The son of Cher and Sonny Bono, Chaz publicly revealed he was transitioning in 2009 and has since been one of the most visible members of the trans community.
In May he published his memoir Transition: The Story Of How I Became A Man, and was previously a contestant on “Dancing With The Stars.
Octavia St Laurent
She was one of the breakout stars of Paris Is Burning, Jennie Livingston’s 1990 documentary about the LGBT people of colour that made up New York’s ball culture. During her 20 plus year reign as a ballroom icon for face & realness she became a living legend outside the scene, even appearing alongside Danny Glover and Matt Dillon in the box office smash, The Saint Of Fort Washington.
Jenna Talackova
Jenna Talackova made headlines in April 2012when she was booted from the Miss Universe Canada pageant.
Talackova fought back and ultimately was allowed back into the competition. She spoke with Barbara Walters and said, “I feel like the universe, the creator, just put me in this position as an advocate,” she continues. “If it’s helping anybody else by sharing my story and with my actions, then I feel great about it.”
Amanda Lepore
The unmistakable iconic figure Amanda Leporehas captured the media’s attention for years. She is a living work of art, frequently featured as photographer David LaChapelle’s muse.
The New York City transgender nightlife entertainer’s recent work includes singles “Champagne” and “My Hair Looks Fierce.” Designer Jason Wu also made an Amanda Lepore doll.
Laverne Cox
The transgender activist Laverne Cox came to our attention when she first appeared on VH1’s “I Want to Work for Diddy,” which made her the first African-American transgender woman to be on a mainstream reality TV series. She is best known for her portrayal of Sophia Burset on the Netflix television series Orange Is the New Black, for which she became the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in the acting category.
Sylvia Rivera
A veteran of the 1969 Stonewall uprising (some claim she threw the first heel), Rivera fought for the rights of all queer people, not just those who fit into more homonormative molds. Described by Riki Wilchins as “the Rosa Parks of the modern transgender movement,” Rivera founded Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries, or STAR, “a radical group that did everything from marching to setting up crash pads as an alternative to the streets,” among other activist roles.
Today The Sylvia Rivera Law Project, which works to guarantee that all people are free to self-determine gender identity and expression regardless of income or race, and Sylvia’s Place, a NYC emergency homeless shelter for LGBT youth, both exist to honor Rivera’s life and work.
Lea T
The Brazilian supermodel was discovered by Givenchy designer Riccardo Tisci when he hired her as his personal assistant. Soon after she became his muse and her modeling career began. She has been featured in high-profile fashion magazines like “Vogue Paris,” “Hercules,” “Interview,” “Love,” and “Cover.”
Janet Mock
Since coming out as transgender, former People.com editor Janet Mock has become a prominent voice and face for the trans community.
She’s been named to The Grio’s 100 most influential people and Sundance Channel’s top 10 LGBT voices. In early November 2012, Mock was honored with the prestigious Sylvia Rivera Activist Award by the Sylvia Rivera Law Project. She also recently released her memoir titled Redefining Realness.
