossey as a transgender woman. While the incident severely upset her, Cossey continued her modeling career and fought for trans rights in the U.K., with her efforts reaching all the way to the European Court of Human Rights.
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Trans kids’ treatment can start younger, new guidelines say
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic // Getty Images
As the child of Sonny Bono and Cher, Chaz Bono has received media attention since early in life. Before his transition, tabloids outed him as a lesbian, and his transition to a male began in earnest during the late 2000s. Chaz has since been a prominent LGBTQ+ activist and advocate. He proceeded to share his story in a 2011 documentary film and later competed on “Dancing with the Stars,” both of which helped to spur conversation about transgender people.
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic // Getty Images
As the child of Sonny Bono and Cher, Chaz Bono has received media attention since early in life. Before his transition, tabloids outed him as a lesbian, and his transition to a male began in earnest during the late 2000s. Chaz has since been a prominent LGBTQ+ activist and advocate. He proceeded to share his story in a 2011 documentary film and later competed on “Dancing with the Stars,” both of which helped to spur conversation about transgender people.
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Trans kids’ treatment can start younger, new guidelines say
Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for Tribeca Film Festival // Getty Images
Transgender athletes have always faced difficult battles within their fields due to the gender-separated nature of many events, but triathlete Chris Mosier has instigated change in sports. Through Mosier’s challenging the International Olympic Committee policy, he was able to participate in the Duathlon Age Group World Championship Race and many events afterward. Mosier was the first transgender man to compete in Olympic trials with other men, and he was the first transgender athlete to participate in the “Body Issue” of ESPN Magazine.
Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for Tribeca Film Festival // Getty Images
Transgender athletes have always faced difficult battles within their fields due to the gender-separated nature of many events, but triathlete Chris Mosier has instigated change in sports. Through Mosier’s challenging the International Olympic Committee policy, he was able to participate in the Duathlon Age Group World Championship Race and many events afterward. Mosier was the first transgender man to compete in Olympic trials with other men, and he was the first transgender athlete to participate in the “Body Issue” of ESPN Magazine.
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Trans kids’ treatment can start younger, new guidelines say
Michael Ochs Archives // Getty Images
In the 1950s, Christine Jorgensen was the first known person to undergo sex reassignment surgery, identifying as a woman some years after her service in World War II. With her wit and cadence, Jorgensen became profiled in the news and became an advocate for transgender people while also working as an actress and a performer. As a spokesperson for transgender people, Jorgensen has remained an influential figure even decades after her death.
Michael Ochs Archives // Getty Images
In the 1950s, Christine Jorgensen was the first known person to undergo sex reassignment surgery, identifying as a woman some years after her service in World War II. With her wit and cadence, Jorgensen became profiled in the news and became an advocate for transgender people while also working as an actress and a performer. As a spokesperson for transgender people, Jorgensen has remained an influential figure even decades after her death.
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Trans kids’ treatment can start younger, new guidelines say
Cindy Ord // Getty Images
Now-retired MMA fighter Fallon Fox struggled with her gender identity for most of her early life, eventually receiving reassignment surgery. After becoming an MMA fighter in the women’s division, Fox came out as transgender, which led to controversy and debate over whether or not she would be allowed to compete against other women. While her career has ended, outlets like Outsports deemed Fox the “bravest athlete in history.”
You may also like: The best streaming services for sports in 2021
Cindy Ord // Getty Images
Now-retired MMA fighter Fallon Fox struggled with her gender identity for most of her early life, eventually receiving reassignment surgery. After becoming an MMA fighter in the women’s division, Fox came out as transgender, which led to controversy and debate over whether or not she would be allowed to compete against other women. While her career has ended, outlets like Outsports deemed Fox the “bravest athlete in history.”
You may also like: The best streaming services for sports in 2021
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Trans kids’ treatment can start younger, new guidelines say
Sarah Morris // Getty Images
Gigi Loren Lazzarato Getty, known professionally as Gigi Gorgeous, was one of the earlier makeup artists building a following on YouTube in the late 2000s. Initially identifying as a gay man, Gigi Gorgeous came out as a transgender woman in 2013. In August 2016, she was unfortunately detained at the Dubai International Airport due to her transgender status and social norms in the United Arab Emirates, which sparked calls for equal protection and reform in anti-transgender laws.
