10 Great Movies And Shows Made Possible By Trans Artists

Many iconic films and television series owe their success to the contributions of Transgender artists. However, the 2020s have brought significant challenges for the Transgender community, with numerous laws introduced and passed globally that disregard a person’s gender identity.

Recently, the US government has asked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to determine how to categorize content related to transgender people. This could lead to all media with transgender themes being labeled as inappropriate for some audiences, which could be used to suppress transgender perspectives. It might also make it more difficult for transgender individuals to find jobs in the entertainment industry, as companies might avoid projects with transgender themes to prevent losing viewers.

The recent attacks on the Trans community are particularly concerning because of their effect on people working in the entertainment industry. Trans individuals have been vital in making many beloved and famous movies and TV shows.

For decades, transgender people have been vital to the creation of beloved films and TV shows, both in front of and behind the camera. Their contributions have brought immense joy and excitement to audiences and helped shape some of the most memorable stories ever told on screen.

The Matrix (1999)

Made Possible By Lilly And Lana Wachowski

Perhaps the most famous movie made by Trans filmmakers is The Matrix. Lilly and Lana Wachowski, who came out as Trans later in life, have shared that the film, which launched their careers, was unintentionally a metaphor for their experiences as Trans individuals. Some viewers have also noted a connection between the red pill Neo takes in the movie and the appearance of oral estrogen pills from the 1990s.

Beyond its significance for transgender representation, The Matrix remains a standout science fiction film. Its exciting fight choreography draws heavily from classic martial arts movies, and its thought-provoking story has remained famous for over two decades.

The Wachowskis went on to direct other science fiction movies, like three sequels to The Matrix, but the original film remains a standout achievement of 1990s cinema.

I Saw The TV Glow (2024)

Made Possible By Jane Schoenbrun

This unsettling horror film from A24 is quickly becoming a standout release. Director Jane Schoenbrun crafts a thought-provoking story about finding yourself, filled with a creepy and immersive mood. The film’s striking use of neon pink, mirroring the in-universe show The Pink Opaque, makes it a truly captivating watch.

What truly makes this film exceptional is its exploration of transgender themes. It deeply investigates gender dysphoria and its psychological impact, culminating in an especially powerful and unsettling depiction of the condition in its final moments.

Schoenbrun’s 2024 film is a standout horror movie, and their upcoming project, Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, promises to be just as thought-provoking.

The Amazing Digital Circus (2023-2026)

Made Possible By Gooseworx And Ashley Nichols

This popular internet series from Glitch Productions has become a huge hit on YouTube. Created by Gooseworx, a transgender woman, the show is known for its originality and thought-provoking exploration of life’s big questions, making it a standout in today’s entertainment landscape.

The creative combination of bright, unusual colors and imagery with its unsettling themes is particularly impressive, knowing it’s heavily inspired by Harlan Ellison’s story, “I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream.”

Ashley Nichols, who identifies as non-binary, has a significant role in the series. They portray Zooble, a character constructed from various interchangeable components.

As a huge cinema fan, I’ve been really struck by these characters. They’re important because they offer much-needed representation, but it goes deeper than that – they’re a really compelling metaphor for the experience of gender dysphoria. Especially in episode three, it beautifully explores their discomfort with how they appear, and that constant feeling of not quite having the right ‘parts’ to feel truly themselves. It’s incredibly moving and insightful.

Nimona (2023)

Made Possible By ND Stevenson

This popular Netflix film is based on the graphic novel by ND Stevenson, the creator of She-Ra: Princesses of Power. It’s an enjoyable fantasy adventure for the whole family that also offers thoughtful perspectives on being transgender. The character Nimona is especially compelling, as she simply wants to be accepted and loved for who she is – a loyal assistant with a good heart.

ND Stevenson was a producer and creative consultant on the film, and his personal experiences as a Trans person deeply influenced the story. He helped add nuanced Trans themes that distinguished the movie from the original novel while staying true to its core message. This contribution made Nimona a beloved film among fans and earned it an Academy Award nomination the following year.

