Ian Harvie
While many on this list have been fierce political activists, Ian Harvie has contributed in his own unique way, and that is with comedy. What better way to raise serious issues after all? Harvie is considered to be one of the most groundbreaking transgendered comedians and even opened for mega comic Margaret Cho in the late 2000s.
He has dealt with very sensitive subjects relating to gender and identity, all with incredible humor. Both emotional and funny, his show told the story of his operations and awkward encounters throughout his transition that took place between the ages of 19 to 32.
Eva Robin
Of course, the trans community goes far beyond the bounds of the United States, and you can find many trans celebrities around the world. Eva Robin, the Italian trans activist, is an example of this. Robin has claimed that she felt her true identity as young as 13 years old. Robin expressed how comfortable she is with her body and that she has no need for additional procedures.
As a vocal trans personality, Robin has fought her hardest to protect LGBTQ community rights. Aside from that, she also models and acts and is probably most known for her appearance in Dario Argentino’s film "Tenebrae."
Dominique Jackson
As time passes and the world opens up, trans personalities find themselves more and more in the mainstream. Such is the case for Dominique Jackson. This actress, author, model, and reality television personality landed in the spotlight over her leading role in the FX television series "Pose."
The series has garnered major critical acclaim (as does with anything that Ryan Murphy is involved in.) Aside from her starring role in the hit show, Jackson appeared in other shows like "Chick Fight" and "American Gods" and even bagged herself a GLAAD Award nomination for her part in the reality TV series "Strut."
Mimi Marks
During the '80s, Mimi Marks was considered one of the most beautiful transgender models in the world, which makes sense seeing as she was an extremely popular pageant queen, showcasing her beauty and grace around the country and was even flooded with offers from Hollywood. The model has been living as a woman since the young of 21.
The pageant queen even won Ms. Waterloo in 1986 and has since continued to join and win in Miss International Queen, Pattaya Thailand: The World’s Most Beautiful Transsexual Contest, and many more! Mimi Marks is a real game-changer and is believed to be the first transgender runway model in the world.
Jackie Curtis
Born John Curtis Holder Jr., Jackie Curtis was, above anything else, an artist. She was also another one of Andy Warhol's star performers, happy to get on stage and perform freely. Curtis was active on the theater circuit, performing in the Bastianos Theater, Pyramid, as well as a few other theaters around Manhattan.
The actress was praised for depicting powerful female roles that would transcend all stereotypes. However, that wasn't her only talent. In later years Jackie Curtis went on to establish herself as a distinguished writer and poet and published a number of her pieces. Curtis sadly died in 1985 after a long battle with substance abuse.