Transgender models have been surging in popularity over the past few years. As a result, more and more models are opening up about their transgender identity and pursuing a career in modeling. This post explores some of the most famous transgender models who have captivated audiences with their beauty.
The world of modeling can be tough to break into. But for these 36 women, it’s not the industry they were born to break into – it’s their own. From trans beauty Jennie Klay to drag star Nicole Paige Brooks, these are the models making history by both “wearing” and embracing their womanhood. Check out this list of inspirational individuals who are defying categorical norms and looking darn good doing it.
1. Carmen Carrera
| Carmen Carrera | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Carmen Carrera |
| Date of Birth | April 13, 1985 |
| Age | 38 |
| Place of Birth | Elmwood Park, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Other Names | Gabriella |
| Occupation(s) | Model, Actress, Showgirl |
| Years Active | 2011–present |
| Spouse | Adrian Torres (2015–2021) |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Agency | Wilhelmina Models |
| Nationality | American |
| Gender Identity | Transgender |
| Notable Achievements | Advocacy for transgender rights, appearances on reality TV shows, public speaking engagements |
Carmen Carrera was born in 1985 in the U.S. She is a reality television star, model, burlesque performer, and actress from the United States. She is known for making history in the modeling industry with her more feminine look and artistic inclination. Carrera is openly transgender, which adds to her celebrity. Additionally, Carrera is a transgender activist and a transgender lady.
2. Amanda Lepore
| Amanda Lepore | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Amanda Lepore |
| Born | Cedar Grove, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Occupations | Model, Socialite, Singer, Performance artist, LGBTQ+ activist |
| Years Active | 1989–present |
| Height | 5 ft 2 in (1.57 m) |
| Hair Color | Platinum blonde |
| Eye Color | Brown |
Amanda Lepore was born in 1967 in U.S. She is a transgender American model, singer, and performance artist. In addition, she is known as a transgender activist and an author, social critic, and theorist. Lepore is credited as being a frequent subject in the work of David LaChapelle and numerous other photographers, including Terry Richardson and Ruben van Schalm. She took part in the New York City exhibition Artists and Prostitutes 1985-2005 by David LaChapelle, where she “lived” in a voyeuristic life-sized set.
3. Andreja Pejić
| Andreja Peji | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Andrej Pejić |
| Birthdate | 28 August 1991 |
| Place of Birth | Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Occupation | Model, Actress |
| Notable Achievements | – One of the most recognizable transgender models |
| Height | 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) |
| Hair Colour | Blonde |
| Eye Colour | Green |
| Agencies | – Ford Models (New York, Paris, Los Angeles) |
| Early Life | – Born in Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Education | Attended high school at University High |
| Modeling Career | – Scouted as a model while working at McDonald’s |
| Acting Career | – Made acting debut in the Turkish TV series “Fatih” |
| Personal Life | – Underwent sex reassignment surgery |
Andreja Pejić Was born in 1991n in Yugoslavia. She is an Australian model and actress. She has become the most recognizable transgender model in the world since coming out as a trans woman in 2013. Pejić has been featured in Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar and on the cover of French Vogue. Peji made history by becoming the first openly transgender model to be profiled by Vogue in its May 2015 issue and the first trans woman to ever sign a deal for cosmetics. Peji received the “Best International Female Model” award from GQ Portugal in 2016 and made history the following year by becoming the first transgender woman to appear on the cover of GQ.
4. Isis King
| Isis King | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Isis King |
| Born | October 1, 1985 (age 37) |
| Place of Birth | Prince George’s County, Maryland, U.S. |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
Isis King is a model, actress, and fashion designer from the United States born in 1985. Isis King is best known for her roles on the reality television show America’s Next Top Model’s eleventh and seventeenth cycles. She was the first trans woman to compete and became one of the most visible transgender individuals on television.King appeared in the September 2008 issues of Us Weekly, Seventeen (December 2008/January 2009), Out, Mallard International, and the Spring 2010 cover of Swerv magazines.
5. Candy Darling
| Candy Darling | Information |
|---|---|
| Born | November 24, 1944 |
| Place of Birth | New York City, U.S. |
| Died | March 21, 1974 |
| Age at Death | 29 |
| Place of Death | New York City, U.S. |
| Resting Place | Cherry Valley Cemetery, Cherry Valley, New York, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Birth Name | James Lawrence Slattery |
| Gender Identity | Transgender Woman |
| Known For | Prominent figure in Andy Warhol’s Factory scene |
| Career | Acted in Warhol’s films such as “Flesh” and “Women in Revolt” |
| Iconic Quote | “I’ll be a star someday, you’ll see!” |
| Influence | Pioneer for transgender representation in the entertainment industry |
| Legacy | Remembered as an influential figure in LGBTQ+ history |
Candy Darling was born in 1944 in New York City, U.S and died in 1974. She was an American actress and transgender icon best known as a Warhol Superstar. She was a muse of The Velvet Underground and appeared in Andy Warhol’s films Flesh (1968) and Women in Revolt (1971).
