It’s been a hard year for the community but these moments of visibility served up some much needed joy
BY NIC CROSARA, IMAGE VIA INSTAGRAM (@HOORAYMAE)
It’s been a challenging year for the trans community. In a world that is set on kicking the community down, these glorious moments of trans visibility certainly sparked some much needed joy. We have a long way to go in our fight for a better future. This year has proven how important representation and being seen and heard is. We need to listen to trans voices and we need to see trans celebrities being celebrated. I hope 2023 will be kinder to the community.
There were some celebratory firsts…
Michaela Jaé Rodriguez started 2022 with a herstory making bang. She became the first trans actor to win at the Golden Globes for her work in the groundbreaking show Pose. Michaela celebrated her win on an Instagram post where the caption read: “…This is a door that is going to open the door for many more young talented individuals. They will see that it is more than possible…”
And within the same month, Munroe Bergdorf became the first trans woman to feature on the cover of Cosmopolitan UK. Munroe being the cover star for the magazine’s 50th anniversary issue was a wonderful moment for trans visibility. The model and activist celebrated this milestone on Instagram writing: “…I may be the first trans woman to feature on the cover of @cosmopolitanuk, but I certainly won’t be the last…”
Yasmin Finney changing the world one role at a time
Back in April, Netflix’s Heartstopper premiered and touched the lives of so many LGBTQIA viewers through its presentation of queer and trans joy. Yasmin Finney instantly became a fan favourite through her portrayal of Elle Argent. She was even praised at the House Of Commons for her life saving trans representation. And within a month of Heartstopper’s release, it was announced that Yasmin would be joining the Doctor Who universe as Rose. Aged 19, Yasmin Finney has already changed the world, and she’s showing no signs of slowing down either. I’m excited to see what she brings to us in 2023 and beyond.
Vico Ortiz in Our Flag Means Death
Back in March, Our Flag Means Death premiered in the US and instantly became everyone’s new favourite obsession. A highlight of the show for me was Jim, a non-binary swashbuckling pirate played by the iconic Vico Ortiz. At the start of Pride month, it was announced that the show had been renewed for a second season, suffice to say, I’m desperate for more.
Getting introduced to Viktor Hargreeves in The Umbrella Academy
Between the release of the second and third season of Netflix’s The Umbrella Academy, Elliot Page publicly came out as trans. Showrunner Steve Blackman revealed that the writers would tweak the series following Elliot’s transition. When Viktor reintroduces himself to his siblings and they ask who Viktor is, he simply replies: “I am. It’s who I’ve always been.” In a later scene with his sister Alison he tells her, “You know I always hated mirrors? Thought everybody looked so strange in their skin … I guess that’s not true.” Viktor’s arc in the third season was very touching and helped those with trans loved ones gain a better understanding of our experiences.
This handsome photo of Mae Martin and Elliot Page basically broke the internet
When Mae Martin posted this snap of them suited and booted with Elliot by their side, fans went wild. The picture was taken before the 2022 LACMA Art + Film Gala and both actors look handsome AF. Many celebs swooned over the post in the comment section. Munroe Bergdorg called the photo “TOO MUCH” and Jameela Jamil added “Oh my god so hot”. Followers swooned over the dapper picture and demanded to know if this duo were dating and were clearly very much hoping that they were.
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