SPOILER ALERT: We’ve gathered trailers mostly, but some clips may contain a few plot clues, so watch with caution!

Looking for some fresh inspiration or just a solid list of trans characters who actually pass the Bechdel test? You know, trans characters who actually have a life beyond their relationship to whatever male character which whom they share the screen? Well, you’re in for a treat! We’ve put together 10 amazing trans characters from TV shows and movies that made us laugh, cry, and cheer. Grab the popcorn, put your hair in a pineapple,  and maybe put on an under eye mask (not that we’re saying you need it)… get comfy—this watchlist is a must.

1. Sophia Burset - Orange Is the New Black (Laverne Cox)

Laverne Cox made history as Sophia Burset in her Emmy nominated role on Orange is The New Black. Sophia brought trans visibility front and center, and we can’t help but admire her character’s resilience and charm. Sophia’s strong, and beautifully complex.

2. Nomi Marks - Sense8 (Jamie Clayton)

Jamie Clayton as Nomi Marks is unforgettable. A fierce hacker and activist, she’s fighting for her community while navigating her own journey as a trans woman. Her strength and loyalty shine through every episode, and let’s be honest, she’s the friend we all wish we had.

3. Jules Vaughn - Euphoria (Hunter Schafer)

Jules Vaughn is one of those characters who just stays with you. Hunter Schafer gives us a performance that’s both raw and captivating, and we feel every high and low Jules goes through. Her journey in Euphoria is messy, emotional, and completely authentic. By the way, Hunter loves her Tuck Kit.

4. Blanca Evangelista - Pose (MJ Rodriguez)

Blanca Evangelista is the heart and soul of Pose. MJ Rodriguez delivers a performance full of love, strength, and resilience as Blanca builds her house and takes care of her chosen family. Watching her lead with compassion is nothing short of inspiring.

5. Denise Bryson - Twin Peaks (David Duchovny)

Denise Bryson, played by David Duchovny (I know), made waves long before trans representation was on the mainstream radar. Cool, confident, and totally accepted by her peers, Denise is a refreshing character, especially for the time. Yes, the 90’s when it seemed every trans TV character written was either a joke, a victim, or a perpetrator (all three?). Give it a watch: see how Coop rolls with it in seconds? That’s what we love to see.

6. Maura Pfefferman - Transparent (Jeffrey Tambor)

This isn’t an endorsement of Tambor, but his performance of Maura Pfefferman’s story of coming out later in life is filled with raw emotion and complex family dynamics. And, it helped crack the world’s egg: it made being trans part of the American family story. While the casting had its controversies, Maura’s journey brought a new perspective to the conversation about trans identity, showing that it’s never too late to be yourself.

7. Angel Evangelista - Pose (Indya Moore)

Indya Moore’s Angel is captivating from the start. Her journey from surviving the streets to finding success in the modeling world is both inspiring and heart-wrenching. Angel’s resilience and ambition make her a standout character in Pose.

8. Lynn Conway - Disclosure (Documentary - Lynn Conway)

Lynn Conway, featured in the Netflix doc Disclosure, is nothing short of iconic. A trailblazer in tech, her story is one of perseverance and brilliance. She invented a lot of the tech that would make PCs and Macs possible. And, incredibly, she did it all stealth! 😳 Conway’s impact on both the trans community and the tech world is proof that we can truly change the game—on our own terms.

9. Micah Lee - The L Word: Generation Q (Leo Sheng)

Micah Lee, played by Leo Sheng, is a breath of fresh air. His portrayal of a trans man navigating life, love, and friendships feels genuine and real. The L Word: Generation Q gives us a character we can root for through all his ups and downs.

10. Ray - Veneno (Lola Rodríguez)

Finally, (this list isn’t ordered) there’s Ray from Veneno, played by the amazing Lola Rodríguez. Ray’s bond with Spain’s most famous trans woman, Cristina Ortiz Rodríguez, is touching and powerful. The story of their connection is a beautiful tribute to friendship, love, and legacy.