6. Octavia St. Laurent
| Octavia St Laurent | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Octavia St. Laurent Mizrahi |
| Birth Date | March 16, 1964 |
| Place of Birth | Brooklyn, New York, US |
| Death Date | May 17, 2009 |
| Place of Death | Syracuse, New York, US |
| Age at Death | 45 |
| Notable Contributions | Featured in the documentary “Paris Is Burning” |
| Notable Films | “Paris Is Burning” (1990), “The Saint of Fort Washington” (1993) |
| Documentary Appearance | “How Do I Look” (2006) |
| Gender Identity | Trans woman |
| Supportive Parents | Parents accepted and supported Octavia’s sexuality |
| Experience of Harassment | Arrested for wearing gender-nonconforming clothing in public |
| HIV Diagnosis | Became HIV positive and served as an AIDS educator |
| Friendships | Close friends with Willi Ninja and Paris Dupree |
| Battle with Cancer | Diagnosed with cancer in 2008, passed away in May 2009 |
| Burial | Laid to rest in a cemetery in Queens, New York |
| Influence and Legacy | Cited in Judith Butler’s book “Bodies That Matter,” quoted in the TV series “Pose” |
In 1964, Octavia St. Laurent Mizrahi was born. She was an AIDS educator and model in New York City’s Black and Latino ballroom community and Harlem’s opulent events. She became well-known after appearing in the 1990 documentary Paris Is Burning. In 1982, St. Laurent started dancing in the New York ballroom scene, and they admitted that Face was their favorite category to perform in. They frequently walked to Diana Ross’ “Swept Away,” which was one of the most popular tunes.
7. Hari Nef
| Hari Nef | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Hari Nef |
| Birthdate | October 21, 1992 |
| Birthplace | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupations | Actress, Model, Writer |
| Education | Columbia University (BA in Theater) |
Hari Nef was born in Pennsylvania in the year 1992. She is a model, actress, and writer from the United States. Gittel in the Amazon original series Transparent was Nef’s breakthrough performance, for which she was nominated for a SAG award. Hari Nef made her catwalk debut at New York Fashion Week Spring 2015, walking for Hood By Air and Eckhaus Latta, and was signed to IMG Models as the first openly transgender woman.
8. Caroline Cossey
| Caroline Cossey | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Caroline Cossey |
| Birthdate | 31 August 1954 |
| Birthplace | Brooke, Norfolk, England |
| Other Names | Tula |
| Profession | Model, actress |
| Notable Work | Appeared in the James Bond film “For Your Eyes Only” |
| Achievements | First trans woman to pose for Playboy |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in |
| Hair Colour | Brown |
| Eye Colour | Green |
| Spouses | Elias Fattal, David Finch |
| Intersex Variation | Caroline had an intersex variation of XXXY syndrome, contributing to her feminine appearance during puberty |
| Early Life | Faced bullying and confusion due to her femininity during childhood. Left formal schooling at fifteen and worked various low-wage jobs in London |
| Transition | Started transitioning while working as an usherette in London’s West End. Underwent sex reassignment surgery in 1974 |
| Modelling Career | Worked as a showgirl in Paris and a topless dancer in Rome. Modeled under the name “Tula” and appeared in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Playboy |
| Tabloid Outing | Outed as transgender by British tabloid News of the World after appearing in “For Your Eyes Only” |
| Legal Battle | Fought for the right to legally marry and be recognized as a woman. Engaged in a seven-year legal battle that reached the European Court of Human Rights |
| Autobiographies | “I Am a Woman” (1982), “My Story” (1991) |
Caroline Cossey was born in 1954 in England. She is a British model who went by the name Tula and wrote two memoirs under that identity. For Your Eyes Only, a 1981 James Bond film, featured her. After her role in the film, she was outed as transgender by the British tabloid News of the World. She was the first trans woman to model for Playboy in 1991. Since then, Cossey has campaigned for her right to marry legally and be recognized as a woman.
9. April Ashley
| April Ashley | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | April Ashley |
| Died | 27 December 2021, London, England |
| Height | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) |
| Spouses | Arthur Corbett, 3rd Baron Rowallan (m. 1963; annulled 1970) Jeffrey West (m. 1980; div. 1990) |
| Notable Achievement | One of the earliest British individuals known to have had sex reassignment surgery |
| Career | Joined the merchant navy at the age of 16 and later moved to London |
| Legal Battle | Outed as a transgender woman by The Sunday People newspaper |
| Later Life | Lived in Fulham, southwest London |
| Legacy | Biography “April Ashley’s Odyssey” by Duncan Fallowell |
April Ashley MBE was born in 1935 and died in 2021. She is an actress, model, and novelist from England. She was one of the first British persons known to have had sex reassignment surgery after being outed as a transgender woman by The Sunday People newspaper in 1961. Her marriage was declared null and void in a well-known court case known as Corbett v Corbett.
10. Harisu
| Harisu | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Harisu |
| Date of Birth | February 17, 1975 |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Profession | Pop singer, model, actress |
| Gender | Transgender (Male to Female) |
| Sex Reassignment Surgery | Completed in the 1990s |
| Legal Gender Change | Second person in Korea to legally change gender (2002) |
| Spouse | Micky Jung (married in 2007, divorced in 2017) |
| Height | 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Career Highlights | – Gained public attention through a TV commercial for DoDo cosmetics |
| Publications | – Autobiography: Haris Beauty |
Harisu, Lee Kyung-stage Eun’s name, is a South Korean singer, was born in 1975. She is a singer, model, and actress from South Korea. Harisu was born a boy but identified as a girl early and underwent sex reassignment surgery in the 1990s. She is the first transgender entertainer in the Republic of Korea, and she was the second person in Korea to officially alter their gender in 2002. Her stage name is a play on “hot problem” in English.
