Laverne Cox
Like “Pose,” there has been another show that has given a platform to trans-folks, and that is the hit Netflix series “Orange Is the New Black” Luckily for us, that is exactly where we discovered the great Laverne Cox as the iconic Sophia Burset. Cox’s performance got her a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award.
She made history as the first openly transgender person to be nominated after music composer Angela Morely back in 1990. And if that wasn’t enough for you, the OINTB star also was the first transgender to play an actual transgender role in the CBS TV series “Doubt.” Talk about progress.
Wachowski Sisters
It's a life-changing moment when one family member transitions, so imagine two! That's what happened when the Wachowski brothers became the Wachowski sisters. And if you think you're not familiar with them, think again. These were the brains behind the massively successful film "The Matrix" and the TV series "Sense8."
The sisters both won the Saturn Award for Best Director. Following the huge success of the film, the Wachowski sisters got the green light to write and direct two more sequels, "The Matrix Reloaded" and "The Matrix Revolutions." The sisters have also been vocal about trans rights and issues, most notably Lana Wachowski at a recent LGBTQ event.
Caitlyn Jenner
Possibly one of the most famous trans people in the world today, Caitlyn Jenner, formerly known as Olympic gold-winning athlete, Bruce Jenner, is a force to be reckoned with. Jenner gained TV stardom on the hit reality show "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" as Kris's former spouse. However, in 2014, everything changed, and she revealed in a Diane Sawyer interview that she identifies as a woman and wants to be recognized as such.
The next few years consisted of more outings and her very own reality show called "I am Cait," which detailed her transition into a woman. Aside from the entertainment aspect, Jenner has successfully managed several lucrative business investments and has dabbled in acting and even race-car driving.
Lauren Harries
Born James Charles Harries, this popular British star got a unique start in the limelight. While many trans performers take to the stage as singers, actors, or even dancers, Harries was appearing on TV at just the age of 13 discussing art and antique furniture in bow ties like a man five times his age. Years later that Lauren would transition to a woman. But it wasn't easy.
Being in the limelight at such a young age came at a cost, and she became the victim of a lot of torment and bullying. Still, that didn't stop the trans icon. Harries continued to appear in a number of reality shows as a woman, including "Celebrity Big Brother," "Big Brother’s Bit on the Side," and "This Morning."
Marie Pierre Pruvot
One of the most interesting things about the trans world is picking your own fabulous birth name, and this is one pretty great. This French performer is also known as Marie-Pier Yasser or Bambi. She was born in Algeria on November 11, 1935, and was simply destined to be on stage.
Pruvot was a showgirl for the good part of 20 years and has frequently appeared in documentaries relating to performance and gender throughout her career. She was also in the award-winning documentary film "Bambi," which detailed her life. When not in front of the camera, Pruvot is also a literature teacher.