Trans Artists Expand Our Lens (TDOV 2025)

“...We hate that which we often fear" —William Shakespeare (Antony and Cleotpatra)

Today is Trans Day of Visibility, and I want to share some thoughts on why representation matters.

These days, the arts are seen as a progressive entity—the leading industry for inclusivity and open-mindedness. But even the arts have a long history of discrimination when it comes to minorities.

In 1930, Hattie McDaniel became the first Black actor to be nominated and win an Academy Award. The ceremony was held at a “Whites Only” venue, and though an exception was made to allow her into the room, she was segregated and made to sit in the very back.

It wasn’t until fifty years later that another Black woman won an academy award (Whoopi Gholdberg for Ghost).

Just like in other industries, the idea of change can be threatening. Many decision-makers are more concerned with protecting their money, status, and curated reputation than creating equal opportunities.

But if those people could put themselves in the shoes of someone who is different, they might see that including a broader set of perspectives isn’t a threat to their success, but an opportunity to defy limits.

The success of Elliot Page and Laverne Cox has been a huge step for trans visibility.

Complacency rarely produeces greatness. In 2025, nobody’s winning an Oscar for a film that doesn’t move the needle forward.

When we consider the possibilities that wait on the other side—the expansion of our limited storytelling abilities, and how others might benefit from this braveness—we are more likely to take the leap. 

"Visibility doesn’t mean we’re free of fear, but it’s the path to liberation. Each time I show up as my full self, it gets easier, and I inspire others to do the same." — Indya Moore

So why is it important to uphold trans visibility?

It’s not just about Hollywood stars getting roles. That is important, as they have worked just as hard as any other skilled actor, so they deserve a shot. But trans stars are a beacon of hope for all trans idividuals. They represent success, while telling stories that resonate with impressionable minds.

If Whoopi Goldberg didn’t have Hattie McDaniel to look up to, she might not have had the self-belief that led her to her own Oscar(s)...and becoming an EGOT!

Along with Elliot Page, there are several notable trans actors to look out for when choosing your next Saturday movie pick. Check out the list below.

"I know the impact my visibility has on trans people, especially trans youth. It’s not just about me—it's about the thousands of trans people who deserve to be represented in a way that is real, authentic, and full of agency." — Elliot Page

• Laverne Cox (she/her)

Notable Work: Orange is the New Black (2013-2019) – Cox became the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for her role as Sophia Burset.

• MJ Rodriguez (she/her)

Notable Work: Pose (2018-2021) – Rodriguez played Blanca Evangelista in this groundbreaking series set in the 1980s and 1990s New York City ball culture, earning a Golden Globe nomination for her performance.

• Elliot Page (he/they)

Notable Work: The Umbrella Academy (2019-present) – Page plays Viktor Hargreeves, a member of a dysfunctional superhero family, following his public transition in 2020. He was previously known for Juno (2007) and Inception (2010).

• Lana Wachowski (she/her)

Notable Work: The Matrix series (1999-2021) – Lana, along with her sister Lilly, is known for directing and co-writing the groundbreaking Matrix trilogy. She transitioned after the original films were made.

• Nicole Maines (she/her)

Notable Work: Supergirl (2018-2021) – Maines played Nia Nal / Dreamer, one of the first transgender superheroes in a major television series.

• Asia Kate Dillon (they/them)

Notable Work: Billions (2016-present) – Dillon plays Taylor Mason, the first non-binary character in a major television series, which earned them critical acclaim for the role.

• Janet Mock (she/her)

Notable Work: Pose (2018-2021) – In addition to her acting, Mock is a writer and director for the series, making significant contributions to its portrayal of trans lives in the 1980s and 1990s.

• Indya Moore (they/them)

Notable Work: Pose (2018-2021) – Moore plays Angel Evangelista, a transgender model, in the groundbreaking series. They have also starred in films like Queen & Slim (2019).

• Hunter Schafer (she/her)

Notable Work: Euphoria (2019-present) – Schafer plays Jules Vaughn, a transgender teenager navigating relationships and identity, in this critically acclaimed HBO series.