Alex Blue Davis-Grey's Anatomy

Transgender actor Alex Blue Davis has a recurring role as a doctor on "Grey's Anatomy." (COURTESY OF ABC)

For years, transgender characters in mainstream media have been played by actors who are cisgender — people whose gender identity matches the sex that they were assigned at birth.

Having actors with name recognition like Jared Leto in “Dallas Buyers Club,” Eddie Redmayne in “The Danish Girl” or Jeffrey Tambor in the series “Transparent” helped to sell these films and series to mainstream audiences. These performances drew attention to a group of people who are largely misunderstood and often demonized.

Laverne Cox-Orange is the New Black

Trans actor Laverne Cox as Sophia in "Orange is the New Black." (COURTESY OF NETFLIX)

Candis Cayne-Grey's Anatomy

Trans actor Candis Cayne (left) as a doctor requesting an experimental vaginoplasty, with Jesse Williams and Debbie Allen in "Grey's Anatomy." (COURTESY OF ABC)

Lachlan Watson-Sabrina

Non-binary actor Lachlan Watson plays Theo, one of teenage witch Sabrina's friend in "The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina." (COURTESY OF NETFLIX)

Nicole Maines-Supergirl

Trans actors Nicole Maines as Nia Nal/Dreamer, television's first transgender superhero, in "Supergirl." (COURTESY OF CW)

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