Sarah Morris // Getty Images
Gigi Loren Lazzarato Getty, known professionally as Gigi Gorgeous, was one of the earlier makeup artists building a following on YouTube in the late 2000s. Initially identifying as a gay man, Gigi Gorgeous came out as a transgender woman in 2013. In August 2016, she was unfortunately detained at the Dubai International Airport due to her transgender status and social norms in the United Arab Emirates, which sparked calls for equal protection and reform in anti-transgender laws.
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Trans kids’ treatment can start younger, new guidelines say
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic // Getty Images
As the first transgender person to appear on the cover of a major British magazine, Hari Nef has used her modeling and acting career to speak out about trans issues. Along with her work in fashion and modeling, Nef is also a writer; her work has appeared in publications like Vice as well as a sex advice column. Her most familiar work in film and television includes appearances on the TV show “Transparent” and the film “Assassination Nation.”
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic // Getty Images
As the first transgender person to appear on the cover of a major British magazine, Hari Nef has used her modeling and acting career to speak out about trans issues. Along with her work in fashion and modeling, Nef is also a writer; her work has appeared in publications like Vice as well as a sex advice column. Her most familiar work in film and television includes appearances on the TV show “Transparent” and the film “Assassination Nation.”
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Trans kids’ treatment can start younger, new guidelines say
Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SCAD aTVfest 2020
Model Hunter Schafer has modeled for several prominent labels, including Tommy Hilfiger and Coach. In 2019, Schafer captivated audiences with her role in HBO’s “Euphoria,” in which she co-stars as the love interest of Zendaya’s protagonist. Her role was praised by viewers and critics alike, and Schafer crafted her character’s backstory with showrunner Sam Levinson for a sense of authenticity. With “Euphoria” bringing her to fame, Schafer has been a prominent queer activist.
Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SCAD aTVfest 2020
Model Hunter Schafer has modeled for several prominent labels, including Tommy Hilfiger and Coach. In 2019, Schafer captivated audiences with her role in HBO’s “Euphoria,” in which she co-stars as the love interest of Zendaya’s protagonist. Her role was praised by viewers and critics alike, and Schafer crafted her character’s backstory with showrunner Sam Levinson for a sense of authenticity. With “Euphoria” bringing her to fame, Schafer has been a prominent queer activist.
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Trans kids’ treatment can start younger, new guidelines say
Leon Bennett/WireImage // Getty Images
Actress and model Jamie Clayton found herself drawn to the Netflix show “Sense8,” as it featured a transgender woman character written by transgender writers. Clayton portrayed the character of Nomi Marks in the series, and would go on to appear in shows, films, and video games, including “The Snowman,” “The Neon Demon,” “Designated Survivor,” and “Mass Effect: Andromeda.” In the docuseries “Equal,” Clayton even portrayed transgender icon Christine Jorgensen.
Leon Bennett/WireImage // Getty Images
Actress and model Jamie Clayton found herself drawn to the Netflix show “Sense8,” as it featured a transgender woman character written by transgender writers. Clayton portrayed the character of Nomi Marks in the series, and would go on to appear in shows, films, and video games, including “The Snowman,” “The Neon Demon,” “Designated Survivor,” and “Mass Effect: Andromeda.” In the docuseries “Equal,” Clayton even portrayed transgender icon Christine Jorgensen.
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Trans kids’ treatment can start younger, new guidelines say
Roy Rochlin // Getty Images
Seeing a significantly young and prominent trans person in the media is important for other trans children who may be going through a difficult time, and Jazz Jennings was able to offer that representation. Jennings was diagnosed with gender dysphoria at the early age of 5, and since transitioning, she has made multiple media appearances to speak about her challenges on shows like “20/20” as well as on the Oprah Winfrey Network. Since then, Jennings has launched a number of initiatives and charities supporting transgender children.
You may also like: From Stonewall to today: 50+ years of modern LGBTQ+ history
Roy Rochlin // Getty Images
Seeing a significantly young and prominent trans person in the media is important for other trans children who may be going through a difficult time, and Jazz Jennings was able to offer that representation. Jennings was diagnosed with gender dysphoria at the early age of 5, and since transitioning, she has made multiple media appearances to speak about her challenges on shows like “20/20” as well as on the Oprah Winfrey Network. Since then, Jennings has launched a number of initiatives and charities supporting transgender children.
