HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 27: Elliot Page attends the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland on March 27, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)
Cover HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 27: Elliot Page attends the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland on March 27, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)

Staying true to yourself is an act of courage and self-love that inspires many of us, and we have these transgender icons to look up to

As the world continues to celebrate the different gender identities and the significance of each one, the need for proper representation comes to light. In an attempt to change society with embedded principles, we must work together to create a diverse, understanding, and welcoming culture.

And these transgender icons are getting us there with their brilliance and courage:

Angie Mead King

The sky is the limit for Angie Mead King. Even after coming out as transgender, she has never allowed her gender to limit her from pursuing different passions. Besides being a car enthusiast and race driver, King is also a self-avowed beekeeper and farmer.

In 2019, King and her wife expressed support for the SOGIE bill by encouraging more people to understand its aim, which she said is to "protect the rights and welfare of everyone against discrimination".

Laverne Cox

In an interview promoting the documentary Disclosure, Laverne Cox has spoken up about how the film industry has influenced how people view transgender people. "What most Americans learn about trans people, they learn from the media. And if you look at the history, which is what Disclosure does. . .we can begin to see why there's so much violence, stigma, and discrimination against trans people. Because of these representations that have existed since the beginning of film," explains Cox.

See also: SOGIE Equality Bill: Everything You Need To Know—Supporters, Origins, And More

Fans of Cox know that she does not merely fight for the trans community as a whole, but the actress has also tried shedding light on the representation of transgender people from the working class.

Staying true to her advocacy, the Emmy-nominated actress has only taken up significant roles such as Sophia Burset in Orange is the New Black, Frank N Furter in the 2016 adaptation of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and Gail in the award-winning film Promising Young Woman. She has also made history as the first transgender woman to appear on the cover of Time Magazine

Geraldine Roman

Representative Geraldine Roman, the First District Congresswoman of Bataan, has always fought for equality. She has emulated the respect, understanding, and love that her father had shown her growing up towards those around her regardless of gender or class.

See also: Breaking Barriers: Rep. Geraldine Roman On Public Service And Overcoming Challenges

Roman encourages all to take pride in their identity. In an interview with Tatler, she says, "Be yourselves. Don't be ashamed of who you truly are, and be your best selves. It all begins with being true to one's self. Authenticity. Once you learn to truly love yourself, you'll be very happy."

 

Elliot Page

Elliot Page's transition stunned the world. Despite this, the actor took pride in his identity and opened up about how he's living a happier life. Frankly, Page's story serves as a testament that it's never wrong to choose happiness.

Moreover, The Umbrella Academy star pushes for better—if not more optimistic—trans representation in media, saying he wishes to see "trans people [get] to be people" instead of focusing on storylines about trauma or violence. After all, Page has admitted that he's felt his happiest after being true to himself.

Indya Moore

Actress Indya Moore has incredible style and spunk. She has captured our hearts as Angel Evangelista in the dance musical Pose. But many admire the singer-actress's passion for activism—fighting for the discriminated and marginalised. 

Moore also wishes for the same opportunities in the film industry. "I think we just wanna, like, tell stories that aren't always specifically about our experience as trans people. We want to tell stories that really investigate what it is to be human beings and have those experiences with love, with family," relates Moore in an interview with MTV.

NOW READ

Pride And Equality: The Plight Of The Filipino LGBTQ+

5 LGBTQ+ Groups You Can Support This Pride Month 2022

10 Asian LGBTQ+ Movies to Watch in Pride Month 2022