10 Famous Trans Women You Should Know

On May 22nd 2018, the UCSD Women's Center will be hosting a program called "Trans Women in Action." This program is intended to bring awareness to the struggles for civil rights for the transgendered community. It also highlights the intersectionality of trans women in activism. This week we will take a look at a list of 10 famous trans women that you should know!

What is transgendered?

Transgender people are those who have a gender identity or gender expression that differs from their assigned sex. Transgender people are sometimes called transsexual if they desire medical assistance to transition from one sex to another.

1. Jenna Talackova

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This Canadian supermodel and TV personality first rose to fame when she joined the Miss Universe Canadian pageant last 2012, only to be subsequently disqualified after someone recognized her as transgender. Now, the 26-year-old beauty is a trans rights advocate and has her own reality show based on her life, E! Network’s ‘Brave New Girls’.

2. Jazz Jennings

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Transgender teenager Jazz Jennings is a model, YouTube personality and LGBTQ spokesperson at only 14 years old. She started transitioning at 6 years old.

Clean & Clear wanted to promote natural beauty instead of artificial and airbrushed aesthetics. Staying true to yourself is the core of the brand, and they believe Jazz Jennings is the perfect face for their new campaign.

3. Ines Rau

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This beautiful French-North African transgender model was born in Paris. She became best known for her racy photoshoot for French OOB Magazine with Tyson Beckford.

4. Isis King

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Isis King is another famous model who rose to fame after competing in the 11th season of Tyra Banks ‘America’s Next Top Model’. Isis King is the first transgender woman to compete on the show.

5. Laverne Cox

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Laverne Cox is an actress, reality TV star and TV producer. She is best known for her role as Sophia Burset in the Netflix series, ‘Orange is the New Black’. Laverne Cox is the first transgender woman to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award under the acting category. She is also the first trans person to have her own wax figure at Madame Tussaud’s.

6. Carmen Carrera

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Carmen Carrera is a supermodel, reality TV star and burlesque performer. She has walked on famous runways such as the Victoria’s Secret fashion show. Carmen first shot to fame on the 3rd season of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’.

7. Lea T

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Lea T is one of the world’s most popular supermodels and has been part of many international fashion campaigns. The Brazilian trans beauty is known for posing nude for Vogue France and modeling for Riccardo Tisci Givenchy campaign.

8. Gigi Gorgeous

Via en.wikipedia.org

Giselle Loren Lazzarato, known professionally as Gigi Gorgeous, is a Canadian YouTuber, television personality, socialite, actress, and glamour model. In 2008, Lazzarato began uploading video blogs onto streaming platform YouTube.

9. Janet Mock

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Janet Mock is a LGBTQ activist, previous staff editor at People.com and writer of the book ‘Redefining Realness: My Path to Womanhood, Identity, Love and so much more’

10. Caitlyn Jenner

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Of course, we can’t finish this list without mentioning Caitlyn Jenner. It was probably one of the most shocking revelations of the decade when Bruce Jenner confessed he is transitioning into becoming a woman. Now, the whole Kardashian family and the world is supporting her journey to becoming a woman. She has her own reality show, ‘I am Cait’.

How to be an ally to the trans community?

The best way to be an ally is to have an open mind to listen, and don't make any assumptions. You cannot tell if someone is transgendered by looking. Here are some other tips to being an ally:

-Do not assume their sexual orientation

-If you don't know what gender pronouns to use, listen first

-Don't ask them their "real" name

-Be respectful of their use of terminology for their identity

-Do not ask them about their surgical status

-Be careful about confidentiality or "outing" them

-Avoid backhanded compliments

-Support all gender bathrooms

-Use inclusive language