Even well-intentioned shows can fall into a pattern of depicting trans bodies only in crisis — being attacked, rejected, or killed. Pose balanced this with joy, but lesser productions use graphic violence as a stand-in for depth. Trans audiences have tired of “trauma porn” and now demand stories where trans characters hike, fall in love, get parking tickets, and fix their sinks — ordinary life, not tragedy.
Mexico’s La Casa de las Flores (2018–2020) featured a trans character, José María, played by trans actor Paco León. Brazil’s telenovelas, such as Amor de Mãe, have included trans actresses like Luh Maza. Argentina’s film The Queen of Fear (2018) includes a nuanced trans supporting role.
Trans representation is not a purely Western phenomenon, though access and acceptance vary dramatically.
Laverne Cox’s portrayal of Sophia Burset in Orange Is the New Black (2013–2019) was a watershed moment. Cox, a Black trans woman, played a nuanced, witty, vulnerable, and resilient character. She became the first openly trans person to be nominated for an Emmy in an acting category. Importantly, her storylines included joy — relationships, professional pride, humor — not just victimization. Cox became a media powerhouse, appearing on the cover of Time magazine and speaking before Congress. Tranny Xxx
The streaming revolution changed everything. Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and OnlyFans allowed trans creators to bypass Hollywood gatekeepers.
We are now seeing the rise of "Tranny Aesthetics" —a term used by trans artists like Arca, Hunter Schafer, and producers on Pose to describe a specific high-gloss, chaotic, hyper-digital vibe.
Today's trans entertainment is characterized by: Even well-intentioned shows can fall into a pattern
The early 2000s saw transgender characters appear almost exclusively in comedies as the butt of the joke. Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994) climaxes with a scene where the male protagonist discovers the villain is a trans woman, leading to disgust and mock vomiting. The Hangover (2009) features a scene in which the characters wake up next to a trans woman and react with horror. These moments trained audiences to see trans identity as inherently ridiculous or repulsive.
We have officially left the era of "special episodes." Transness is no longer the plot twist; it is a character detail.
Television: Pose (FX) was the watershed moment. For the first time, a mainstream show featured a majority trans cast, directed by trans women (Janet Mock). Orange is the New Black (Laverne Cox) and Euphoria (Hunter Schafer) further normalized the complexity of trans life. Mexico’s La Casa de las Flores (2018–2020) featured
Music Videos: The "hyperpop" genre, led by 100 gecs, SOPHIE (RIP), and Dorian Electra, has created a visual language that is intentionally "trashy" and digital—reclaiming the underground VHS aesthetic as high art.
Reality TV: While controversial, the inclusion of trans contestants on RuPaul’s Drag Race (Gottmik) and Big Brother (Kyland) has moved the needle on casual visibility.