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Media portrayals of transgender people

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The portrayal of transgender people in the media list includes portrayals of transgender people and many other non-cisgender identities in the mass media.

Terminology

Transgender (trans) is the state of one's gender identity or gender expression not matching one's assigned sex. Transgender men are people assigned female at birth who identify as men. Transgender women are people assigned male at birth who identify as women. Some gender nonconforming people do not identify with either male or female. Cisgender men and women are individuals whose gender experiences conform to the sex assigned to them at birth.

Literature

Fiction

Title Author Trans/cis author Release date Trans characters Gender Notes
Beauty Queens Libba Bray N/A 2011 Petra Woman
Being Emily Rachel Gold N/A 2012 Emily Woman
Bloodhound Tamora Pierce N/A 2009 Okha (aka Amber) Woman
Boy Meets Boy David Levithan N/A 2003 Darlene Woman
Breakfast on Pluto Patrick McCabe N/A 1998 Pussy Woman
Eva Luna Isabel Allende N/A 1987 Mimi Woman
f2m: the boy within Hazel Edwards, Ryan Kennedy Cis, Trans 2010 Finn Man
For Today I Am a Boy Kim Fu Cis 2014 Peter Woman
Freakboy Kristin Elizabeth Clark N/A 2013 Brendan Genderfluid
Freakboy Kristin Elizabeth Clark N/A 2013 Angel Woman
Full Fathom Five Max Gladstone N/A 2014 Kai Pohala Woman
Gracefully Grayson Amy Polonsky N/A 2014 Grayson Sender Woman
A Harvest of Ripe Figs Shira Glassman Cis 2015 Micah Man
I am J Cris Beam N/A 2011 J Man
If You Could Be Mine Sara Farizan Cis 2013 Pavreen Woman
Kafka on the Shore Haruki Murakami N/A 2002 Oshima Man
Kitchen Banana Yoshimoto N/A 1988 Eriko Woman
The Left Hand of Darkness Ursula K. Le Guin N/A 1969 Estraven and others Agender
Nevada Imogen Binnie N/A 2013 Maria and others Women and men
Parrotfish Ellen Wittlinger N/A 2010 Grady Katz-McNair Man
Pantomime Laura Lam Cis 2013 Micah Man
Poison Study Maria V. Snyder N/A 2004 Commander Ambrose Man
Rainbow Road Alex Sanchez N/A 2005 B.J. Woman
A Safe Girl to Love Casey Plett Trans 2014 Carla and others Women and men
The Secret of Lost Things Sheridan Hay Cis 2006 Pearl Woman
Skulduggery Pleasant: Resurre Derek Landy Cis 2017 Never Genderfluid
Stone Butch Blues Leslie Feinberg Trans 1993 Jess
Trans-sister Radio Chris Bohjalian N/A 2001 Woman
Two Boys Kissing David Levithan N/A 2013 Avery Man
The World According to Garp John Irving N/A 1978 Roberta Muldoon Woman

Non-fiction

Title Author Trans/cis author Release date Trans characters Gender Notes
Becoming a Visible Man Jamison Green Trans 2004 Jamison Green and others Men, primarily
Conundrum Jan Morris Trans 1974 Jan Morris Woman
Excluded: Making Feminism and Queer Movements More Inclusive Julia Serano Trans 2013 Women and men
Gender Outlaw: On Men, Women, and the Rest of Us Kate Bornstein Trans 1994 Kate Bornstein
Gender Outlaws: The Next Generation Kate Bornstein Trans 2010 Kate Bornstein
Just Add Hormones: An Insider's Guide to the Transexual Experience Matt Kailey Trans 2005 Matt Kailey Men Autobiography
A Queer and Pleasant Danger Kate Bornstein Trans 2012 Kate Bornstein Woman Autobiography
Redefining Realness Janet Mock Trans 2014 Janet Mock Woman Autobiography
She's Not There: A Life in Two Genders Jennifer Finney Boylan Trans 2013 Women and men Autobiography
Trauma Queen Lovemme Corazón Trans 2013 Lovemme Corazón and others Women and men Autobiography
Whipping Girl Julia Serano Trans 2007 Women, primarily Manifesto

