Trans Celebs Who Walked Red Carpets in Gender-Bending Looks First

Red carpet fashion has changed a lot. It used to be all about traditional formal wear, but now it’s a place where people express themselves and their identities. Celebrities who are transgender or non-binary have been leading this change, breaking old rules and showing that anyone can be stylish. They’re using fashion to challenge traditional ideas about what clothes are for men or women, and creating unique looks that combine different styles. Their willingness to be themselves has inspired others to experiment with how they present themselves to the world. Here are some of the people who have made a statement with their unforgettable outfits.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter consistently makes headlines with his bold fashion choices at award shows. He famously wowed audiences at the Oscars in a striking velvet tuxedo gown designed by Christian Siriano, challenging traditional dress codes and sparking discussions about masculinity and fashion. Porter continues to collaborate with designers, creating looks that combine classic tailoring with dramatic, unconventional shapes. His daring style has essentially become the gold standard for gender-neutral high fashion in Hollywood.

Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer is known for her incredibly creative and artistic fashion choices. The ‘Euphoria’ star often works with high-end brands like Prada and Rick Owens to create unique, futuristic outfits. She frequently breaks traditional fashion rules, playing with gender expression and incorporating bold, sculptural elements. Her background in modeling and visual arts clearly influences her style, proving that red carpet looks can be thought-provoking and cutting-edge, not just visually appealing.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe initially became known for always wearing a black and white tuxedo, a look she chose to honor her working-class parents and resist expectations to wear revealing clothing. While her style has since grown to include dramatic, structured gowns, she continues to explore and express identity through fashion. Identifying as non-binary, Monáe uses clothing to represent a balance of masculine and feminine qualities. Her dedication to her unique style cemented her status as a fashion icon who confidently breaks the mold.

Sam Smith

Since publicly identifying as non-binary, Sam Smith has adopted a bolder and more creative approach to fashion. They’ve been seen on red carpets in daring outfits, like lace jumpsuits and even inflatable latex pieces that change their silhouette. Breaking away from traditional expectations for male performers, Smith frequently chooses heels and corsets for award shows. Working with leading stylists, they carefully select clothing that expresses their identity and challenges how people think about gender and style. This fashion transformation has coincided with a newfound confidence in their music.

Emma Corrin

Emma Corrin is known for cleverly blending historical fashion with a contemporary style. At the Met Gala, they wowed onlookers with a Miu Miu outfit inspired by a flamboyant figure from the past, nicknamed ‘The King of Dudes.’ The look—featuring a top hat, long coat, and sheer tights—playfully mixed traditional men’s clothing with lingerie elements. Corrin often pairs their androgynous outfits with short or shaved hairstyles. They approach each red carpet event as an opportunity to embody a different character.

Jonathan Van Ness

Okay, let me tell you about Jonathan Van Ness’s style – it’s absolutely fantastic! They have this incredible way of mixing things up, confidently rocking traditionally feminine pieces like gorgeous gowns and skirts, but then pairing them with seriously cool combat boots and a full beard. It shouldn’t work, but it totally does. It’s a really striking look that throws the idea of who gets to wear what right out the window. You can tell they really love showing off their legs and letting fabrics flow, and honestly, it’s infectious. What I love most is that they just seem to have so much fun with it all, and it really encourages everyone to wear whatever makes them feel good, regardless of what anyone else thinks.

Indya Moore

Let me tell you, Indya Moore absolutely owns the red carpet. Their background as a model is clear, but it’s how they express their identity through fashion that really captivates me. They consistently choose designers like Iris van Herpen – think incredibly detailed, almost otherworldly structures. What I love is that Moore doesn’t cover the body, but celebrates it. Lots of sheer or metallic fabrics – it’s like they’re turning themselves into a living work of art. They’re clearly inspiring fashion houses to move past traditional, gendered designs, and honestly, it’s thrilling to watch. For Moore, it’s never just about the clothes; it’s about making a statement, a piece of art you can wear.

Alok

Alok Vaid-Menon is a writer and performer working to break down gender norms in fashion. They’re known for their bold, colorful style – often wearing skirts and proudly showing body hair – and challenging the expectation that non-binary people need to look androgynous. Vaid-Menon often designs their own clothes or supports independent designers who share their vision. Their look is a vibrant alternative to the often plain and understated styles common in gender-neutral fashion.

Hari Nef

Hari Nef is a pioneering trans model, famously the first signed by IMG Models, and has consistently pushed boundaries in fashion. She’s a favorite of Gucci, often showcasing their bold and dramatic designs. Known for her unique red carpet style, she loves to combine different textures and accessories in ways that are hard to define. Nef brings both a playful attitude and a strong understanding of fashion history to her personal style, effortlessly switching between tailored looks and flowing dresses.