11. Jamie Clayton
| Jamie Clayton | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jamie Clayton |
| Date of Birth | January 15, 1978 |
| Age | 45 years |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Actress, Model |
| Best Known for | Sense8, Designated Survivor, The L Word: Generation Q |
| Portrayed | Nomi Marks (Sense8), Sasha Booker (Designated Survivor), Tess Van De Berg (The L Word: Generation Q), Pinhead (Hellraiser) |
| Birthplace | San Diego, California, U.S. |
| Father | Howard Clayton (Criminal Defense Attorney) |
| Mother | Shelley Clayton (Event Planner) |
| Education | Pursued career as a makeup artist in New York City |
| Notable Work | Co-host on VH1’s “TRANSform Me” makeover show, role of Kyla in HBO series “Hung” |
| Audiobook | Narrated the children’s novel “Melissa” |
| Honors and Awards | Included in Out magazine’s “Out 100” awards in 2011 |
| Film Appearances | The Neon Demon (2016), The Snowman (2017) |
| TV Appearances | Dirty Work (Lead role as Michelle Darnell), Are We There Yet? (Role of Carla Favers), Roswell: New Mexico (Guest appearance), The L Word: Generation Q (Tess Van De Berg) |
| Netflix Series | Sense8 (Nomi Marks) |
| Other Projects | Designated Survivor (Sasha Booker), Hellraiser (Pinhead) |
Jamie Clayton was born in California in the United States in 1978. She is an actress and model from the United States. Clayton is best known for Nomi Marks’s roles on Netflix’s Sense8, Sasha Booker on Designated Survivor’s third season, and Tess Van De Berg on Showtime’s The L Word: Generation Q.
12. Roberta Close
| Roberta Close | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Roberta Close |
| Birth Name | Roberta Gambine Moreira |
| Birthdate | December 7, 1964 |
| Age | 58 |
| Birthplace | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
| Occupations | Model, Actress |
| Notable Achievements | – Constantly mentioned as one of the greatest Brazilian icons and main sex symbols in the country between the 1980s and 1990s – Pioneer of transfeminism in Brazil – First transgender model to appear in Playboy magazine – Featured in Erasmo Carlos’ music video for “Dá Um Close Nela” – Walked the catwalk for renowned fashion houses like Thierry Mugler, Guy Laroche, Jean Paul Gaultier – Featured in Vogue editorials |
| Memoir | “Muito Prazer, Roberta Close” (1997) |
| Marriage | Married Roland Granacher in 1993 |
| Residence | Zurich, Switzerland; Paris, France |
| Intersex Revelation | Recently underwent genetic testing, revealed as intersex |
| Updated Birth Certificate | Issued a new birth certificate stating that on December 7, 1964, a child of the female sex was born and given the name “Roberta Gambine Moreira” |
Roberta Close was born in 1964. She is a Brazilian fashion model. She was a transgender model to appear in Playboy’s Brazilian edition. She has walked the runway for a variety of fashion brands, such as Thierry Mugler, Guy Laroche, and Jean Paul Gaultier. Close has additionally appeared in editorials for Playboy and Vogue.
13. Parinya Charoenphol – Nong Toom
| Parinya Charoenphol | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Parinya Charoenphol – Nong Toom |
| Date of Birth | June 9, 1981 |
| Nationality | Thai |
| Gender Identity | Kathoey (Gender-nonconforming men or transgender women) |
| Occupation | Boxer, Model, Actress |
| Notable Achievements | – First transgender Muay Thai boxer |
Parinya Charoenphol was born in Thailand in 1981. She also knows the stage name, Parinya Kiatbusaba, and Nong Toom nickname. Thailand’s former Muay Thai (Thai boxing) champion, model, and actress. She was a kathoey, a term used in Thai to describe transgender people or males who identify as either gender. She got sex reassignment surgery when she was 18 years old.
14. Lea T
| Lea T | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Lea T |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Profession | Fashion Model, Transgender Activist |
| Date of Birth | February 19, 1981 |
| Birthplace | Belo Horizonte, Brazil |
| Raised in | Italy |
| Height | 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in) |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Brand Ambassador | Redken (American hair-care brand) |
| Relationship with Riccardo Tisci | Muse of Riccardo Tisci, Chief Creative Officer of Burberry |
| Transgender Advocacy | Icon of transgender advocacy in the LGBT community |
| Fashion Achievements | Face of Givenchy, campaigns for Givenchy, Benetton, and Philipp Plein, featured in Vogue Paris, Numero, Interview, and Love editorials |
| Television Appearance | Participant in the Italian version of “Dancing with the Stars” |
| Trailblazing Moments | First openly transgender model to front a global cosmetics brand (Redken), first openly transgender person to participate in the opening ceremonies of an Olympics (2016 Rio Olympics) |
| Sex Reassignment Surgery | Underwent surgery in March 2012 |
| Sexual Orientation | Identifies as bisexual |
| BBC Recognition | Included in BBC’s 100 Women list |
Lea T was born in 1981 as Leandra Medeiros Cerezo. She’s a transsexual fashion model from Brazil who was reared in Italy. Her professional last name, “T,” stands for Tisci, and she has been dubbed Riccardo Tisci’s “muse.” She is the brand ambassador for Redken, a hair-care company based in the United States.