You may also like: From Stonewall to today: 50+ years of modern LGBTQ+ history
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Trans kids’ treatment can start younger, new guidelines say
Rich Fury/Getty Images for GLAAD
Born in 2001, Josie Totah is one of the youngest out transgender performers in the entertainment industry. After appearing in the Disney Channel show “Jessie,” Totah would go on to receive praise for her performance in the 2016 film “Other People.” It wasn’t until 2018 that she came out as a transgender woman. She’s since gone on to appear in projects like Peacock’s “Saved by the Bell” reboot as a cheerleader.
Rich Fury/Getty Images for GLAAD
Born in 2001, Josie Totah is one of the youngest out transgender performers in the entertainment industry. After appearing in the Disney Channel show “Jessie,” Totah would go on to receive praise for her performance in the 2016 film “Other People.” It wasn’t until 2018 that she came out as a transgender woman. She’s since gone on to appear in projects like Peacock’s “Saved by the Bell” reboot as a cheerleader.
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Trans kids’ treatment can start younger, new guidelines say
John Lamparski/WireImage // Getty Images
During his time at George Washington University, Kye Allums was part of the university’s women’s basketball team. While playing on the team, he came out as a trans man and later left the team. After graduating, Allums traveled the country and acted as a public speaker, sharing his own experiences and advice on how to handle bullying toward trans youth.
John Lamparski/WireImage // Getty Images
During his time at George Washington University, Kye Allums was part of the university’s women’s basketball team. While playing on the team, he came out as a trans man and later left the team. After graduating, Allums traveled the country and acted as a public speaker, sharing his own experiences and advice on how to handle bullying toward trans youth.
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Trans kids’ treatment can start younger, new guidelines say
Timothy Hiatt // Getty Images
Best known for writing and directing “The Matrix” films, Lana and Lilly Wachowski both came out as trans women in 2010 and 2016, respectively. “The Matrix” films have been pointed out for containing trans allegories, and the duo has continued to be inclusive in their works, especially with their Netflix series “Sense8.” Lana and Lilly also directed “Speed Racer,” “Cloud Atlas,” and “Jupiter Ascending.”
Timothy Hiatt // Getty Images
Best known for writing and directing “The Matrix” films, Lana and Lilly Wachowski both came out as trans women in 2010 and 2016, respectively. “The Matrix” films have been pointed out for containing trans allegories, and the duo has continued to be inclusive in their works, especially with their Netflix series “Sense8.” Lana and Lilly also directed “Speed Racer,” “Cloud Atlas,” and “Jupiter Ascending.”
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Trans kids’ treatment can start younger, new guidelines say
Burak Cingi/Redferns // Getty Images
Punk rock star Laura Jane Grace is the founder, lead singer, and guitarist of the band Against Me! She is one of the few openly transgender punk rock artists in the industry, coming out as a trans woman in the latter half of her band’s career in 2012. To reflect on her identity, Against Me! independently released a well-received concept album entitled “Transgender Dysphoria Blues” in 2014.
Burak Cingi/Redferns // Getty Images
Punk rock star Laura Jane Grace is the founder, lead singer, and guitarist of the band Against Me! She is one of the few openly transgender punk rock artists in the industry, coming out as a trans woman in the latter half of her band’s career in 2012. To reflect on her identity, Against Me! independently released a well-received concept album entitled “Transgender Dysphoria Blues” in 2014.
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Trans kids’ treatment can start younger, new guidelines say
Sarah Morris // Getty Images
Quite possibly the most famous trans celebrity is actress and activist Laverne Cox, who is primarily known for her role in the Netflix series “Orange Is the New Black.” Cox has the distinction of being the first transgender performer nominated for an Emmy in an acting category. She went on to be the first transgender actress with a series regular role on a broadcast network for her work on CBS’ “Doubt.” As an activist, Cox is credited with having a large role in the national discussion about transgender people in the United States.
You may also like: The best streaming services for football in 2021
Sarah Morris // Getty Images
Quite possibly the most famous trans celebrity is actress and activist Laverne Cox, who is primarily known for her role in the Netflix series “Orange Is the New Black.” Cox has the distinction of being the first transgender performer nominated for an Emmy in an acting category. She went on to be the first transgender actress with a series regular role on a broadcast network for her work on CBS’ “Doubt.” As an activist, Cox is credited with having a large role in the national discussion about transgender people in the United States.