Comic books/manga

Title Trans characters Gender Notes
a + e 4ever Ash Non-binary, possibly Gender portrayed as fluid.
Batgirl Alysia Yeoh Woman Batgirl's roommate.
Cardcaptor Sakura Naruku Akizuki/Ruby Moon Non-binary Manga
Dragon Age: Those Who Speak/Until We Sleep Maevaris Tilani Woman
Kuroshitsuji Grell Sutcliff Woman A chainsaw-wielding shinigami who identifies as a woman.
Marvel Comics Loki Laufeyson Non-binary Originally written as a male shape-shifting God, Loki has since been confirmed by writers to be genderfluid.
Marvel Comics Xavin Non-binary A shape-shifting alien who often changes gender presentation. Engaged to lesbian superhero Karolina Dean.
Ouran High School Host Club Haruhi Fujioka Non-binary Manga
RG Veda Ashura Non-binary Manga
Shimanami Tasogare Natsuyoshi Utsumi Man LGBT-focused manga, written by a non-binary (x-gender) mangaka.
Tokyo Ghoul Tooru Mutsuki Man Manga
The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl Ken Shiga Man Secret identity of superhero Koi Boi, friends with Squirrel Girl.
Wandering Son Shuichi Nitori Woman Manga
Wandering Son Yoshino Takatsuki Man Manga
The Wicked + The Divine Cassandra Woman Ongoing series
The Wicked + The Divine Inanna Non-binary Uses he/him pronouns currently, writer Kieron Gillen confirmed that those "feel too small [to Inanna], but will do for now" and "[Inanna]'s thinking about it".[1]

Webcomics

Title Trans characters Notes
Assigned Male Stephie, Ciel, Myrick Tells the story of Stephie, an 11-year-old transgender girl. Stephie's friend Ciel is non-binary; her friend Myrick is a trans boy.
El Goonish Shive Sam, Tedd Verres An action adventure dramedy webcomic. The main character, Tedd, recently discovered he was genderqueer. Sam, a trans guy, is a recently introduced supporting character.
Griefer Belt Jemma, Dallas and Harley Slice-of-life comic about queer criminals. Jemma is a trans woman, Dallas and Harley are twins who are both non-binary.
Khaos Komix Charlie Trueman and Tom Blake A teenage trans girl and guy, respectively, who are best friends and live in England.
O Human Star Sulla Pinsky Teenage trans girl who is also an android, living in a near-future version of Minneapolis.
Questionable Content Claire Augustus Trans woman in her mid twenties, graduate student and library employee at the fictional Smif College in Northampton, Massachusetts.
Rock and Riot Rolly, Ace, Skip, Sonny and Dett Rolly is a trans girl and a member of all-girl gang The Jaquettes. Ace is agender, Skip is bigender, Sonny is a demi-boy and Dett is genderfluid. They are all members of The Bandits, a non-binary gang.
Rooster Tails Sam Orchard An autobiographical comic about a trans man living in New Zealand.
ShootAround Chau Le Chau is a trans girl living in a zombie apocalypse.
Trans Girl Next Door Kylie Summer An autobiographical comic about the artist's experiences as a young trans woman.
Transformed! Kay and Dot Kay is a closeted trans guy who finds a ring that transforms him into a magical boy. Dot is non-binary.
Venus Envy Zoe Alexis Carter A teenage trans girl who goes to high school while struggling with sexuality and acceptance.

