Six Transgender Influencers You Should Follow Right Now

Happy Trans Day of Visibility!

If you weren't previously aware, today is Trans Day of Visibility. It's a day for people across the globe to celebrate the transgender community and to challenge the discrimination that trans people face worldwide.

This year at Student Edge, we wanted to highlight some of the most influential internet personalities that are worth following on social media, so you can continue to learn more about the experiences of trans people.

Here's who you should follow:

1. AJ Clementine @ajclementine_

AJ Clementine is an Aussie content creator most known for her LGBTQIA+ advocacy on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.

Her content details her experience, struggles and how to stand up against transphobia or hateful comments. In particular, her YouTube channel follows her along a lot of her transitional journey, even throughout surgeries.

Her advocacy efforts have helped her become one of the largest transgender voices in Australia. She has now worked with Sportsgirl on their ‘Be That Girl’ campaign and modelled for BONDS underwear.

You can follow AJ on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram.

2. Jamie Raines @jammi.dodger

Jamie Raines is a British YouTuber who has been creating content on the platform since 2012.

Throughout his journey, Jamie has shared his experience with hormone replacement therapy, physical changes and surgeries.

Now, most of Jamie’s content focuses on trans visibility and education. He often talks openly to viewers about tough topics and answers uncomfortable questions, ultimately helping other young people to learn about the trans experience.

You can follow Jamie on YouTube or Instagram.

3. Grace Hyland @grace.hylandd

Grace Hyland is another Aussie influencer that is currently making waves online with her LGBTQIA+ focused content on TikTok.

She only started out on TikTok last year when Sydney first went into coronavirus lockdown.

Now with a following of 165.1k on the app, Grace entertains her audience with her fashion, humour and trans focused content.

Back in January her and her father were featured in an interview with Lisa Wilkinson on The Project, detailing her coming out story and how her family came to accept her transition.

You can follow Grace on TikTok and Instagram.

4. Courtney Act @courtneyact

We're back at it again with another Aussie.

Courtney Act or Shane Gilberto Jenek is an Australian drag queen, singer and TV personality. While they are more of a traditional celebrity, they’re just too inspirational to leave off this list.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Courtney Act (@courtneyact)

Courtney was discovered when they auditioned for the first season of Australian Idol in 2003 and later went on to release their own music, compete as the first LGBTQIA+ contestant in Celebrity Big Brother UK and was one of the runners-up in season six of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Courtney Act is non-binary but goes by both male and female binary pronouns as well as they/them pronouns.

Instagram is where you’ll find the most of Courtney. They often share podcast snippets and makeup videos.

You can follow Courtney Act on Instagram or listen to their podcast “Brenda, Call Me” on Spotify and Apple Music.

5. Chella Man @chellaman

Chella Man is an American YouTuber, actor, model and activist. He is known for his open expression about his genderqueer journey and being a trans person who is also deaf and a Jewish person of colour.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Chella Man (@chellaman)

In 2019, Chella starred in the second season of the DC Universe series Titans as the superhero Jericho, and is very vocal about trans advocacy on his Instagram.

You can follow Chella on Instagram and YouTube.

6. ALOK @alokvmenon

ALOK or Alock Vaid-Menon is an American writer, performer and content creator.

They are popular for their activism beyond the gender binary and de-gendering fashion and fashion stereotypes.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by ALOK (they/them) (@alokvmenon)

ALOK’s advocacy efforts have landed them 629k followers on Instagram where they highlight the gender-affirming legislation and transgender advocacy.

They were also featured to speak on fashion's genderless future at the Business of Fashion voices (#BoFVOICES) in 2019.

You can follow ALOK on Instagram.

Now that you have a few more amazing influencers up your sleeve, take today to watch, listen or read their content and raise up trans voices.

Header Image: Facebook (@ajclementine) & Instagram (@jammi.dodger)