As people are becoming more comfortable with expressing their own gender identity, we’re seeing a rise in actors who are publicly disclosing their own journeys. Some, like Elliot Page, are proudly transgender. Others are helping to buck the notion that there are only two genders by coming out as nonbinary. Let’s take some time to these figures who have made this big internal discovery.
Gender Terminology
Before we talk about gender and the impact of actors who come out as non-binary, let’s go over some terminology. Be aware that gender is a complicated and personal thing. Each person has a view of their own gender that is developed based on their personal experiences, beliefs, and culture. Additionally, what we know about gender is evolving. Definitions will change over time. New terms will become part of our vernacular. Also, the words and phrases people use may vary from culture to culture or region to region.
Gender Fluid
This is the concept that gender is not fixed for all people. A person’s sense of their own gender may evolve over time. Additionally, someone may see their gender as something that fluctuates along a spectrum.
Nonbinary
Nonbinary or non-binary refers to a gender identity that is neither male or female. A person who is non-binary may see themselves as somewhere between these two binaries, as a third gender, or no gender at all. Some words and phrases that fall under the umbrella of non-binary include:
- Trigender
- Demiboy
- Demigirl
- Genderqueer
- Bigender
- Agender
- Gender fluid
People who are non-binary often use they/them or other gender neutral pronouns. However, someone can use gendered pronouns and still be non-binary. Remember that each non-binary individual is a complex person who will express their gender identity in a different way.
Transgender
A person is transgender if they do not identify with the gender they were assigned at birth. For example, if someone is a transgender woman they were assigned male at birth but are a woman. A non-binary person may identify as transgender, but this varies from one person to the next.
Gender Expression
Gender expression refers to the ways in which a person outwardly expresses their gender. A person’s choice in clothing, hairstyle, movement, and manner of speaking can all be a part of this expression.
Gender Nonconforming
Not all people are interested in dressing, moving, or behaving in ways that align with social standards of gender. This doesn’t mean they are trans people or non-binary. They may or may not be. This phrase simply refers to the act of defying gendered social norms. For example, a cisgender man may choose to dress completely femme presenting. A masc lesbian might exude masculine energy, but identify as 100% woman.
Gender Neutral
This refers to objects, words, and concepts that are not gendered. For example, gender neutral clothing is designed to be worn by men, women, and non-binary people.
Gender Binary
This is the outdated concept that there are two genders that are based on the sexual categories of female and male.
Gender Spectrum
This is a more updated concept of gender in which people may identify themselves along an identity spectrum. Many who are non-binary feel as though they are somewhere between the male or female ends of the spectrum.
Why Should We Care About Non-Binary Celebrities?
When a celebrity makes a public statement about their gender-identity or sexuality, reactions vary. Critics accuse them of attention seeking, using privilege to center themselves in discussions of social issues, or just talking about things that should be left private. While concerns about centering stories based on a person’s public notoriety may have some validity, it’s a good thing when celebs stand up and identify as trans or non-binary.
When celebrities come out as non-binary or gender fluid, that has the potential to draw attention to issues relating to identity and push society to a broader understanding of what gender is. Gender is inherently complex and expands beyond traditional binary labels of male or female. When a public figure embraces the non-binary label they help to break barriers. This challenges the status quo and makes it safer for other trans people to live authentically.
Consider British actor Asia Kate Dillon who is the first non-binary actor to play a character who is also non-binary on a major show. Their work and willingness to be open about who they are pushed boundaries and made room for diverse identities. The same could be said for Sam Smith, a performer who is openly non-binary, and has talked about having both feminine energy and masculine energy.
When non-binary characters are played by non-binary actors, a sense of authenticity results. For example, Ruby Rose and her role in Batwoman. These portrayals show that being a “girlish boy” or “boyish girl” or something in between can be a part of a complex character. There are so many depths to explore and this shows that each person is more than just the label society assigns to them.
It’s a bit exciting to see young actors being featured on MTV News or in Teen Vogue representing their non-binary identities. They resonate with younger audiences, who are more accepting than ever before, and validate all the trans people who feel underrepresented. Some like American actor Live Hewson of Santa Clarita Diet really resonate with Gen-Z. They combine being open about their identity with humor and relatability.