Film

Title Release year Trans characters Gender Notes
Ace Ventura: Pet Detective 1994 Lt. Lois Einhorn Woman Trans woman played by cis woman, referred to in film as a "man"; villain.
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert 1994 Bernadette Bassenger Woman Trans woman played by cis man (Terrence Stamp).
Anger Management 2003 Galaxia the prostitute Man
Boy Meets Girl 2014 Ricky Woman Trans woman played by trans actress.
Boys Don't Cry 1999 Brandon Teena Man Dramatization of real-life events surrounding Brandon Teena's murder. Trans male character played by a cis woman.
Breakfast on Pluto 2005 Kitten Woman Based on the book of the same name.
The Carmilla Movie 2017 LaFontaine Genderqueer character Nonbinary character, using they/them pronouns
The Crying Game 1992 Dil Woman Trans woman played by cis man.
Dallas Buyers Club 2013 Rayon Woman
The Danish Girl 2015 Einar Wegener/Lili Elbe Woman Trans woman played by cis man. Based on the novel of the same name.
Dog Day Afternoon 1975 Leon Woman Trans woman played by cis man. Based loosely on a true story.
Every Day 2018 A Non-binary Based on YA novel of the same name. A is a genderless being who wakes up every day in a different person's body. Played by multiple actors of different genders.
Every Day 2018 Vic Man Based on YA novel of the same name. Trans man played by a trans man.
A Fantastic Woman 2017 Marina Vidal Woman Trans woman played by a trans actress.
Just Charlie 2017 Charlie Lyndsay Woman Trans girl played by a cis boy.
Nånting Måste Gå Sönder (Something Must Break) 2014 Ellie/Sebastian Woman
Orlando 1992 Orlando Woman and Man Orlando changes genders.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show 1975 Dr. Frank N. Furter Man, transvestite
Romeos 2011 Lukas Man
Soldier's Girl 2003 Calpernia Woman Trans woman played by cis man. Fictionalized account of murder of Barry Winchell.
Tangerine 2015 Sin-Dee Rella and Alexandra Woman Trans women played by trans actresses.
Tomboy 2011 Mickael Boy
Transamerica 2005 Bree Woman
The World According to Garp 1982 Roberta Muldoon Woman Trans woman played by cis man.

Television

Title Trans characters or personalities Gender Notes
Becoming Us Carly Lehwald Woman Reality show focusing on a family whose father has come out as a trans woman.
The Bold and the Beautiful Maya Avant Woman The first US daytime soap opera to feature a trans woman character as a series regular.
The Bold and the Beautiful Nick Man Maya's mentor. The actor, Scott Turner Schofield, who is trans in real life, became the first openly transgender actor in Daytime television with this recurring role.
Brave New Girls Jenna Talackova Woman Reality show focusing on aspiring model Jenna Talackova.
Coronation Street Hayley Cropper Woman Played by Julie Hesmondhalgh, a cis woman.
Degrassi: The Next Generation Adam Torres Man Teen trans man, played by a cis woman.
Doctor Who Cassandra Woman Tells Rose that she was "a little boy" in the episode "The End of the World".
Faking It Noah Man Played by Elliot Fletcher, a trans man.
The Fosters Cole Man Played by Tom Phelan, a non-binary trans person.
The Fosters Aaron Man Played by Elliot Fletcher, a trans man.
Glee Unique Adams Woman Teen trans woman, played by cis man
Glee Sheldon Beiste Man Adult trans man, played by cis woman
Gray's Anatomy Casey Parker Man Adult trans man, played by a trans man: Alex Blue Davis
Gwaith/Cartref Macsen Issacs Male Teenager transitioning from female to male.
Hit & Miss Mia Woman
Hunter x Hunter Alluka Zoldyck Woman Constantly they referred to her as "it" and "he". Her brother, Killua, constantly reminds people that she is a girl. Strong, not afraid to stick up for herself, but still a cute and lovable character portrayed right by most of the fandom.
Hunter x Hunter Kite (Hunter x Hunter) Genderfluid A man in their past life, Kite was reincarnated as a little girl later in the series and is struggling with their gender identity. It is still unknown whether they consider themselves to be a male or female, or genderfluid.
Hunter x Hunter Neferpitou Genderless
I Am Cait Caitlyn Jenner Woman Reality show focusing on the gender transition of Caitlyn Jenner.
I Am Jazz Jazz Jennings Woman Reality show on transgender teen Jazz Jennings and her family.
The L Word Max Sweeney Man A trans man played by a cis woman.
My Transsexual Summer Maxwell Zachs, Sarah Savage, Drew Ashlyn Cunningham, Lewis Hancox, Rapheal Fox, Donna Whitbread, Karen Gale Woman A 2011 British documentary series.
The OA Buck Vu Man Teen trans man, played by a trans man.
Orange Is the New Black Sophia Burset Woman A trans woman played by a trans woman.
Orphan Black Tony Sawicki Man A clone of a cis woman.
Pretty Little Liars Charlotte Drake Woman A trans woman played by a cis woman.
Rise Michael Hallowell Man Teen trans man played by a non-binary actor.
RuPaul's Drag Race Various Drag Queens A reality show about drag queens; features two trans women as contestants.
Science Ninja Team Gatchaman Berg Katse Genderfluid Katse is an intersex mutant created from the synthesis of male and female twins in utero, they were created by the alien leader of evil organisation Galactor.
Sense8 Nomi Marks Woman A trans woman played by a trans woman.
Shameless Trevor Man Played by Elliot Fletcher, a trans man.
Soul Eater Crona Unconfirmed
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Jadzia Dax, Ezri Dax Woman Dax has changed genders throughout their lives.
The Switch Sü Phan and others Women and men All transgender characters are played by transgender actors.
TransGeneration Various Women and men A documentary series.
Transparent Maura Pfefferman Woman A trans woman played by a cis man.
Twin Peaks Denise Bryson Woman A trans woman DEA agent played by a cis man.
Ugly Betty Alexis Meade Woman A trans woman played by a cis woman. Regularly misrepresented by her father and brother, though her brother eventually adjusts his behavior. Often referred to as a "tranny" by several characters.