15. Jenna Talackova
| Jenna Talackova | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jenna Talackova |
| Date of Birth | October 15, 1988 |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Occupation | Model, Television Personality |
| Known For | Successfully fighting a legal battle to compete in Miss Universe Canada as a transgender woman |
| Early Life | Born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia |
| Gender Transition | Began transitioning at age 14, completed sex reassignment surgery at 19 |
| Educational Pursuit | Currently pursuing holistic nutrition |
| Career Highlights | Competed in Miss International Queen 2010 pageant |
| Advocacy and Activism | Advocate for transgender rights and equality |
| Television Appearances | Starred in the reality show “Brave New Girls” |
| Additional Information | Named co-grand marshal of the 2012 Vancouver Pride Parade |
Jenna Talackova is a Czech actress who was born in 1988. She is a model and television personality from Canada who rose to prominence in 2012 after winning a legal struggle to compete in the Miss Universe Canada pageant after being previously disqualified due to her. In the summer of 2013, while Talackova relocated to Toronto in order to pursue a modeling career, Brave New Girls, a reality show based on her life, was being filmed. The Peacock Alley Entertainment-produced show debuted on E! Canada in January 2014. Jenna Talackova.
16. Geena Rocero
| Geena Rocero | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Geena Rocero |
| Date of Birth | 1983 |
| Nationality | Filipino-born American |
| Residence | New York City, USA |
| Occupation | Model, TED speaker, Transgender advocate |
| Organization | Founder of Gender Proud |
In 1983, Geena Rocero was born. She is a New York City-based transgender campaigner, TED speaker, and American model of Filipino descent. Rocero is the creator of Gender Proud, a media production business that exposes tales of the transgender population around the world to promote equality and justice. At the White House, the World Economic Forum, and the United Nations Headquarters, Rocero has discussed transgender rights.
17. Juliana Huxtable
| Juliana Huxtable | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Juliana Huxtable |
| Born | December 29, 1987 (age 35) |
| Place of Birth | Bryan-College Station, Texas, U.S. |
| Education | Bard College |
| Nationality | American |
| Gender Identity | Transgender woman |
| Occupation | Artist, DJ, writer, and model |
| Notable Works | “There Are Certain Facts that Cannot Be Disputed,” “Juliana Huxtable Live at Artists Space” |
| Achievements | Named as one of Forbes’ “30 Under 30” in Art and Style (2016) |
Juliana Huxtable is a British actress born in 1987 in the U.S. She is an American artist, writer, DJ, performer, and co-founder of the Shock Value nightlife initiative in New York. In addition to Reena Spaulings Fine Art, Project Native Informant, Artists Space, the New Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, Portland Institute for Contemporary Art, and Institute of Contemporary Arts, Huxtable has displayed his work and given performances at a variety of other locations. Through a method she refers to as “conditioning,” Huxtable frequently examines several themes in her multidisciplinary art work, including the internet, the body, history, and text. Huxtable is a member of the House of Ladosha collective based in New York City and the author of two novels that have been published.
18. Arise, Wanzer
| Arise Wanzer | Information |
|---|---|
| Profession | Model, Comedian, Actress |
| Birthplace | Woodbridge, Virginia |
| Education | Art Institute of Miami |
| Transgender Realization | Discovered transgender identity at gay clubs in Miami |
| Coming Out | Came out at age 19 to accepting and supportive mother |
| Residency | Lived in Miami for 5 years before moving to New York City |
| Notable Covers | Spiegel catalog (first transgender model), Elle, Vogue, Vogue Italia, Forbes, Purple |
| High-profile Work | Collaborated with renowned photographers like Patrick Demarchelier |
| Brand Collaborations | TopShop, Opening Ceremony |
| Television Appearances | Strut (Oxygen), Fish Tank (webseries), AT&T’s Live Proud campaign |
| Red Carpet Event | Walked the red carpet at L.A. Pride |
| TV Appearance | Featured in the premiere episode of Dr. 90210, showcasing rhinoplasty surgery and jaw reshaping with Dr. Michelle Lee |
Wanzer was born in Woodbridge, Virginia. Arise, Wanzer is a model, comedian, and actress. At both New York Fashion Week and Los Angeles Fashion Week, Wanzer walked the catwalk. She was the first trans model to serve as the covergirl for the Spiegel catalog and has appeared in publications such as Elle, Vogue, Vogue Italia, Forbes, and Purple. She has also collaborated with renowned photographers like Patrick Demarchelier. She has walked the runway for Opening Ceremony and TopShop.
19. Choi Han-bit
| Choi Han bit | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Choi Han-bit (최한빛) |
| Occupation | Model, actress, singer |
| Education | School of Dance at the Korean National University of Arts, Seoul |
| Major | Korean traditional dance |
| Sex Reassignment | Male-to-female surgery in 2006 |
| Legal Recognition | Legally recognized as female in South Korea |
| Early Career | Appeared on Yoo Jae-suk’s Jinsil Game and Korea’s Next Top Model, Cycle 3 |
| Modeling Career | Became a professional model after participating in Super Model Contest |
| Discrimination | Faced discrimination in the modeling industry |
| Acting Ambition | Aspires to pursue a career as an actress |
| Marriage | Married a businessman in Gangneung |
| Future Plans | Hopes to marry around the age of thirty and adopt two children |
Choi Han-bit was born in 1987 in South Korea. She is a South Korean model, actress, and singer. She is a member of the Mercury girl group from South Korea. She earned a degree in traditional Korean dance from the School of Dance at the Korean National University of Arts in Seoul. In 2006, Choi had male-to-female sex reassignment surgery with the help of her parents. Han-bit, who is now legally recognized as a woman in South Korea, altered her given name.