Actors and celebrities coming out as trans or non-binary can create important cultural moments. Often these have intersectional impacts. For example, a black actress identifying as non-binary or a drag queen defying stereotypes that queens are gay men. All of this normalizes the entire point of gender’s fluid nature.
It is “scary af” to have a breakthrough moment and identify publicly as non-binary. Celebrities who come out as transgender or non-binary make it easier for others to live authentically. While every performer can make an impact, the youngest non binary actors can make younger, gender-diverse people feel seen and validated.
Celebrities Who Have Shared Their Own Identity as Non-Binary
Let’s take a look at some actors who identify outside of the gender binary. These are folks who are breaking barriers and inspiring people to stop self loathing and live as their authentic selves.
Jonathan Van Ness (He/She/They)
Jonathan has stated that the older he gets the more he feels as if they are non binary. Gender is a fluid state for them as some days they feel like a woman and other days they feel more like a man. It’s more complex than feeling like you’re a lil bit girl lil bit boy lil bit neither, but that’s the beauty of the gender spectrum. Johnathan has stated that he does prefer he/him pronouns, but that he wants to fully embrace the title of being non binary.
He’s also said that he felt as if he always had to conform to the label of gay man, because he didn’t realize he was allowed to have other identities in addition to that.
What Have They Been in?
- Queer Eye
Jonathan is the grooming, and hair expert on this Netflix reboot of “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy”. - Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness
A podcast that is hosted by Van Ness in which various topics are discussed. - Big City Greens
Jonathan offers his voice for a role as a hairdresser in this popular animated series.
Janelle Monáe (She/Her, They/Them)
Janelle Monáe is one of the youngest nonbinary actors making an impact in Hollywood. She is known for being a multi-talented, very complex person who has made a creative impact in music and film. Janelle is also known for her activism. They have been on the cover of Out Magazine and spoken candidly about their identity in interviews. Janelle Monáe serves as an inspiration to black women who are often ignored in narratives about gender. She famously retweeted the Steven Universe meme “Are you a Boy or Girl” because it resonated with her own experiences. Janelle uses different pronouns because they align with her identity. They have described feeling both masculine and feminine energy.
What Have They Been in?
- Moonlight
She played Theresa in this 2016 film
- Hidden Figures
Janelle Monáe played Mary Jackson in this film about black women contributing to NASAs space program despite being hindered by racism.
- Glass Onion: Knives Out
Here, Janelle Monáe played twins Andi and Helen Brand in this critically-acclaimed comedy.
Cara Delevingne (They/Them She/Her)
Cara Delevingne is an actress, model, and activist. She began her career in the fashion world, but quickly used her talents to make her mark in other areas. Known for her intense personality and wit, she is a staple on social media and in the entertainment scene.
What Have They Been in?
- Suicide Squad
She plays Enchantress in the adaptation of the DC Comics classic. Her character is a witch with a sinister agenda.
- Paper Towns
In this movie based on a John Green novel, Delevingne plays Margo Roth Spiegelman. Her character is a mysterious and rebellious teen.
- Only Murders in The Building
Delevingne joined Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez in this popular and critically praised comedy mystery series.
- Carnival Row
Delevingne starred opposite Orlando Bloom in this show about a detective and a fairy.
- Valerian And The City of a Thousand Planets
Cara starred as Laureline in a sci-fi adventure known for its cinematic beauty.
Amandla Stenberg (She/They)
26 year old Amandla Stenberg began acting in 2011. She is also a vocal queer activist, and intersectional feminist. Stenberg came out as non-binary in 2016. In 2015, they were named Feminist of The Year by Ms. Magazine.
What Have They Been in?
- The Hunger Games
Stenberg played Rue in the film adaptation of the famous novel.
- The Hate U Give
Amandla was featured in this well-received coming of age drama.
- Spiderman: Across The Spider Verse
Here she used her voice acting talents to portray Margo Kess AKA Spider Byte, a Spiderman from a virtual universe.