The Shining (1980)

Made Possible By Wendy Carlos

Stanley Kubrick’s classic horror film is a masterpiece thanks to a number of key contributions. Jack Nicholson’s terrifying performance as Jack Torrance, the unsettling visuals captured by John Alcott’s cinematography, and Kubrick’s masterful direction all combined to create a truly unforgettable and frightening movie experience.

The film’s score, created by composer Wendy Carlos – known for her work on A Clockwork Orange and Tron – is crucial to its atmosphere. Her eerie music, particularly at the beginning, immediately creates a sense of dread that continues throughout the movie.

A jarring sound effect has haunted viewers since the movie first came out. Interestingly, considering the film was made in the 1980s, Shelley Duvall’s portrayal of Wendy in The Shining is now recognized as a significant moment for transgender representation.

Boy Meets Girl (2014)

Made Possible By Michelle Hendley

This charming romantic comedy is a hidden gem. It tells the sweet story of a transgender woman searching for love in Kentucky. She initially connects with a woman named Francesca, but soon wonders if her close friend, Robby, might be the right person for her all along.

Michelle Hendley truly brings Boy Meets Girl to life with her heartfelt performance as Ricky. She’s incredibly charming and funny as she explores the ups and downs of falling in love, making her a captivating romantic lead.

Whether you like romance or not, Boy Meets Girl is definitely one of the most well-done love stories you’ll find.

Paris Is Burning (1990)

Made Possible By The Trans Community In New York City’s Ballroom Scene

Jennie Livingston’s groundbreaking documentary is now considered a landmark film in LGBTQ+ history. It offers a look into the vibrant ballroom culture of Harlem, a community of predominantly queer and transgender people of color. The film follows the lives of individuals within this scene, and beautifully illustrates the strong bonds of family they create through their shared artistic expression.

The documentary Paris is Burning is incredibly important because it highlights the lives of transgender individuals. The film follows several compelling stories, including those of Venus Xtravaganza and Octavia St. Laurent, though sadly Venus passed away during production.

Over time, this documentary has become a classic, powerfully demonstrating the need to offer both support and shelter to people rejected by their families because of who they are.

Pose (2018-2021)

Made Possible By Janet Mock, Angelica Ross, Michaela Antonia Jaé Rodriguez, Silas Howard, And Many More

This acclaimed FX series, a standout from the late 2010s, beautifully captures the vibrant world of 1980s ballroom culture. Drawing inspiration from the documentary Paris Is Burning, the show explores the lives and rivalries of different ‘Houses’ as they compete for trophies and recognition, all while navigating personal dramas and preparing for their performances.

The show Pose was groundbreaking for transgender representation. It didn’t just tell trans stories, it made them with a large team of transgender writers and directors, including Janet Mock and Silas Howard. Plus, actors like Angelica Ross and Michaela Antonia Jaé Rodriguez gave truly remarkable performances.

This series was incredibly groundbreaking when it first came out, and it remains a significant and influential work in LGBTQ+ media even now.

A Fantastic Woman (2017)

Made Possible By Daniela Vega

This acclaimed Argentine film, a winner of an Academy Award, tells the story of Marina, a transgender woman grieving the loss of her partner. Facing a challenging world without her loved one’s support, she struggles to rebuild her life.

Daniela Vega’s performance is the driving force behind the power of A Fantastic Woman. She portrays Marina with incredible depth, showing her as a fully realized person, while still acknowledging and embracing her identity as a transgender woman.

The film received widespread critical acclaim largely due to Vega’s outstanding performance, and she made history as the first openly transgender presenter at the Oscars. It’s likely the film wouldn’t have won the award without her contribution.

Disclosure (2020)

Made Possible By Sam Feder And Every Featured Subject In The Documentary

The 2020 Netflix documentary is a landmark achievement for Trans representation in film. It features a diverse range of people sharing their perspectives on how Trans individuals are portrayed in Hollywood. The film examines both positive and negative depictions, aiming to show how future projects can build on successes and avoid past mistakes.

Sam Feder’s documentary is a significant work because it demonstrates the vital contributions of Trans people to the world of film. They bring fresh viewpoints and voices that enrich storytelling and often add memorable details to beloved movies and shows. Disclosure powerfully illustrates that Hollywood, and the entertainment we enjoy, is better when Trans people are included and represented.

2026-05-02 15:14