You may also like: The best streaming services for football in 2021
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Trans kids’ treatment can start younger, new guidelines say
Charles Rogers // Wikimedia Commons
As a computer scientist and engineer, Lynn Conway was fired from her job in 1968 when she revealed her intention to transition to a woman. Still, her work has been credited for a number of technological and computer innovations, specifically with microchip design. Near retirement, Conway became a trans rights activist, specifically concerning employees in the tech industry.
Charles Rogers // Wikimedia Commons
As a computer scientist and engineer, Lynn Conway was fired from her job in 1968 when she revealed her intention to transition to a woman. Still, her work has been credited for a number of technological and computer innovations, specifically with microchip design. Near retirement, Conway became a trans rights activist, specifically concerning employees in the tech industry.
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Trans kids’ treatment can start younger, new guidelines say
Rachel Murray/Getty Images for MAKERS
Best known for her role in FX’s “Pose,” Michaela Jaé Rodriguez is the lead actress in what is the largest transgender and queer cast in a television show to date. In 2021, Rodriguez became the first transgender woman to take home the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. The following year, Rodriguez made another meaningful leap for trans representation in the entertainment industry by claiming the Best Actress trophy at the Golden Globe Awards, making her the first trans actress to win the honor in the history of the awards.
Rachel Murray/Getty Images for MAKERS
Best known for her role in FX’s “Pose,” Michaela Jaé Rodriguez is the lead actress in what is the largest transgender and queer cast in a television show to date. In 2021, Rodriguez became the first transgender woman to take home the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. The following year, Rodriguez made another meaningful leap for trans representation in the entertainment industry by claiming the Best Actress trophy at the Golden Globe Awards, making her the first trans actress to win the honor in the history of the awards.
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Trans kids’ treatment can start younger, new guidelines say
Left at London
Better known by the stage name Left at London, Nat Puff is a singer-songwriter and internet personality. She is best known for her viral Vines and her parodies of musicians and comedians, while also being an accomplished musician in her own right, with her “Transgender Street Legend” albums. Since her social media presence has grown, she frequently shares fundraising campaigns for a number of struggling transgender individuals.
Left at London
Better known by the stage name Left at London, Nat Puff is a singer-songwriter and internet personality. She is best known for her viral Vines and her parodies of musicians and comedians, while also being an accomplished musician in her own right, with her “Transgender Street Legend” albums. Since her social media presence has grown, she frequently shares fundraising campaigns for a number of struggling transgender individuals.
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Trans kids’ treatment can start younger, new guidelines say
Natalie Wynn Parrott // Wikimedia Commons
In response to the increasing number of right-wing video essays on YouTube, Natalie Wynn, best known by her online name ContraPoints, began producing elaborate counterargument video essays on the platform. Her videos are known for their detail in terms of both her nuanced arguments and her intricate production and costume design. She remains one of the most-followed leftist YouTubers, alongside Hbomberguy and Philosophy Tube, both of whom have campaigned for trans equality.
Natalie Wynn Parrott // Wikimedia Commons
In response to the increasing number of right-wing video essays on YouTube, Natalie Wynn, best known by her online name ContraPoints, began producing elaborate counterargument video essays on the platform. Her videos are known for their detail in terms of both her nuanced arguments and her intricate production and costume design. She remains one of the most-followed leftist YouTubers, alongside Hbomberguy and Philosophy Tube, both of whom have campaigned for trans equality.
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Trans kids’ treatment can start younger, new guidelines say
Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for Shorty Awards
Popularly known as NikkieTutorials online, Nikkie de Jager is an online influencer and makeup artist with over one billion views on YouTube. She has received accolades from Forbes and the Teen Choice Awards for her work, and she came out as transgender early in 2020. Later that same year, she had the distinction of serving as the online host of “Eurovision: Europe Shine a Light,” which replaced the traditional Eurovision Song Contest due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for Shorty Awards
Popularly known as NikkieTutorials online, Nikkie de Jager is an online influencer and makeup artist with over one billion views on YouTube. She has received accolades from Forbes and the Teen Choice Awards for her work, and she came out as transgender early in 2020. Later that same year, she had the distinction of serving as the online host of “Eurovision: Europe Shine a Light,” which replaced the traditional Eurovision Song Contest due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
You may also like: Celebrities who married people who are not famous