Ruby Rose (They/She)
Ruby Rose is an actor and model who identifies as pansexual and gender fluid. She began her career in Australia as an MTV VJ. Eventually she moved into acting playing critically acclaimed roles in a number of films. She is known for breaking barriers with her message that gender and sexuality are fluid things, and encouraging more openness and acceptance within the queer community. One of Rose’s first roles was in the short film Break Free.
What Have They Been in?
- John Wick: Chapter 2
Rose played Ares in the second film of the popular Keanu Reeves vehicle.
- The Megg
She played Jax Herd in this popular film. This sci-fi action flick also featured Rainn Wilson
- Rose made a big impact playing Stella Carlin, and won a Screen Actors Guild award.
Asia Kate Dillon (They/Them)
Asia Kate Dillon is an actor, director, and producer based in NYC. They identify as non-binary, and pansexual. They are politically active, and have participated in anti racist and feminist movements. They were assigned female at birth, but eventually changed their pronouns. As part of their process of coming out, they began seeking out auditions as a non-binary actor.
What Have They Been in?
- Billions
Dillon started playing Taylor Mason in a recurring role. Later, they became the main character.
- The Outside Story
They played Inez in this 2020 comedy drama alongside Bryan Tyree Henry.
- Gen:Lock
Dillon was featured in this animated, sci-fi web series about a dystopian future
Sara Ramirez (They/Them)
“In me is the capacity to be Girlish boy Boyish girl Boyish boy Girlish girl All Neither #nonbinary” – Sara Ramirez
Sara Ramirez was born in Mexico and received their BFA from Juilliard. They came out as bisexual and then nonbinary, and began using they/them pronouns. They have played a bisexual and non-binary character in And Just Like That, and Madam Secretary. Ramirez has been a long-time supporter of queer causes, winning the Ally For Equality award from the Human Rights Campaign.
What Have They Been In
- Grey’s Anatomy
Ramirez portrayed fan favorite Calliope Torres in the long-running medical drama.
- Velma
Sara Ramirez voices the role of Amber in this animated take on Scooby Doo centered on the character Velma.
- Sofia The First
They provided the voice for Queen Miranda in this popular, animated children’s television series.
- And Just Like That
Ramirez played Che Diaz in this comedy drama that served as both a reboot and sequel to Sex in The City.
Jack Haven (They/Them)
Both queer and nonbinary, Haven is an actor and activist most known for starring in the series Atypical. They are also involved in activism. they mentioned they and been “rly putting this off” when it comes to opening up about their identity.
“I’m non-binary, always felt like a lil bit boy, lil bit girl, lil bit neither.” – Haven as retweeted from a Them interview on Twitter.
What Have They Been In
- I Saw The TV Glow
They played Maddy in this queer-themed, experimental horror film that was released in 2024.
- Bombshell
This docudrama follows several women who sought to expose Fox News exec Roger Ailes for sexual harassment.
- Action Point
They played Four-Finger Annie in this slapstick comedy starring Johnny Knoxville and Chris Pontius
Emma Corrin (She/They/Them)
“She was so openhearted to everything and explored so much,” Corrin said. “I feel like Diana helped me explore so many depths of myself and really do a big internal discovery of what I was feeling about everything because she was a very complex person.” – Emma Corrin
British actor Emma Corrin began their film career in 2017, playing the role of Mica in Cesare. They came out as queer and eventually began using gender-neutral pronouns.
What Have They Been in?
- The Crown
A Netflix series in which Emma portrayed Princess Diana. The role of Princess Diana helped them to come out as a non binary person. - My Policeman
A co-star of Harry Styles, Emma plays Marion Taylor in this series. - Deadpool and Wolverine
Emma takes on the role of a villain as Mr. X’s deadly twin sister, Cassandra Nova
Other Figures Who Have Come Out With Their Own Gender Identity
There are so many public figures who are living authentically as themselves. Here’s a list of a few who are worth getting to know.
- Sam Smith – An award winning singer who is queer and nonbinary, Sam Smith is a groundbreaker
- Rae Spoon – Writer director and producer who lived as a trans man before coming out as non-binary
- Indya Moore – Nonbinary actor and model who portrayed Linda Evangelista
- Lachlan Watson – Stage and screen actor who identifies as nonbinary
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