Celebrated Trans Male Stars
Hollywood and beyond are witnessing a remarkable wave of talent as trans men take center stage. These actors, musicians, models, and creators are rewriting the very idea of visibility.
Chaz Bono
Long before conversations about trans identity became common in Hollywood, Chaz Bono was already living his truth. As the only child of Sonny and Cher, he grew up in the spotlight, yet chose to embrace authenticity even when it meant facing intense media scrutiny. The documentary Becoming Chaz offered an intimate look at his transition.
Becoming Chaz - OWN Trailer - Premiering in May by wowteacup
Chaz Bono (Cont.)
Bono also showcased his versatility as a contestant on Dancing With the Stars and proved he was more than just his famous family’s legacy. In addition to acting roles, including appearances in American Horror Story, he has consistently advocated for equal opportunities. Bono’s candidness helped pave the way for future trans entertainers to find acceptance.
Ian Harvie
Stand-up comedy thrives on honesty, and Ian Harvie built his career by turning personal truth into laughter. As one of the first openly trans male comedians, he quickly stood out for weaving his lived experience into routines that resonated with fans. Harvie’s role in Transparent introduced him to wider television audiences.
TRANSPARENT Cast on the Red Carpet! 2015 by TraipsingThruFilms
Ian Harvie (Cont.)
His performances are entertaining while also pushing viewers to reconsider assumptions about gender and identity. Balancing wit with vulnerability, Harvie created a lane uniquely his own in comedy. His work shows that humor, when grounded in authenticity, can both entertain and educate without ever losing its charm.
Theo Germaine
Netflix audiences were introduced to Theo Germaine through standout roles in The Politician and Work in Progress, where their nuanced performances quickly drew attention. Known for sharp delivery and emotional honesty, Germaine brings depth to characters that might otherwise feel one-dimensional.
Netflix, The Politician (2019–)
Theo Germaine (Cont.)
What sets them apart is not only their talent but also their commitment to advancing conversations about authentic representation in Hollywood. Germaine regularly speaks about the importance of trans actors playing trans roles and pushing the industry toward more inclusive casting.
Elliot Page
Few actors have managed to capture mainstream and indie audiences quite like Elliot Page. His breakout role in Juno earned him an Academy Award nomination, and later appearances in Inception and X-Men: Days of Future Past solidified his Hollywood status. When he came out in 2020, the announcement was celebrated around the world.
Searchlight Pictures, Juno (2007)
Elliot Page (Cont.)
It turned Page into one of the most influential trans men in entertainment. His work on Netflix’s The Umbrella Academy kept fans hooked and set a precedent for authentic representation. Beyond acting, Page uses his voice to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
Netflix, The Umbrella Academy (2019–2024)
Scott Turner Schofield
When Scott Turner Schofield appeared on The Bold and the Beautiful, he became the first openly trans man in American daytime television. This was a milestone that signaled progress for soap operas watched by millions. He also became the first trans man to win an Emmy nomination for acting.
CBS, The Bold and the Beautiful (1987–)
Scott Turner Schofield (Cont.)
His work didn’t stop there; Schofield is also a writer, producer, and consultant helping craft authentic LGBTQ+ narratives behind the scenes. His work has given audiences relatable characters and meaningful representation in a genre long known for its dramatic flair.
Transgender Actor Scott Turner Schofield Shares How He's Making Television History by KCAL News
Gottmik (Kade Gottlieb)
The moment Gottmik entered the RuPaul’s Drag Race workroom, viewers knew they were watching history unfold. As the first trans man to compete on the hit show, he expanded the boundaries of drag performance and representation. Known for jaw-dropping makeup artistry and bold runway choices, all eyes turned to Gottmik’s creativity and charisma.
Paramount Global, RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 13 (2021)
Gottmik (Kade Gottlieb) (Cont.)
His success went far beyond the competition, landing features in fashion campaigns and making waves in queer pop culture. By merging drag and advocacy, Gottmik has proven that self-expression has no limits. For many fans, Gottmik represents the spirit of bold reinvention.
