Game-Changers: 15 Transgender Stars You Should Know - Page 18

Amazing Transgender Celebs You Should Know

We live in the most progressive society in our nation’s history where people of all colors, backgrounds and lifestyles flourish in major industries. At times, this transition into a more open-minded America (and world) has been rough, but seeing historically-oppressed people succeed and inspire others is truly a beautiful thing.

Hit the jump for an essential gallery of transgender celebs you should know.

Bruce Jenner breaks headlines when he unveils “his” transition to “her” via a Vanity Fair “Call Me Caitlyn” cover story.

Laverne Cox

The globally-beloved “Orange is the New Black” star/LGBT activist recently made history as the first Transgender woman to ever be nominated for an Emmy. So  yea, she’s kind of a big deal.

Janet Mock

After revealing that she’s a transgender woman, the charismatic New York Times best-selling author, transgender rights activist and Marie Claire contributing editor became one of the leading voices of the LGBT movement.

Isis King

The boundary-pushing fashion designer/LGBT advocate turned heads and inspired millions as the first trans woman to compete on “America’s Next Top Model.”

B. Scott

The flashy television personality/internet celebrity rose to stardom with his wildly-popular YouTube vlogs and website LoveBScott.com while also serving as contributing editor to The Glam Network and an Ebony Magazine advice columnist.

Ines Rau

Mostly known for her steamy photoshoot with Tyson Beckford for France’s OOB Magazine, she’s currently one of the hottest transgender models in the world.

Alexis Arquette

You may know the incredibly-talented transgender activist, musician, cabaret performer and actress from countless films (“Pulp Fiction”)/TV shows (“Friends”) that span over 20 years.

Carmen Carrera

The stunning reality star/burlesque performer is best known for her appearance on the third season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and modeling work with world famous photographer David La Chapelle.

Chaz Bono

The son of Cher and Sonny Bono was already a visible LGBT activist before revealing that he’s a transgender man.

Amiyah Scott

The internet famous model/makeup artist/entrepreneur is a rising star in the Transgender community who’s always being linked romantically to high-profile rappers, singers & athletes.

Amanda Lepore

The iconic NYC entertainer/fashion icon paved the way for transgender entertainers before spiraling out of control with an expensive plastic surgery addiction.

Lea T

The world-famous Brazilian supermodel is best known for modeling in Riccardo Tisci’s Givenchy campaign and baring all for Vogue France.

Kye Allums

He’s the first transgender NCAA Division 1 college athlete who played for the women’s team even though he identified as male.

Candis Cayne

She’s the first transgender actress to play a recurring transgender character on primetime TV (ABC’s “DSM”) and appeared on “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” “Nip/Tuck” and “Necessary Roughness.”

Jenna Talackova

The star of E! Network’s “Brave New Girls” rose to fame after being disqualified from the Miss Universe Canadian pageant in 2012 for being a transgender woman.

Marci Bowers, M.D.

She’s a pioneering surgeon in transgender transitional surgery and the first transgender woman to perform these surgeries.