These TV shows and movies feature trans actors.
Netflix
Transgender representation on the silver screen is slowly improving as more and more television shows are featuring incredible depictions of trans life. And we love to see it! Let's take a look at 13 of the most binge-able films and series featuring trans representation.
1. The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
Netflix
Nonbinary actor Lachlan Watson stars in The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina as Theo Putnam. Over the course of the series, Theo explores his gender identity. As he becomes more authentic he gains in confidence and strength, with the support of his loving and magical friends — and he even gets a hobgoblin boyfriend.
2. Dead End: Paranormal Park
Netflix
This incredibly sweet and powerful series from trans creator Hamish Steele made history as one of the first trans-led animated series ever. Based on the comic book series Deadendia this Netflix's original show focused on Barney (voiced by trans actor Zach Barack) and Norma, two teens who take a job at a local — haunted — amusement park.
3. The Sandman
Netflix
Neil Gaiman's masterpiece The Sandman comes to life in this Netflix original series. A loving adaptation in many ways truly nailed it in the casting (and performance) of the nonbinary character Desire. Mason Alexander Park brings the sinister glamour and allure to the complex and mysterious member of The Endless.
4. The Umbrella Academy
Netflix
When we first met Viktor Hargreeves (Elliot Page) he was struggling with many issues thanks to some, shall we say questionable, parenting he had received. Over the course of the series he not only discovers his powers, but also a bittersweet love story, a deeper connection with his siblings, and his true gender identity.
5. The Politician
Courtesy of Netflix
The Politician is pure camp chaos and that's just one of the reasons we love it. Another is trans campaign advisor James Sullivan (played by nonbinary actor Theo Germaine). He is hilarious, politically savvy, and an absolute stealer. What he isn't, is treated like his gender identity is a big deal. It's a refreshing depiction of transness that doesn't center around his gender.
6. Heartstopper
Netflix
Trans actress Yasmin Finney plays Elle Argent on Netflix’s Heartstopper, and the character has been praised for normalizing the trans experience. She also refuses to conform to harmful tropes often seen among the community, and watching her find love is the kind of affirming representation we can never get enough of!
7. Orange is the New Black
Netflix
The Netflix series Orange is the New Black was groundbreaking in many ways including with its incredible trans representation. The show stars Laverne Cox as Sophia Burset, a transgender inmate who works as the prison hairdresser at Litchfield Penitentiary. From day one to done she was the heart of the series whose gender identity was highlighted but never the entirety of her identity. More of this please.
8. Sense8
Netflix
Sense8 is a science fiction Netflix series directed by The Wachowskis that follows eight strangers from around the world who become mentally and emotionally linked. Nomi Marks (Jamie Clayton) is a transgender political blogger and hacktivist who lives in San Francisco with her girlfriend Amanita.
9. Baby Reindeer
Netflix
Trans actress Nava Mau blew the audience away in her role as Teri in Baby Reindeer. The series follows the story of a struggling comic named Donny Dunn, who becomes the target of a stalker named Martha, who grows increasingly obsessed and violent in her pursuit of a relationship with Donny. The series was largely based on a true story.
10. Kaos
Netflix
Transgender actor Misia Butler stars in this incredible (and sadly short-lived) series which depicts the dysfunctional relationship between the Greek gods, set in modern times. Butler stars as Caeneus, an Amazon who was forced out of his community over his gender identity, and who would go on to become a friend, lover, and hero in the underworld.
11. Feel Good
Netflix
Nonbinary actor and comic Mae Martin both created and stars in this semi-autobiographical series about their struggles with romance, substance abuse, and gender. It's moving, steamy, and — no surprise — very funny.
12. Sex Education
Netflix
Sex Education was one of Netflix's best, most inclusive, and queerest original series to date. While it centered around Otis Milburn, a teen who despite his own sexual struggles becomes the unofficial sex counselor at his high school, it was also a bit of an ensemble piece bringing in numerous characters each dealing with relatable and meaningful struggles with their own sexuality and sometimes identity. It lent itself to queer and trans inclusion, particularly in seasons 3 and 4 which saw Abbi Montgomery (Anthony Lexi) and Roman Zandari (Felix Mufti), a transgender couple exploring a relationship and nonbinary Cal Bowman played by nonbinary artist Dua Saleh.
13. Close to You
Mongrel Media
Trans actor Elliot Page stars in this drama which sees him staring as Sam, a young trans man returning home after years away to attend his father's funeral. Once there he faces plenty of family tension but also rekindles feelings with his ex-girlfriend Katherine, played by Hillary Baack.