Elliot Page

Elliot Page has been celebrated for his fashion choices since publicly coming out as transgender. At the Met Gala, he wore a classic black Balenciaga suit with sneakers, a look that felt comfortable and genuine. He often includes small floral details, like a green carnation on his lapel, as a tribute to LGBTQ+ history. Page’s style showcases a relaxed and comfortable approach to masculinity, valuing how he feels over strict fashion rules.

Gottmik

Okay, let me tell you about Gottmik – this artist completely blew me away. He made history as the first trans man on ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race,’ and his whole approach to drag is fascinating. He performs this incredibly heightened femininity as a man, which is so powerful. What really struck me was seeing him on red carpets – he’ll pair really intense makeup with these almost broken-down suits or edgy, punk-inspired outfits. It’s like he’s saying that clothes and makeup are their own thing, totally separate from who you are as a person. Honestly, every time he steps out, it’s a moment – pure drama and visually stunning. He’s a true artist.

Andreja Pejić

Andreja Pejić was a groundbreaking model who famously walked runways for both men’s and women’s collections, including those by renowned designers like Jean Paul Gaultier. She effortlessly moved between traditionally masculine and feminine styles on the red carpet, often wearing both tuxedos and wedding-style dresses. This ability to embody diverse looks made her a global star in the early 2010s and helped open doors for other transgender models in the high-fashion world. Her signature style has always been defined by sophistication and adaptability.

Alex Newell

Alex Newell is known for embracing bold, glamorous fashion. The ‘Glee’ star and Tony Award winner, celebrated for ‘Shucked’, frequently chooses striking gowns and dazzling jewelry for red carpet appearances. Newell confidently expresses themself through their style, rejecting expectations of traditional menswear. Their fashion choices reflect their powerful voice and captivating stage persona, demonstrating that non-binary style can be incredibly luxurious and reminiscent of classic Hollywood glamour.

Bella Ramsey

Bella Ramsey is quickly becoming a fashion role model for young people who like clothes that are both comfortable and fashionable. Known for their role in ‘The Last of Us,’ Ramsey often chooses tailored shorts suits or structured jackets for events. They focus on clothes that fit well and feel good, avoiding overly feminine or masculine styles. Working with stylists, Ramsey favors brands like Thom Browne, known for their precise and uniform-inspired designs. The result is a polished, professional look that authentically reflects their non-binary identity.

Bimini

Bimini Bon Boulash quickly became known on ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’ for their bold, punk-inspired take on drag and gender expression. They’re famous for daring, cutting-edge outfits – often revealing and made with unexpected materials like safety pins or sculpted plastic. Inspired by Vivienne Westwood, Bimini brings a rebellious British energy to everything they do. Their style is a striking mix of edgy grit and high fashion, and they’ve confidently showcased this on runways and at award shows, consistently challenging traditional ideas of glamour.

Mason Alexander Park

Mason Alexander Park consistently brings a darkly glamorous, rock-inspired style to the red carpet. Known for their role in ‘The Sandman,’ they often choose sheer, low-cut outfits that emphasize their unique look. Dramatic jewelry and smoky eye makeup complete their striking style. Park uses fashion as another way to express the fantastical characters they portray, proving that gender-fluid fashion can be both captivating and mysterious.

Nico Tortorella

Nico Tortorella has long been known for their gender-fluid style. The ‘Younger’ actor often chooses clothing like skirts and see-through tops, showcasing their many tattoos. For Tortorella, fashion isn’t about following rules, but about expressing themselves and their spirituality. They frequently work with LGBTQ+ designers to create unique, meaningful outfits. Their look is relaxed, artistic, and completely breaks away from traditional ideas about what men and women should wear.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez’s groundbreaking Golden Globe win as the first trans woman to receive the award is reflected in her powerful and stylish fashion choices. She consistently turns heads with both glamorous gowns and striking, confident looks like jumpsuits and capes. Rodriguez uses her red carpet appearances to confidently claim her place and demand recognition in an industry that hasn’t always included trans voices. She often chooses strong colors and sharp designs to project an image of strength, blending timeless elegance with a modern, powerful aesthetic.

Shea Couleé

Shea Couleé is a celebrated drag performer known for their incredibly creative and conceptual fashion choices. Identifying as non-binary, they use their visibility to highlight designs that blend futuristic African aesthetics with high fashion. Couleé is famous for wearing bold, uniquely shaped outfits that dramatically change their appearance. Every look is carefully thought out and draws inspiration from important moments in art and culture. Shea Couleé demonstrates that drag artists are at the forefront of fashion innovation.

2026-01-01 19:47