Paramount Global, RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 13 (2021)
Laith Ashley
Fashion runways and television screens have both showcased Laith Ashley’s undeniable presence. One of the first trans men to model for major campaigns, he broke barriers in an industry that often resisted change. His work extended into acting, with appearances in Pose, where he brought depth to his role.
Laith Ashley on transitioning and life as a model | British GQ by GQ
Laith Ashley (Cont.)
Ashley is also a singer and performer, demonstrating versatility across creative fields. His growing influence in entertainment shows how representation can be both stylish and significant. With his striking looks and openness, Ashley has become a role model for trans men seeking visibility in mainstream media.
Model Laith Ashley on transitioning genders by Channel 4 News
Lucas Silveira
Music history remembers Lucas Silveira as a trailblazer who reshaped what recognition in the recording industry could look like. As the frontman of Canadian rock band The Cliks, he became the first openly trans man signed to a major record label and paved the way for artists who came after him.
Trans rockers Laura Jane Grace and Lucas Silveira on the T word by Xtra Magazine
Lucas Silveira (Cont.)
Thanks to this gritty voice and powerful stage presence, Silveria won the hearts of loyal fans, while his openness broke new ground in the rock genre. Beyond his music, he has spoken candidly about his experiences and continues to write about LGBTQ+ issues. After coming out, he has reported being able to explore more serious themes.
Aydian Dowling
Aydian Dowling made headlines as the first trans man to appear on the front of Men’s Health. His modeling work and candid YouTube presence introduced millions to his story, as he combines fitness with lifestyle and advocacy. Dowling also founded Point of Pride, a nonprofit providing resources to trans individuals worldwide.
Warner Bros. Television Studios, The Ellen DeGeneres Show (2003-2022)
Aydian Dowling (Cont.)
Although he struggled with gender dysphoria while growing up, Dowling came out as a trans man and challenged outdated ideas of masculinity. He won the Reader's Choice Award in the 2015 Men's Health, and his success highlights how storytelling can create meaningful cultural change while remaining relatable and inspiring.
Aydian Dowling: Becoming the Ultimate Guy by The Register-Guard
Buck Angel
Entertainment history rarely begins in adult film and ends with educational lectures, but Buck Angel has always rewritten expectations. As one of the first openly trans men in the adult film industry, he created a platform for advocacy. His presence challenged rigid ideas of masculinity while creating new space for trans representation.
Buck Angel's Story | True Trans | Bonus Clip by AOL Originals
Buck Angel (Cont.)
Over time, Angel transitioned from performer to educator, speaking at universities and community events about gender identity. Documentaries and interviews have highlighted his unique journey and highlighted how he leveraged unconventional fame for cultural change. Today, Buck Angel is an enduring figure in conversations about body positivity.
TikTok 13 Year Old Girl Teaches KIDS How To Be Trans. by Buck Angel
Brian Michael Smith
Since his childhood, Brian Michael Smith challenged societal pressures and played with the boys' football team. He became one of the first trans men to play a trans character in prime-time television in Queen Sugar. He later joined the cast of 9-1-1: Lone Star and portrayed a strong and layered firefighter whose storyline extends beyond his gender identity.
Brian Michael Smith (Cont.)
Smith’s steady climb in Hollywood reflects his talent and the growing opportunities for trans actors to play complex roles. With every performance, he expands the narrative possibilities for trans masculinity on screen. He demonstrates that authentic casting not only enriches storytelling but also resonates deeply with modern audiences.
Riley Carter Millington
British television made headlines when Riley Carter Millington joined the cast of EastEnders to be the first trans man to portray a trans character in a long-running UK soap opera. His role was widely praised for bringing authenticity to one of the country’s most-watched shows and sparked broader conversations about representation.
BBC Worldwide, EastEnders (1985-)
Riley Carter Millington (Cont.)
Millington’s performance resonated with viewers who appreciated seeing a trans storyline handled with realism. While his career is still developing, his impact on British television is undeniable. By securing a role in such a cultural staple, he gave audiences a chance to connect with stories they may not have encountered otherwise.