Web series

Title Character Gender Notes
Carmilla LaFontaine genderqueer character who uses they/them pronouns[2] nonbinary character played by a nonbinary actor; unconfirmed for a while in-series
Like As It Is Ross Grant Agender character who uses they/them pronouns
The Grey Tarmac Road Leone Jinjur Genderfluid character who uses they/them, she/her and he/him pronouns played by a trans actor
Paranatural R.J. Non-binary character who uses they/them/their pronouns
Pride: The Series Liev Man Trans man played by a transgender actor: Scott Turner Schofield
The Adventures of Jaime Watson (And Sherlock Holmes) Stanley Hopkins Man trans man played by a trans man, introduced in season 2

Theatre

Title Character Gender Notes
Adam Adam Kashmiry Man Play based on the true story of trans man Adam Kashmiry and his journey from Egypt to Scotland. He is played both by himself and cis woman Nesha Kaplan.
Bring It On the Musical La Cienega[3] Woman
Hedwig and the Angry Inch Hedwig Woman A trans woman, played by both men and women on the stage.
La Faculté Stephane Man A cis gay man, played by transgender actor Scott Turner Schofield on the main stage at Festival d'Avignon 2012 and around France.
Rent Angel Woman
The Vagina Monologues "They beat the girl out of my boy...or so they tried" Woman
Charm Mama Darleena Woman A trans woman, played by a trans woman.
Charm Lady Woman A trans woman, played by a trans woman.
Charm Ariela Woman A trans woman, played by a trans woman.
Charm Mama Darleena Woman A trans woman, played by a trans woman.
Charm D Gender Fluid

Video games

Title Character Gender Notes
Assassin's Creed: Syndicate Ned Wynert Man
Catherine Erica Anderson Woman
Dragon Age: Inquisition Cremisius 'Krem' Aclassi Man
Guilty Gear Bridget Man Born with a penis but assigned female at birth. He becomes a bounty hunter to prove his virility and to be accepted as a male.
Mass Effect: Andromeda Hainley Adams Woman
Persona 4 Naoto Shirogane Prefers to be treated without reference to gender.
South Park: The Fractured but Whole The New Kid The player character can optionally be portrayed as transgender.
Super Mario Bros 2 Birdo Woman Prefers to be called Catherine (JP) or Birdetta (US)
Street Fighter Poison Woman
Undertale Frisk Neutral Frisk's character uses gender-neutral pronouns and is never formally assigned a gender.

Music

Title Artist Gender Notes
"Transgender Dysphoria Blues" Against Me! Woman From the album Transgender Dysphoria Blues
"True Trans Soul Rebel" Against Me! Woman From the album Transgender Dysphoria Blues

Music videos

Title Artist Gender Notes
One Bad Night Hayley Kiyoko Woman Trans woman played by a trans woman.
Sexy Dreams Spoonboy Genderfluid Spoonboy plays a trans Batman.[4]

See also

References

  1. ^ Gillen, Kieron. "What are the right pronouns for Inanna? Everyone on tumblr started using "they/them" after the last issue, but I remember Luci referring to Inanna as "him". Was it negligence and insensitivity on her part?". Tumblr. Retrieved January 1, 2015.
  2. ^ Simpson, Ellen. "Carmilla FAQ". anamatics. Archived from the original on January 2, 2015. Retrieved January 2, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ http://www.playbill.com/article/it-aint-no-thing-bring-it-on-the-musical-cheers-on-broadways-first-transgender-teen-character-com-196686
  4. ^ http://spoonboy-sexydreams.tumblr.com/
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