Gay Actors Who Have Played Transgender Characters

by

For many years, transgender characters in movies and TV were often played by actors who were not transgender themselves, including cisgender and gay actors. While the industry is now increasingly casting transgender performers, these earlier roles—in films ranging from true stories to suspenseful thrillers—helped bring transgender stories to a wider audience. These actors, sometimes drawing on their own experiences as part of the LGBTQ+ community, have played a significant role in shaping how gender identity is portrayed in media, with notable performances in both films and TV series.

Lee Pace

The 2003 movie ‘Soldier’s Girl’ stars Lee Pace as Calpernia Addams, a transgender woman who performs at a nightclub. The film is based on the true story of the relationship between Addams and a soldier named Barry Winchell, which ended tragically. Pace received praise for his performance, winning a Gotham Award and being nominated for a Golden Globe. He spent considerable time with the real Calpernia Addams to accurately portray her life. This role was a major achievement early in Pace’s career and is considered an important moment in LGBTQ+ television history.

Jaye Davidson

Jaye Davidson’s performance as Dil in the 1992 thriller ‘The Crying Game’ was truly remarkable. His character, a transgender woman, was revealed in a now-famous scene that sparked a lot of conversation. This role earned Davidson an Oscar nomination, making him one of the few openly gay actors to receive such recognition at the time. Despite the film’s huge success, Davidson decided to step away from acting and live a private life. However, his work continues to be praised for its emotional depth and for offering a nuanced portrayal of transgender identity.

Matt Bomer

In the 2017 independent film ‘Anything,’ Matt Bomer plays Freda, a transgender woman navigating life in Los Angeles. The movie centers on the growing connection between Freda and a recent transplant to the city who is grieving the loss of his spouse. Bomer, who is openly gay, took on this role during a time when there was discussion about whether transgender characters should be played by transgender actors. He collaborated with director Timothy McNeil and transgender advisors to portray Freda’s challenges and strength with authenticity. The film ultimately emphasizes the common human desire for connection and the obstacles faced by those on the margins of society.

John Cameron Mitchell

John Cameron Mitchell wrote, directed, and starred in the 2001 film ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch.’ He plays Hedwig, a non-binary East German singer touring the US with a rock band. The film tells Hedwig’s life story, including a difficult gender confirmation surgery that resulted in a complication referred to as the ‘angry inch.’ Mitchell, who identifies as gay, created the character for the stage first, and then adapted it for a wider film audience. The movie has become a cult classic, celebrated for its distinctive music and its thoughtful look at gender identity.

Denis O’Hare

I was completely blown away by Denis O’Hare’s portrayal of Liz Taylor in ‘American Horror Story’! Liz is this incredible transgender woman and bartender, and the story of her transition, with the hotel owner’s help, was so moving. It really felt like she found herself within those walls. What I loved most was the dignity and emotional depth Denis brought to the role – it wasn’t just about the character’s past, but building a real legacy. As a gay actor himself, he used the opportunity to talk about how important it is for people to find self-acceptance, and honestly, Liz Taylor has become one of my absolute favorite characters in the whole series. She’s unforgettable.

BD Wong

I was completely blown away by B.D. Wong’s performance as Whiterose in ‘Mr. Robot,’ which I binge-watched from 2015-2019. She’s such a complex character – a powerful leader of this shadowy group, the Dark Army, but also presenting herself publicly as a normal government official. It’s fascinating how the show explores ideas about who we are, how power works, and even messing with time, all through Whiterose. And it’s amazing because B.D. Wong, who’s been so open about being gay for years, really nailed the role. He even got an Emmy nomination! What I loved most was how precise his acting was and how he completely flipped the script on how transgender characters are usually portrayed. It was just brilliant.

Share your favorite performances from this list in the comments.

Read More

2026-02-19 09:22