April Ashley
April Ashley was a true pioneer who, during the ’60s, gave a real face to the trans community in Britain. Born George Jamieson, the trans star was a model and actress, mostly active in Paris. Ashley suffered for many years from frail health but joined the Merchant Navy at 16, presumably as an attempt to follow in her father’s footsteps.
After her stint in the military, she moved to Paris and entered the entertainment industry. There she performed as a model and actress and even once again saved up enough money to have gender reassignment surgery. Ashely’s story was outed against her will in an article in the British magazine “Sunday People.” Though initially damaging, she unknowingly contributed to a more accepting world.
Marsha P. Johnson
Marsha P. Johnson rose to prominence in the battle for trans acceptance, as well as in her fight for awareness about HIV within her community. She made her mark as a staunch activist dedicated to challenging social norms. Marsha was also known as a popular drag performer in the underground ball scene and even one of the performers in Andy Warhol's "Factory."
Johnson's name has resurfaced in recent years in a string of documentaries about her life and impact on the Stonewall Uprising, an event that later became the inspiration for the annual Pride Parade. A lot of the footage depicts her performances as well as interviews with her peers talking about her passions and beliefs. Marsha P. Johnson died in 1992, but her passing is still a mystery.
Holly Woodlawn
Holly Woodlawn was born Haraldo Santiago Franceschi Rodriguez on October 26, 1946, and hailed from Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico. Her chosen name was a combination of Audrey Hepburn's character "Holly" from "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and an episode of "I Love Lucy." Just by that alone, it's clear that Woodlawn was enamored by the entertainment world.
At just the young age of 16, Holly journeyed to the Big Apple in the hopes of being an actress. Her memory "A Low Life in High Heels" gives the account of her survival on the street as a high school dropout. Woodlawn landed some film roles, including "Scarecrow in a Garden of Cucumbers," "Women in Revolt," and "Alibi. " She also founded the Holly Woodlawn Memorial Fund for Transgender Youth.
Candy Darling
Candy Darling was like a Golden Cinema starlet. Born James Lawrence Slattery on November 24, 1944. Raised in Long Island, New York, Candy got her start in cinema, starring in a string of films such as "Women Revolt," "Silent Night," "Bloody Night," and "Flesh." Of course, back then, revealing one's transgender identity was almost unheard of, and the world was far less forgiving.
The actress went on to forge a successful showbiz career. In fact, Candy Darling was one of the most prominent pop artists and filmmakers of that time. Andy Warhol took a liking to her and, as she was one of his repertory performers, appeared in two of his films. Unfortunately, at the tender age of 29, Candy's life ended.
Zach Barack
If you're a Spider-Man fan, specifically the Tom Holland reboot version, then you'll recognize Zach Barack's smile from a mile away! Zach is a trans-male actor whose most known for his role as Zach (what are the chances?) in the mega box-office hit "Spiderman: Far from Home."
Of course, Peter Parker had a whole group of high school kids to contend with in that movie, and he was one of them. Not only is Zach a budding actor, but he's a talented singer and comedian as well. PLUS, he's the first openly trans actor to be cast in the Marvel cinematic universe. Talk about a trail-blazing triple threat! Phew.