Coming out as transgender History Timeline and Biographies

1952

Christine Jorgensen's Transition

Christine Jorgensen became one of the first widely known transgender women in the United States after undergoing sex reassignment surgery in Denmark. Her public coming out brought significant media attention and raised awareness about transgender issues.

1966

Compton's Cafeteria Riot

The Compton's Cafeteria Riot in San Francisco was one of the first recorded transgender riots in the United States. It marked a significant moment in transgender activism and the fight for rights and recognition.

1972

First Transgender Person Elected to Public Office

In 1972, Nancy Wechsler came out as transgender while serving on the Ann Arbor City Council, making her one of the first openly transgender elected officials in the United States.

1993

Brandon Teena's Story

The tragic story of Brandon Teena, a transgender man who was murdered in Nebraska, brought national attention to the violence faced by transgender individuals. His story was later depicted in the film "Boys Don't Cry."

1999

Establishment of Transgender Day of Remembrance

Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) was founded in 1999 by Gwendolyn Ann Smith to honor the memory of transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence.

2002

Transgender Inclusion in the Human Rights Campaign

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), one of the largest LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations in the United States, formally included transgender issues in its mission and advocacy work.

2006

Jazz Jennings' Public Coming Out

Jazz Jennings, a young transgender girl, publicly came out at the age of six. She later became a prominent advocate for transgender youth and starred in the reality TV series "I Am Jazz."

2013

Chelsea Manning's Announcement

Chelsea Manning, a former U.S. Army intelligence analyst, publicly came out as transgender after being sentenced to prison for leaking classified documents. Her case highlighted issues of transgender rights within the military and prison systems.

2014

Laverne Cox's Emmy Nomination

Laverne Cox became the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for her role in the TV series "Orange Is the New Black." Her visibility brought significant attention to transgender issues in the media.

2015

Caitlyn Jenner's Public Transition

Caitlyn Jenner, a former Olympic athlete, publicly came out as transgender in a highly publicized interview with Diane Sawyer. Her transition brought mainstream attention to transgender issues and sparked widespread conversations.

2016

Obama Administration's Transgender Rights Guidance

The Obama administration issued guidance directing public schools to allow transgender students to use bathrooms and locker rooms that correspond with their gender identity, a significant step towards recognizing transgender rights in education.

2017

Danica Roem Elected to Virginia House of Delegates

Danica Roem became the first openly transgender person elected to a U.S. state legislature, winning a seat in the Virginia House of Delegates. Her election was a milestone for transgender political representation.

2018

India Recognizes Transgender Rights

India's Supreme Court ruled in favor of transgender rights, recognizing transgender people as a third gender and affirming their rights to self-identify and receive government benefits.

2020

Supreme Court Ruling on Title VII

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Civil Rights Act of 1964's Title VII protections against sex discrimination also apply to discrimination based on gender identity, a landmark decision for transgender rights in the workplace.

2021

Elliot Page's Public Coming Out

Actor Elliot Page publicly came out as transgender, becoming one of the most high-profile celebrities to do so. His announcement was widely covered and celebrated, contributing to greater visibility and acceptance of transgender individuals.

2023

First Transgender Flag Raised at U.S. Capitol

In 2023, the transgender pride flag was raised at the U.S. Capitol for the first time, symbolizing recognition and support for the transgender community at the highest levels of government.