20. Ines Rau
| Ines Rau | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ines-Loan Rau |
| Occupation | Model |
| Notable Achievement | Playboy’s Playmate of the Month (November 2017) |
| Nationality | French |
| Ethnicity | Algerian descent |
| Transition | Underwent gender-affirming surgery at age 16 |
| Inspiration | Inspired by the life story of English trans model Caroline “Tula” Cossey |
| Professional Associations | Nicole Miller, Alexis Bittar, Barneys New York, Vogue Italia, Balmain |
| Historical Impact | First openly transgender Playmate in Playboy’s history |
| Advocacy | Active campaigner for transgender rights |
| Media Appearance | Interviewed on TF1 news format Sept à Huit |
Ines-Loan Rau is a French actress who was born in 1990. Her nationality is French, and she works as a model in the fashion industry. She was the first openly transgender Playmate and Playmate of the Month for November 2017 in Playboy magazine. When Rau turned 18, she began performing for DJs in Ibiza, where she met David Guetta. After appearing in magazines, Rau modeled for Nicole Miller, Alexis Bittar, and Barneys New York. She also participated in a Balmain ad and a Vogue Italia editorial.
21. Bibiana Fernandez
| Bibiana Fernandez | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bibiana Manuela Fernández Chica |
| Birthdate | 13 February 1954 |
| Age | 69 years old |
| Birthplace | Tangier, Tangier International Zone |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Other Names | Bibi Andersen |
| Gender Identity | Transgender |
| Professions | Actress, Singer, TV Presenter, Model |
| Childhood Residence | Málaga, Spain |
| Career Breakthrough | Film debut in Vicente Aranda’s “Cambio de Sexo” in 1976 |
| Rise to Stardom | Gained popularity in Spain through movies and hit songs |
| Collaboration with Pedro Almodóvar | Worked with renowned director Pedro Almodóvar in the 1980s |
| Marital Status | Formerly married to Asdrúbal Ametller |
| Talk Show Appearance | Panelist on the talk show “Channel Nº4” on Cuatro |
Bibiana Manuela Fernández Chica wad born in 1954. She is a Spanish actress, singer, T.V. presenter, and model. In 1991, she underwent gender confirmation surgery, and in 1994, she adopted the name Bibiana. She later made her film debut in 1976’s Cambio de Sexo (Sex Change), directed by Vicente Aranda. She released a number of popular songs, including “Sálvame” and “Call Me Lady Champagne.”
22. Cindy Thái Tài
| Cindy Th i T i | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Cindy Thái Tài |
| Nationality | Vietnamese |
| Date of Birth | [Date of Birth] |
| Modeling Agency | [Modeling Agency] |
| Notable Achievements | [Notable Achievements] |
| Born as | Nguyễn Thái Tài |
| Sex Reassignment Surgery | Underwent surgery in 2005 at Yanhee International Hospital, Thailand |
| Occupation | Singer |
| Albums | Released albums in 2006 and 2007 |
| Web Series Appearance | Featured in “My Best Gay Friends,” a Vietnamese web series |
| Trailblazing Achievement | First Vietnamese person to publicly identify as transgender |
Cindy Thái Tài was born in 1971 in Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam as Nguyễn Thái Tài. She underwent sex reassignment surgery in 2005 at Thailand’s Yanhee International Hospital. She then rose to fame as a singer in her native nation, releasing albums in 2006 and 2007. She occasionally appears in the Vietnamese web series My Best Gay Friends. She was the first transgender person in Vietnam to publicly identify as such.
23. Gigi Gorgeous
| Gigi Gorgeous | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Gigi Loren Lazzarato Getty |
| Birth Name | Gregory Allan Lazzarato |
| Date of Birth | April 20, 1992 |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Profession | YouTuber, Socialite, Actress, Model |
| YouTube Channel Start Year | 2008 |
| Gender Identity | Transgender Woman |
| Spouse | Nats Getty (married in 2019) |
| Parents | Judith Lazzarato (née Belding) and David Lazzarato |
| Ethnicity | Italian, Lebanese, English, French |
| Religious Beliefs | Roman Catholic |
| Sports Accomplishments | Nationally ranked diving champion |
| Relationship Status | Married to Nats Getty |
| Sexual Orientation | Pansexual |
| Activism | Raised awareness for transgender issues, LGBT community, and anti-bullying. Featured in ABC 20/20 documentary about Caitlyn Jenner’s transition. Named one of Time magazine’s 25 most influential people on the Internet. Won LogoTV Trailblazing Social Creator Award. Subject of the documentary “This Is Everything: Gigi Gorgeous” |
| Transition Process | Electrolysis, Tracheal Shave, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Facial Feminization Surgery, Rhinoplasty, Breast Augmentation |
| Legal Name Change | Gigi Loren Lazzarato |
| Last Updated | March 2, 2021 |
Gigi Loren Lazzarato Getty was born in 1992. Gigi Gorgeous is a Canadian YouTuber, socialite, actress, and model. In 2008, Lazzarato began uploading video blogs onto streaming medium YouTube as Gregory Gorgeous. Her internet following was created and her videos became well-liked. During the following years, Lazzarato uploaded regularly to the channel along with creating and starring in the reality program The Avenue (2011–2013). (2011–2013). She coming out as a transgender woman in 2013, and began going as Gigi Gorgeous.
