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In this file photo taken on June 28, 2019 a person holds a transgender pride flag as people gather on Christopher Street outside the Stonewall Inn for a rally to mark the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.
Transgender Day of Visibility was created to celebrate the lives of trans people. According to GLAAD, only 20% of Americans personally know a transgender person – meaning most learn about transgender people through the media. Here is a look at some of the most influential transgender figures representing the community through film, television, politics, and activism. AFP via Getty Images

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Lana and Lilly Wachowski have written, directed, and produced some of the most recognizable Hollywood films in the last 30 years. Their magnum opus was "The Matrix," which can be read as an allegory for trans experience. "The Matrix" won four Oscars and grossed over $466 million at the box office.
Lana and Lilly Wachowski have written, directed, and produced some of the most recognizable Hollywood films in the last 30 years. Their magnum opus was “The Matrix,” which can be read as an allegory for trans experience. “The Matrix” won four Oscars and grossed over $466 million at the box office. AP Photo/Noah Berger, Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP

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Laverne Cox first became a famous for her role of Sophia Burset in Netflix's "Orange is the New Black." She has since become one of the most outspoken LGBTQ advocates in media today.
Laverne Cox first became a famous for her role of Sophia Burset in Netflix’s “Orange is the New Black.” She has since become one of the most outspoken LGBTQ advocates in media today. AP

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Asia Kate Dillon became famous for their portrayal of Taylor Mason on "Billions" - the first nonbinary character on a major American TV show.
Asia Kate Dillon became famous for their portrayal of Taylor Mason on “Billions” – the first nonbinary character on a major American TV show. Charles Sykes/Invision/AP

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In 2018, Danica Roem became the first transgender person elected to any U.S. state legislature when she won a seat in Virginia's House of Delegates. Roem has since won reelection twice received national attention for her success.
In 2018, Danica Roem became the first transgender person elected to any U.S. state legislature when she won a seat in Virginia’s House of Delegates. Roem has since won reelection twice received national attention for her success. AP

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Elliot Page is perhaps the highest profile transgender man in Hollywood today. Already an established star, he came out in December 2020. He has since become the first trans man to appear on the cover of Time Magazine.
Elliot Page is perhaps the highest profile transgender man in Hollywood today. Already an established star, he came out in December 2020. He has since become the first trans man to appear on the cover of Time Magazine. Getty Images

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In November 2021, Michaela Jae Rodriguez made history when she became the first transgender woman to win an Emmy Award for Best Actress. Rodriguez won for her portrayal of Blanca Evangelista on FX's 'Pose,' a show that featured the largest transgender cast in history.
In November 2021, Michaela Jae Rodriguez made history when she became the first transgender woman to win an Emmy Award for Best Actress. Rodriguez won for her portrayal of Blanca Evangelista on FX’s ‘Pose,’ a show that featured the largest transgender cast in history. Michael Parmelee/FX

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A four star admiral, Dr. Rachel Levine rose to prominence as Pennsylvania's Secretary of Health during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021 she was nominated by President Joe Biden to become the nation's Assistant Secretary for Health, making her the highest ranking transgender individual in US government.
A four star admiral, Dr. Rachel Levine rose to prominence as Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Health during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021 she was nominated by President Joe Biden to become the nation’s Assistant Secretary for Health, making her the highest ranking transgender individual in US government. via REUTERS

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Jazz Jennings became nationally known as an articulate and outspoken transgender child through her YouTube channel and her TLC reality show, "I Am Jazz." Jennings has since become one of the most prominent voices for trans children and youth.
Jazz Jennings became nationally known as an articulate and outspoken transgender child through her YouTube channel and her TLC reality show, “I Am Jazz.” Jennings has since become one of the most prominent voices for trans children and youth. Kristina Bumphrey/StarPix

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Sarah McBride rose to national prominence as the press secretary for the Human Rights Campaign. In September 2020, she won her first election to the Delaware State Senate, making her the highest ranking transgender elected official.
Sarah McBride rose to national prominence as the press secretary for the Human Rights Campaign. In September 2020, she won her first election to the Delaware State Senate, making her the highest ranking transgender elected official. REUTERS

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