Jenna Talackova
Canadian model Jenna Talackova is one trans celebrity who made headlines and history by simply refusing to be erased thanks to her gender identity.
In 2012, Talackova competed in the Miss Universe Canada competition, only to be disqualified for being trans. Talackova wasn’t going to take this lying down, and engaged in a lengthy and highly publicized legal battle with the pageant organizers—and won!
After reentering the pageant, the inspirational star went on to win Miss Congeniality.
That same year, the model was named co-grand marshal of the 2012 Vancouver Pride Parade.
Janet Mock
Janet Mock was already a super successful and popular figure in the entertainment world before coming out as trans, having worked for many years as the staff editor for the iconic People magazine.
In 2011, Mock came out publicly as a trans woman with an exclusive and open article in Marie Claire magazine.
Since opening up to the public about her journey, Mock has gone on to become a high-profile advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, releasing a bestselling memoir of her experiences entitled Redefining Realness.