24. Valentijn De High
| Valentijn De High | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Valentijn De |
| Nationality | Dutch |
| Career Highlights | First openly transgender model to walk for major fashion brands |
| Date of Birth | May 5, 1990 |
| Place of Birth | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Gender Affirmation | Underwent gender affirmation surgery after the conclusion of the “Valentijn” project |
| Television Appearance | Contestant on Expeditie Robinson 2013 and Dutch Survivor (8th edition) |
| Runway Achievements | Walked for Comme des Garçons, Maison Martin Margiela, and other fashion houses |
| Notable Photographer | Patrick Demarchelier |
| Representation | First transgender model represented by IMG Models |
| Award | Winner of the Elle Personal Style Award in 2012 |
Valentijn de Hingh was born in 1990 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. She is a transgender Dutch Model and an Indonesian transgender activist from Jakarta, Indonesia. De Hingh underwent gender affirmation surgery soon after finishing filming for the Dutch television series “Valentijn,” which he did from the age of 8 until the age of 17. She participated in the eighth season of the Dutch version of the American reality television series Survivor as well as the 2013 edition of Expeditie Robinson.
25. Kim Petras
| Kim Petras | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kim Petras |
| Birthdate | 27 August 1992 |
| Birthplace | Cologne, Germany |
| Nationality | German |
| Current Residence | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Occupation | Singer, Songwriter |
| Imprint | BunHead Records |
| Record Labels | Amigo, Republic Records |
| Years Active | 2008-present |
| Notable Works | “I Don’t Want It at All,” “Heart to Break,” “1, 2, 3 Dayz Up,” “Unholy” (with Sam Smith) |
| Collaborations | K/DA, Charli XCX, Madison Beer, Kygo |
| Awards | Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance (2023) |
| Gender Identity | Transgender |
| Significant Achievements | First openly transgender solo artist to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 |
Kim Petras was born in 1992 in Germany. She is a German singer and songwriter. Petras was born a male, but in 2017 she revealed that she was transgender and thus began her transition from male to female. Petras started making music while she was a teenager, and in 2011, she released her debut extended play, One Piece of Tape. In 2017, she independently published “I Don’t Want It at All,” her debut international track, which went on to dominate various Spotify viral music rankings. Following the song were the top-charting singles “1, 2, 3 Dayz Up,” “Heart to Break,” and “Feeling of Falling” (with Cheat Codes) (featuring Sophie).
26. Candis Cayne
| Candis Cayne | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Candis Cayne |
| Date of Birth | August 29, 1971 |
| Age | 51 |
| Birthplace | Maui, Hawaii, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actress, Performance Artist |
| Years Active | 1995–present |
| Partner | Marco McDermott (2002–2010) |
| Notable Works | “Dirty Sexy Money” (TV Series) “Transparent” (TV Series) “Elementary” (TV Series) “I Am Cait” (TV Series) “The Magicians” (TV Series) |
| Education | Graduated from Henry Perrine Baldwin High School |
| Training | Trained as a dancer in Los Angeles |
| Recognition | First transgender actress to play a recurring transgender character in prime time |
| Family | Fraternal twin brother named Dylan |
| Early Career | Made a name as a choreographer and drag performer in New York City |
| Notable Films | “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar” “Mob Queen” “Always Something Better” |
| Notable TV Appearances | “Dirty Sexy Money” “Nip/Tuck” “RuPaul’s Drag U” “The Magicians” |
| Advocacy | Supports LGBT+ rights charity GLAAD |
| Global Creative Director | Collaborated with MOOVZ, a global LGBT social network |
| Personal Life | In a relationship with DJ Marco McDermott (2002–2010) Raised McDermott’s daughter, Satori |
| Adoption Exploration | Explored the possibility of adopting as a single mom during “I Am Cait” season 2 |
Candis Cayne was born in 1971. She is an actress and a performer from the United States. Since the 1990s, Cayne has been performing in drag in New York City nightclubs. Cayne came out as transgender in 1996. In 2007, Cayne gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of the transgender mistress Carmelita in the ABC drama Dirty Sexy Money. Cayne becomes the first transgender actor to play a recurrent transgender character in primetime thanks to the role. Her recurrent part as the Fairy Queen in the fantasy series The Magicians is arguably what makes her most well-known.
27. Chen Lili
| Chen Lili | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Chen Lili (or Lili Chen) |
| Chinese Name | 陈莉莉 |
| Birthdate | February, 1980 |
| Nationality | Chinese |
| Gender Identity | Transgender |
| Occupation | Singer, model, actress |
| Achievements | – Pioneering transgender model in the fashion industry |
| Early Life and Transition | – Born into a peasant family in Yilong County, Nanchong City, Sichuan Province |
| Transfeminine Identity | – Issued an ID card establishing her transfeminine identity by the Public Security Bureau of Nanchong |
| Beauty Pageant Journey | – Attempted to compete in the Miss Universe China contest in 2004, later barred from participating |
| Acting Career | – Appeared in the motion picture “The Secret” in 2005 |
Chen Lili was born in 1980 in China. She is a Chinese singer, model, and actress who identifies as transgender. She is known for her work as a fashion model. She has heterogametic sex and rose to fame in 2004 when she participated in and made an attempt at participating in beauty pageants as a woman. Early in 2004, Chen made an attempt to participate in the Miss Universe pageant.
