#2 Transgender Representation in Media: A Historical Overview

At Casual Reign, we believe that self-expression and authenticity are central to the trans+ experience, and that representation matters. As part of Trans+ History Week, we’re taking a deep dive into the evolution of transgender representation in media. From invisibility to groundbreaking portrayals, the journey of trans+ characters and actors on screen has been a long one - but it’s also one full of progress, challenges, and moments of powerful visibility.

The Early Years: Invisibility and Stereotypes

For much of history, transgender people were either absent or misrepresented in the media. Early depictions of transgender characters were often based on harmful stereotypes, reinforcing misconceptions about gender identity. These representations rarely showed the complexity of trans+ experiences and often portrayed transgender people as villains, victims, or figures of ridicule. These early portrayals did little to reflect the realities of transgender lives and perpetuated harmful societal views.

In the mid-20th century, films like Glen or Glenda (1953), directed by Ed Wood, began to feature transgender characters, but they were often portrayed through a lens of shame or confusion. This period marked a time when transgender individuals weren’t given the agency or humanity they deserved. In these early years, media often reduced trans+ people to plot devices or shocking spectacles, rather than allowing them to exist as fully realised individuals.

The 1990s: A Turning Point for Visibility

The 1990s were a pivotal decade for transgender visibility in the media. Shows like The X-Files (1993) featured transgender characters in a more thoughtful way, and in 1999, Boys Don’t Cry brought the real-life story of Brandon Teena to the big screen. Boys Don’t Cry was a groundbreaking moment for trans+ representation, as it highlighted the struggles and humanity of a transgender man, played by Hilary Swank. This film brought much-needed attention to the realities of trans men’s lives, although it also faced criticism for the casting of a cisgender woman in the lead role.

At this point in history, while trans+ people were still often portrayed through tragedy or violence, the 90s marked the beginning of a more nuanced exploration of transgender lives. The X-Files and Boys Don’t Cry opened the door for a more realistic portrayal of trans+ individuals, though much work remained to be done in terms of accuracy and authenticity.

2000s: A Shift Towards Authenticity

The early 2000s saw a noticeable shift toward more authentic and complex transgender characters in the media, though representation was still limited. Shows like Queer as Folk (2000) and The L Word (2004) featured transgender characters in supporting roles, but these shows still focused primarily on cisgender LGBTQ+ experiences.

In 2006, Transamerica offered one of the first mainstream films to feature a transgender character (played by Felicity Huffman) as the protagonist. Transamerica told the story of a transgender woman on a journey of self-discovery and reconciliation, and while it was praised for its sensitivity and portrayal of a transgender experience, it was also criticised for being somewhat stereotypical in its approach. Nevertheless, it marked a major step forward in giving transgender characters a voice in film.

2010s: Breaking Barriers and Leading the Way

The 2010s saw even greater strides toward trans+ visibility, with transgender characters starting to take on more prominent, complex roles in both television and film. One of the most notable milestones came in 2014 with the release of Transparent, a groundbreaking series that featured Jeffrey Tambor as a transgender woman. While the casting of Tambor, a cisgender man, sparked controversy, the show still marked a major step in the right direction for transgender representation in media. It helped bring conversations about gender identity and the complexities of transitioning into the mainstream.

Another significant milestone in the 2010s was the rise of trans+ actors taking on trans+ roles. Laverne Cox’s portrayal of Sophia Burset in Orange Is the New Black (2013) was one of the first times a trans+ actress played a transgender character in a prominent television series. Cox’s performance received critical acclaim and helped to break down barriers for trans+ actors in Hollywood. Her work also helped bring attention to the experiences of transgender women, particularly those of colour, and highlighted issues of transphobia and the intersection of race and gender identity.

The 2010s also saw the emergence of other groundbreaking shows like Pose (2018), which centred around the lives of trans women of colour in the New York City ballroom scene. With its diverse cast and celebration of queer and trans+ culture, Pose became a cultural milestone, showcasing the beauty, strength, and resilience of the trans+ community. The success of Pose further proved the demand for authentic, diverse representations of trans+ people.

2020s: A New Era of Representation

As we move further into the 2020s, we continue to see a surge in trans+ representation in film, television, and beyond. With a growing number of trans+ actors, directors, and writers in the entertainment industry, the narratives we see are becoming more diverse, layered, and complex. Shows like Euphoria (2019), with Hunter Schafer as Jules, and films like Disclosure (2020), a documentary examining the history of trans+ representation in media, have further expanded the visibility of trans+ people.

Social media platforms have also played a crucial role in amplifying the voices of trans+ individuals, with many influencers and creators sharing their stories and advocating for more accurate representation in Hollywood. This has led to increased awareness about the importance of trans+ visibility and more opportunities for trans+ people to be involved in telling their own stories.

Why Representation Matters

The evolution of transgender representation in media is about more than just visibility - it’s about humanising trans+ people and allowing for stories that reflect the diverse experiences within the community. At Casual Reign, we believe that everyone deserves to see themselves reflected in the media in a way that is authentic and empowering. Positive and accurate representation fosters empathy, understanding, and inclusivity, helping to create a world where trans+ individuals can live openly and proudly, without fear of judgement or discrimination.

As we celebrate Trans+ History Week, it’s important to reflect on how far we’ve come and how much further we have to go. The work of the past decade has been transformative, but there is still room for growth. As the media landscape continues to evolve, it’s crucial that trans+ voices are included, heard, and celebrated in every story.

Join Us in Celebrating Trans+ Representation

At Casual Reign, we’re committed to fostering a community that supports and uplifts the voices of trans+ individuals. The journey toward better representation in media is ongoing, and we encourage you to continue supporting shows, films, and creators who provide accurate and empowering depictions of the trans+ community. Together, we can make sure that every story is told with care, respect, and authenticity.