Top 10 Transgender Characters on TV
#10: Theo Putnam “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” (2018-20)
Initially identifying as non-binary, Theo Putnam eventually came out as transgender. He was a side character on the hit Netflix show’s cast from its beginning and eventually became a part of the regular cast. In the face of the constant violence he faces, Theo continually stands up for himself and never lets his tormentors get the best of him. He defies the gender binary, and his relationship with Robin was a new, refreshing image of a queer couple. He is brave and caring, making more than suitable for this spot on the list. Plus he is played by nonbinary actor Lachlan Watson. Three cheers for representation for trans actors.
#9: Toine Wilkins “Queen Sugar” (2016-)
The drama Queen Sugar has pretty great LGBTQ+ representation, from Nova, a bisexual dream, to Toine Wilkins, Ralph Angel’s friend from high school who’s now a cop. Toine debuted in Season 2 and the actor playing him, Brian Michael Smith, used the role as an opportunity to come out publicly as transgender himself. Even when Toine wasn’t sure of who he was, Ralph Angel supported him, pre- and post- transition. The mutual respect between the two men, Ralph Angel’s care for his friend, and Toine’s acceptance of himself make his addition to the show (and this list!) an impactful one.
#8: Unique Adams “Glee” (2009-15)
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Unique was one of the first major trans characters on a network prime time show. She is unapologetic about her identity, and we were able to see her journey of self-discovery - from Unique being an “alter-ego” to her true, full self. Played by gender non-conforming actor Alex Newell, Unique used language to its greatest possibilities, quipping some of the best, most extravagant lines of dialogue on the musical comedy-drama. She was incredibly talented and took up space in every room she entered. Her identity as a Black trans woman shifted what had been (and still is) a predominantly white landscape of trans representation on TV.
#7: Buck Vu “The OA” (2016-19)
Played by trans actor Ian Alexander, Buck Vu is an important character for young trans folks. He is supported by the OA and his friends, but his parents don’t honor his identity and his chosen name. Alexander was able to draw from their personal experiences for the part, adding to the authenticity of Buck’s character. Reserved, loyal and brave, Buck plays an important role in the mystery drama and his presence further normalizes trans folks existing in different realities and genres of television. And his singing is so very lovely.
#6: Nia Nal “Supergirl” (2015-)
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Nia Nal is the first trans superhero on the small screen! She burst forth from the DC verse when she debuted on The CW’s Supergirl in 2018. Played by Nicole Maines, Nia was an immediate fan-favorite. Not only can the Dreamer predict the future based on the dreams she has, but she is also detail-oriented, and a rockstar fighter. She shares multiple personality traits with the titular Supergirl, who she sees as a role model. Fiercely loyal, compassionate, and aware of herself, Nia is a must-have on this list. She’s also part human, part alien, which is pretty super, too.
#5: Liz Taylor “American Horror Story” (2011-)
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Liz was the trans bartender on American Horror Story: Hotel. Although played by a cisgender actor, Liz is a fabulous trans character who managed to be the eyes and ears of the hotel. Her looks were iconic and her signature bald head and cat-eye makeup were wonderful. Her bar was no nonsense and she knew how to get her guests to spill their truths as she quietly refilled their drinks. She had a soft sense of humor, often had her nose in a book, and when she found out she had prostate cancer, she brought her friends into a room, gave them a bunch of weapons, and told them to kill her however they wanted to. Like we said - iconic.
#4: Jules Vaughn “Euphoria” (2019-)
“Euphoria” absolutely exploded in the summer of 2019. This was in large part due to Jules, played by Hunter Schafer, and her relationship with Rue, played by Zendaya. Jules is a neon fairy come to life, who moves into Rue’s town at the beginning of the summer. She embarks on a journey of self-discovery, experimenting (as teenagers do) with the boundaries of her sexuality and her relationship to men. Unique, unapologetic, and deeply sensitive, Jules is a layered trans character who disrupted what could have been an entirely cisgender and very heteronormative teenage drama. We can’t wait to see what Season 2 has in store, especially if it features Hunter Schafer’s drawings.
#3: Nomi Marks “Sense8” (2015-18)
Another badass trans character in a magical world, Nomi is a super talented hacker and in a beautiful relationship with Amanita. She is one of the 8 sensates: strangers linked by their ability to communicate emotionally and mentally. She is incredibly smart, kind, brave and creative. Thanks to her incredible hacking skills, she serves as a key player in the cluster who assists them all on multiple occasions. Her life is full and complex, and we eventually get to see her get married to Amanita.
#2: Almost All the Main Characters “Pose” (2018-21)
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Pose was a groundbreaking show for a myriad of reasons: it was the first predominantly trans cast on scripted TV; it hired a range of trans writers and producers to helm the show; it highlighted the underground POC ballroom community that has long been ignored or misrepresented by white mainstream media; and it gave us episode after episode of Billy Porter emceeing his soul off. Almost every main character in the show deserves a spot on this list, from passionate, selfless Blanca to sweet, determined Angel, to the stubborn but secretly tender Elektra, to the dynamic, hilarious duo of Candy and Lulu, and all the other trans women on the show. With the third season set to be its last, we’ll be so sad to see it go. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Marshmallow “Bob’s Burgers” (2011-) Cole “The Fosters” (2013-18) Maura Pfefferman “Transparent” (2014-19) Adam Torres “Degrassi: The Next Generation” (2001-15) Rachel Bighead “Rocko’s Modern Life: Static Cling” (2019)
#1: Sophia Burset “Orange Is the New Black” (2013-19)
Laverne Cox broke into pop culture when Orange Is the New Black was released in 2013, marking a historic moment for trans representation on television. Sophia Burset winds up in Litchfield after being arrested for credit card fraud while trying to pay for her gender affirmation surgeries. Sweet, caring, and the prison’s go-to hairdresser, Sophia was immediately beloved by fans. She was mostly accepted by her fellow inmates. But that doesn’t mean she didn’t face intense discrimination and turmoil, especially from her son who, resentful over her transition, reported her to the police. Through personal resolve and grit, she survives her time in prison, eventually being released and opening her own hair salon.