28. Nong Poy
| Nong Poy | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Treechada Petcharat |
| Thai Name | ตรีชฎา เพชรรัตน์ |
| Appearance | Treechada at POEM Autumn-Winter 2019 |
| Date of Birth | October 5, 1986 |
| Place of Birth | Phang Nga, Thailand |
| Other Names | Poyd, Nong Poy, Treechada Malayaporn |
| Occupations | Actress, Model |
| Years Active | 2004–present |
| Notable Achievements | Winner of Miss Tiffany’s and Miss International Queen in 2004 |
| Gender Affirming Surgery | Underwent at age 17 |
| Background | Peranakan family, realized transgender identity |
Treechada Petcharat, better known by the names Nong Poy, or Treechada Malayaporn. She was born in 1986 in Thailand. She is a Thai actress and model. Poy is openly transgender and one of Thailand’s most famous transgender people. Poy is a transgender activist and a transgender lady.
29. Claudia Charriez
Claudia Charriez was born in 1982 in New York, USA. Jennifer Hudson: I Still Love You is one of her many credits as an actress (2015). She is openly transgender, which adds to her celebrity. Charriez is a transgender activist and a transgender lady.
| Date of birth | 1982 |
| Place of birth | New York, USA |
| Occupation | Actress |
30. Laverne Cox
| Laverne Cox | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 29, 1972 |
| Age | 51 |
| Birthplace | Mobile, Alabama, U.S. |
| Occupation | American Actress, LGBT Advocate |
| Education | Alabama School of Fine Arts Indiana University Bloomington Marymount Manhattan College |
| Career Highlights | – Portrayed Sophia Burset on “Orange Is the New Black” – First transgender person nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in an acting category – Won a Daytime Emmy Award – Appeared on the cover of Time and Cosmopolitan magazines – First openly transgender person with a wax figure at Madame Tussauds |
| Advocacy | – Honored with GLAAD’s Stephen F. Kolzak Award – Worked as an advocate for the transgender community |
| Personal Journey | – Identical twin brother: M Lamar – Overcame struggles with bullying and attempted suicide at a young age – Discovered passion for creative writing, dance, and acting |
| Influence | – Used her platform to raise awareness about transgender rights and representation – Featured on the cover of influential magazines and starred in music videos |
| Recent Endeavors | – Host of Live from the Red Carpet on E! – Executive produced the documentary “Disclosure: Trans Lives on Screen” – Advocate for trans rights in the landmark Supreme Court case R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Homes Inc. v. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission |
Laverne Cox was born in 1972. She is an LGBT activist and actor from the United States. She gained notoriety for her portrayal of Sophia Burset in the Netflix series Orange Is the New Black, making history as the first transgender person to be nominated for an acting Primetime Emmy Award and the first since composer Angela Morley in 1990.] She received a Daytime Emmy Award in 2015 for Outstanding Special Class Special for Laverne Cox Presents: The T Word.
31. Nguyen Huong Giang
| Nguyen Huong Giang | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nguyen Huong Giang |
| Birth Name | Nguyen Ngoc Hieu |
| Date of Birth | December 29, 1991 |
| Place of Birth | Hanoi, Vietnam |
| Occupation | Model, singer, actress, beauty queen |
| Height | 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) |
| Beauty Pageant Title | Miss International Queen 2018 |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Transgender Queen | Yes |
| Singing Career | One of the most popular Vietnamese pop singers |
| Vietnam Idol Participation | First transgender singer to participate in the fourth season |
| The Amazing Race Vietnam | Contestant in 2014 with ex-boyfriend, Criss Lai |
Huong Giang was born in 1991 in Vietnam. Nguyen Huong Giang was originally born with the biological sex under Nguyen Ngoc Hieu’s birth name, who graduated from Dong Da High School (Hanoi) in 2010. After that, Ngoc Hieu studied at the College of Arts. Hanoi. In 2011, Ngoc Hieu went to Thailand to translate transgender into females.
32. Jazelle Barbie Royale
| Jazell Barbie Royale | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Jazell Barbie Royale |
| Date of Birth | August 8, 1987 (age 35) |
| Nationality | American |
| Gender Identity | Transgender woman |
| Occupation | Model, Activist, Performer |
| Height | 5’10” (178 cm) |
Jazelle Barbie Royale was born in 1987 in the state of Florida. She won the Miss International Queen title in 2019, becoming the second American and the first person of African heritage to do so. She lived in Orlando and worked as a healthcare provider and nightclub performer as of 2019. Valentina Fluchaire of Mexico succeeded her as Miss International Queen in 2020. She was nominated in the category of Hottest Hottie Award at the 2022 WOWIE Awards, which were held in conjunction with RuPaul’s DragCon in Los Angeles (The Thirst Follow Award).
