Life

A thread about older celebrities went viral because people didn’t know they were all trans women

From actresses and models to innovators and politicians, these women laid the groundwork for the modern trans movement.
By
Miss Major in a colorful dress
Miss Major at 2014's San Francisco Pride Photo: Wikipedia

A thread highlighting trans women in old age went viral over the weekend, with users celebrating their lives and achievements. Even more exciting, many people had no clue that the celebrities were transgender and were awed by the realization that trans people have always existed.

From actresses and models to innovators and politicians, these women laid the groundwork for the modern trans movement at a time when going stealth was more common.

Related:

The top 70 famous transgender people you should know

Despite great personal hardship, many transgender people have done great things with their professional careers. Here are the ones you need to know right now.

“Like many trans people who predate the current era,” one user responded. “They existed. They are part of history.”

“It’s very reassuring that while not at all publicized, we do have elders who are/were alive that existed,” another added.

“Wow I never knew of any of these beautiful ladies! I know that trans people have existed for a long time (probably forever) but I never knew any names,” another chimed in.

One ally highlighted how the thread had lifted them too.

“Love this,” they said. “As a recovering addict, part of the solidarity I feel with trans people is the devastation that comes from knowing how few of you successfully make it to old age, regardless of the reason. It gives me hope to see this, and I hope that it gives some to my trans crew 2”

But even more powerfully, several users rejoiced in the hope the thread gave them.

“Thank you for showing what I have to look forward to. I am so privileged to have been born in the 1990s and transition in my 20s,” one woman responded. “I’m not sure if I would have been strong enough to do it in the 50s or 60s. We deserve to have complete lives and live to our old age.”

Don't forget to share:

Good News is your section for queer joy! Subscribe to our newsletter to get the most positive and fun stories from the site delivered to your inbox every weekend. Send us your suggestions for uplifiting and inspiring stories.

Discover more


Life
Black transgender women Christine Jorgensen Good News QUEER HISTORY Trans history transgender celebrities transgender history transgender women Transgender women of color

Support vital LGBTQ+ journalism

Reader contributions help keep LGBTQ Nation free, so that queer people get the news they need, with stories that mainstream media often leaves out. Can you contribute today?

Once Monthly Annually

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated

Influential anti-LGBTQ+ Christian activist caught admitting secret plan to defund public schools

Previous article

Libs of TikTok posts lead to bomb threats against public schools

Next article

More on LGBTQ Nation