In today's television landscape, the representation of trans characters is gaining importance. This article highlights the best examples of these characters on television, exploring rich stories and impactful performances that help expand the diversity of stories and promote inclusion.
Here are the best trans characters in 7 iconic series
POSE – The majority of the cast
Although it ended after only three seasons, Pose is a groundbreaking series for trans representation. Exploring ballroom culture in 1980s New York, the series features the largest cast of trans actors in television history. Pose depicts the tragic and heartbreaking experiences of the LGBTQ+ community during the HIV/AIDS epidemic, while celebrating the beauty, innovation and joy of the scene. ballroom scene and transidentity, highlighting the best trans characters!
HEARTSTOPPER – Elle Argent
Trans actress Yasmin Finney plays Elle Argent in the Netflix series Heartstopper, and her character has been praised for normalizing the trans experience. She also refuses to conform to the stereotypes often seen within the community. During a recent appearance on the MTV series Queerpiphany, Finney said her character "shows young trans people that they can do extraordinary things, no matter where they are or who they are."
THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY – Number Seven/Viktor Hargreeves
Elliot Page's real-life transition was reflected in the third season of The Umbrella Academy when his character, Number Seven/Viktor Hargreeves, came out as a trans man to his family. The scene was praised by fans and critics. Page, who later made history by becoming the first transgender man to grace the cover of TIME, said he was "proud" of how the Viktor storyline was handled.
EUPHORIA – Jules Vaughn
While the fact that Jules is a trans woman is not ignored, it is not the defining aspect of her character. Like many other recent series, there is no (or very little) element of transphobia, presenting a progressive world (that we would all like to reside in) where trans people are simply accepted and their identities are not is not questioned or presented as a “trans debate”.
SENSE8 – Nomi
Played by Jamie Clayton, the existence of Sense8's Nomi Marks is exciting for several reasons. First of all, the character was played by a trans woman and was created by trans women (the Wachowskis sisters). And as with the other trans characters on this list, Nomi's trans identity is never at the center of any "traumatic" plot (even if she recounts her experience), the series choosing to focus on her skills and her relationship with Amanita. The series, which debuted in 2015, was undoubtedly ahead of its time thanks to authentic casting, and paved the way for better representation of trans people.
CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA - Theo Putnam
“Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” is a Netflix series that follows the life of Sabrina Spellman, a half-human, half-witch teenager who must navigate the mortal world while learning to use her powers. One of the characters in the series is Theo Putnam, a trans man, who is one of Sabrina's best friends. Theo, who identified as non-binary at first, then came out as a trans man to his friends, who accepted him without any difficulty.
ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK – Sophia Burset
Featuring a host of LGBTQ+ characters, the series received particular praise for Laverne Cox's portrayal of Sophia Burset, a trans inmate. Cox's performance earned the actress a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award, making her the first trans person to be nominated for an Emmy. Since the series ended, Sophia has been hailed as one of the most iconic trans characters of all time.
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