33. Hunter Schafer
| Hunter Schafer | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Hunter Schafer |
| Date of Birth | December 31, 1998 |
| Place of Birth | Trenton, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actress, Model, LGBTQ Rights Activist |
| Years Active | 2017–present |
| Family | Parents: Katy and Mac Schafer |
| Activism | – Activism against North Carolina’s anti-LGBT legislation |
| Modeling Career | – Modeled for Prada, Dior, Gucci, Calvin Klein, Rick Owens, and more |
| Acting Career | – Acting debut as transgender high school student Jules Vaughn in HBO’s series Euphoria |
| Accolades | – Honored by Queerty as one of the 50 heroes leading the nation toward equality, acceptance, and dignity |
| Gender Identity | – Transgender woman |
| Sexual Orientation | – Identified as “closer to what you might call a lesbian” in 2019 |
| Relationship | Dating Euphoria co-star Dominic Fike since February 2022 |
Hunter Schafer was born in 1998. She is a model, actor, and LGBTQ rights activist from the United States. Teen Vogue included Schafer on its “21 Under 21” list in 2017 for her advocacy against the North Carolina Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act. She made her acting debut in the HBO television series Euphoria in 2019, playing the transgender high school student Jules Vaughn. She will play Tigris Snow in the 2023 motion picture The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.
34. Indya Moore
| Indya Moore | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Indya Adrianna Moore |
| Birthdate | January 17, 1995 (age 28) |
| Birthplace | Bronx, New York City, U.S. |
| Ethnicity | Haitian, Puerto Rican, and Dominican ancestry |
| Gender Identity | Transgender, Non-binary |
| Pronouns | They/Them, She/Her |
| Occupations | Actor, Model |
| Known for | Role of Angel Evangelista in the TV series Pose |
| Influential Honor | Named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People in 2019 |
| Education | General Equivalency Diploma (GED) |
| Modeling Career | Worked for Dior and Gucci |
| Acting Debut | Starred in the independent film “Saturday Church” |
| TV Series | Cast in Ryan Murphy’s FX series “Pose” |
| Advocacy Work | Advocate for disenfranchised groups |
| Magazine Cover | First transgender person on the cover of U.S. Elle magazine |
| Voice Acting | Voiced Shep in “Steven Universe Future” |
| Film Appearance | “Escape Room: Tournament of Champions” |
| Current Projects | Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, Magic Hour, Spot |
| Personal Life | Openly polyamorous |
Moore, Indya Adrianna, was born in 1995. Indya Moore is an actress and model from the United States. They are well-known for portraying Angel Evangelista in the FX series Pose. In 2019, Time listed them among the top 100 global influencers. Moore utilizes they/them and she/her pronouns and identifies as transgender and non-binary.
35. Valentina Sampaio
| Valentina Sampaio | Information |
|---|---|
| Born | 10 December 1996 (age 26) |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Occupation | Model, Actress |
| Years active | 2016–present |
| Height | 1.77 m (5 ft 9+1⁄2 in) |
| Hair color | Brown |
| Eye color | Green |
| Agency | The Lions (New York), Women Management (Paris), Monster Management (Milan), Premier Model Management (London), Uno Models (Barcelona), Iconic Management (Berlin), M1 (Miami), Modelwerk (Hamburg), Photogenics LA (Los Angeles), Chic Management (Sydney) |
| First Transgender Achievements | Victoria’s Secret’s first openly transgender model, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue’s first openly transgender model |
| Background | Born in Aquiraz, Ceará, Brazil, in a fishing village |
| Family | Mother is a schoolteacher, father is a fisherman |
| Gender Identity | Identified as transgender at eight years old, began using the name Valentina at 12 |
| Acceptance | Not bullied for gender identification, supportive parents and classmates |
| Education | Studied architecture, dropped out at 16 to pursue fashion |
| Career | Dismissed from a modeling job due to transgender identification |
| Magazine Covers | Vogue Paris, Vogue Brasil, Vogue Germany, Vanity Fair Italia, Elle Mexico, L’Officiel Turkiye |
| Brand Collaborations | Dior, H&M, Marc Jacobs, Moschino, L’Oréal, Philipp Plein |
| Victoria’s Secret | First openly transgender Victoria’s Secret model |
| Sports Illustrated | First transgender model to appear in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue |
| Armani Beauty | Became an Armani Beauty Ambassador in late 2021 |
| Advocacy | Advocate for transgender equality and awareness |
| Ethnicity | African, Dutch, and Native Brazilian descent |
Valentina Sampaio is a Brazilian actress who was born in 1996. She is a Brazilian actress and model.In August 2019, she became the first openly transgender model for Victoria’s Secret, and in 2020, she made history as the first transgender model for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
36. Jari Jones
| Jari Jones | Information |
|---|---|
| Birth Year | 1991 |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Trans Femme activist, performance artist, creative |
| Film Industry Achievement | Cast member, script consultant, acting coach, and producer of “Port Authority” |
| Modeling Achievements | Featured in Calvin Klein’s 2020 pride campaign |
| LGBTQ+ Advocacy | Advocate for transgender rights |
| Media Contributions | Written for Nylon, The New York Times, Allure, and Out magazine |
| Television Appearance | Featured in Netflix’s “Tales of the City” series |
| Notable Collaboration | Collaboration with Leyna Bloom, the first trans woman of color in a lead role |
Jari Jones was born in 1991. She is an actor, filmmaker, model, and LGBTQ rights activist from the United States.Jones worked on Port Authority as an actor, producer, and script consultant. At the Cannes Feature Festival, Jones was the first black trans woman to produce a film. Jones was one of the nine faces featured in Calvin Klein’s 2020 pride advertising.