Black trans women have made profound contributions to society by leading the charge in LGBTQ+ rights movements, particularly through their efforts to combat systemic oppression and violence. They have often been at the vanguard of the struggle for visibility and equality, despite enduring significant discrimination rooted in both race and gender identity. Prominent individuals such as Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera were instrumental during the Stonewall Uprising, establishing themselves as trailblazers for the wider LGBTQ+ community.
BY JOURNIE WRIGHT
MARCH 5, 2025
5. Janet Mock: "To Exist in the World, Rather Than to Retreat."
Janet Mock is a prominent transgender writer, director, producer, and advocate for social change. Born on March 10, 1983, in Honolulu, Hawaii, she was assigned male at birth and began her hormonal transition during her high school years. In 2011, she publicly shared her transgender identity through a feature in Marie Claire.
Mock attended Farrington High School before pursuing higher education at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, ultimately earning a Master's degree in journalism from New York University. Her memoirs, "Redefining Realness" and "Surpassing Certainty," reflect her journey of transitioning as a teenager.
As a groundbreaking creator, Mock developed the FX series "Pose," which made history as the first television show to cast transgender actors in roles that represented their identities authentically. She also launched the social media initiative #GirlsLikeUs to uplift and empower transgender women.
Her impactful work has earned her numerous accolades, including being named one of TIME's "100 Most Influential People of 2018" and receiving recognition from Variety as one of their "Power of Women" in 2017. The PEN Center USA honored her with an Award of Honor, and in a landmark achievement, she signed a multimillion-dollar deal with Netflix, becoming the first openly transgender woman of color to do so.
4. Ts Madison: "We Should All Feel Free to Be Who We Want to Be, and Being Queer or Trans Isn't a Lifestyle - It's Our LIFE."
Ts Madison, also known as Madison Hinton, is a multifaceted talent—an actress, activist, and social media influencer—who has played a pivotal role in reshaping societal perceptions of transgender individuals. Renowned for her candidness and trailblazing spirit, she has consistently pushed boundaries in her advocacy.
Madison first gained prominence in 2013 with her viral Vine, "New Weave 22 Inches," which catapulted her into the public eye. Since then, she has made notable appearances in various films and television projects, including "Zola," "The Lady in the Locket," "Trans-Me," and "RuPaul's Drag Race Untucked!"
As a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and the transgender community, Ts Madison embraces her past in the adult film industry without reservation. She has been instrumental in fostering a new appreciation for erotic love narratives centered around trans women.
In a groundbreaking achievement in 2021, she became the first Black transgender woman to star in and executive produce her reality series, "The Ts Madison Experience." Additionally, she was featured on Beyoncé's track "COZY" and authored a memoir titled "A Light Through the Shade: An Autobiography of a Queen."
Through her impactful work, Ts Madison continues to influence and transform public attitudes toward transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals.
3. Laverne Cox: "It is Revolutionary For Any Trans Individual to Choose to Be Seen and Visible in a World That Tells We Should Not Exist."
Laverne Cox is a trailblazing actress, producer, and activist who has made significant strides as an openly transgender woman. She stands as a passionate advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, challenging stereotypes and fostering understanding.
Born on May 29, 1972, in Mobile, Alabama, Laverne was assigned male at birth but embraced her female identity from a young age. She honed her artistic talents at the Alabama School of Fine Arts in Birmingham before continuing her education in dance at Indiana University and Marymount Manhattan College. Additionally, she studied fashion merchandising management at the Fashion Institute of Technology.
Cox's career includes appearances on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and the reality series "I Want to Work for Diddy." She gained widespread recognition for her role as Sophia Burset on the critically acclaimed Netflix series "Orange is the New Black," making history as the first openly transgender person to receive an Emmy nomination for her performance in the show. Laverne also won a Daytime Emmy Award as a producer for "Laverne Cox Presents: The T Word."
In another groundbreaking moment, she became the first transgender person to portray a transgender series regular on broadcast television with her role as Cameron Wirth on CBS's "Doubt."
Cox has openly shared her experiences as a member of the transgender community, advocating for the dismantling of rigid gender norms. She produced the Emmy-winning documentary "Disclosure," which explores the representation of transgender characters in film and television, further amplifying her commitment to fostering inclusivity and understanding.
2. Octavia St. Laurent: "This is Me, You Undertsand? No, I am Not a Woman. No, I am Not a Man. I am Octavia."
Octavia St. Laurent (1964 - 2009) was a notable American model, educator, and activist who played an influential role in the vibrant New York ballroom culture. A passionate advocate for transgender rights and a proponent of self-expression, she left an indelible mark on her community.
Born on March 16, 1964, in Brooklyn, New York, Octavia's life came to a close on May 17, 2009, in Queens, New York, due to complications related to AIDS. She gained recognition for her appearances in the acclaimed documentary Paris Is Burning (1990), as well as in The Saint of Fort Washington (1993) and Mirror, Mirror (1996).
Octavia was candid about her struggles with HIV/AIDS, substance use, and sex work. She made notable appearances on The Maury Povich Show to discuss the experiences of transgender women in mainstream culture. Her advocacy efforts focused on advancing trans rights and celebrating self-identity, while actively confronting the discrimination and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.
In her honor, The Latex Ball in New York City presents the Octavia St. Laurent Trans Activist Award, commemorating her legacy. Her remarkable journey stands as a testament to her resilience and the unwavering spirit of living authentically, solidifying her status as an icon within the ballroom scene.
1. Marsha P. Johnson: "You Never Completely Have Your Rights, One Person Until You All Have Your Rights."
Marsha P. Johnson (1945-1992) emerged as a vital figure in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and was also known for her drag performances. She played a crucial role during the Stonewall riots and was a driving force in the gay liberation movement in New York City throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
Born on August 24, 1945, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Marsha was assigned male at birth but began embracing her identity by wearing dresses from a young age. After completing high school, she relocated to New York City, where she discovered a supportive community among other LGBTQ+ individuals and became affectionately known as the "mayor of Christopher Street."
Together with Sylvia Rivera, Marsha co-founded the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR), advocating tirelessly for homeless LGBTQ+ youth, those living with HIV/AIDS, and the rights of gay and transgender individuals. She was an active participant in Gay Pride parades and events, collaborated with artist Andy Warhol, and performed with the drag troupe Hot Peaches.
In 2019, Marsha was posthumously inducted into the National LGBTQ Wall of Honor, and East River Park in Brooklyn was renamed to honor her memory. Her life and relentless activism continue to serve as an inspiration to the LGBTQ+ community today.
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