Happy Women’s Day 2025: 10 trans women who transformed the world

This Women’s Day, we celebrate the strength, courage, and achievements of transgender women who have broken barriers and paved the way for a more inclusive world. From sports and politics to media and activism, these incredible women have made history and inspired change.

Their journeys haven’t been easy. Many have faced criticism, rejection, and struggles, but they never gave up. By following their dreams and standing up for their rights, they have shown the world that gender should never limit what a person can achieve.

As we reflect on progress in gender equality, it’s important to recognize those who had to fight just to be seen and heard. These ten remarkable trans women prove that representation matters and that with determination, anything is possible.

ShabiShabi made history as India’s first transgender soldier in the military. She initially joined the Marine Engineering Department of the Eastern Naval Command and later underwent gender confirmation surgery in 2016. After the surgery, she returned to duty in Visakhapatnam, breaking barriers for transgender people in the armed forces. Her journey highlights the importance of representation in the military and proves that transgender individuals can achieve anything.

Shon Faye has emerged as one of the leading voices advocating for transgender rights in the UK. Her book, The Transgender Issue: An Argument for Justice, released in 2021, delves into the struggles faced by transgender people, including social inequalities, housing instability, and violence. Her work continues to be a driving force in educating and advocating for better rights and opportunities for transgender people.

Laurel Hubbard, a weightlifter from New Zealand, made history as one of the first openly transgender athletes to compete in the Olympics. Though her participation faced criticism, she stayed focused on her journey. Her decision to compete on such a big stage was a huge moment for transgender athletes around the world, showing that they belong in international sports.

Tashnuva Anan Shishir

In 2021, Tashnuva Anan Shishir became Bangladesh’s first known transgender newsreader. She moved to Dhaka to study public health and faced many rejections before finally getting a chance with Boishakhi TV. Her first appearance on screen was not just a personal achievement but also an important step in giving more visibility to transgender people in the media.

Dr. Rachel Levine

Dr. Rachel Levine made history as the first openly transgender person confirmed by the U.S. Senate for a federal position. In 2021, she was appointed as the Assistant Secretary for Health, playing a key role in national health policies during the pandemic. Later that year, she also became the first transgender person to be sworn in as a four-star admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service. Her achievements mark an important step toward greater inclusion in leadership roles.

Christine Jorgensen

Christine Jorgensen made headlines in 1952 as the first person in the U.S. to publicly undergo gender confirmation surgery. After traveling to Denmark for the procedure, Jorgensen’s return to the U.S. was met with widespread media attention. Instead of shying away from the public eye, Jorgensen embraced it, even performing as a nightclub singer. Her courage and visibility helped pave the way for future generations of transgender people to live authentically.

Roberta Cowell

Roberta Cowell led an extraordinary life as one of the first openly transgender women in the UK. A former Grand Prix racing driver and a pilot who served in World War II, Cowell’s accomplishments in male-dominated fields were groundbreaking. She transitioned later in life and became an advocate for transgender people, showing that gender identity should never limit a person’s career or ambitions.

Karla Sofía Gascón

Karla Sofía Gascón recently made history by becoming the first openly transgender actress to be nominated for an Academy Award. Gascón’s role in Emilia Pérez, where she portrayed a transgender drug lord, brought her significant recognition. She reflected on her achievements, saying that her work was part of a collective movement to increase transgender visibility in film. Her nomination not only changed the landscape for transgender actors but also broke new ground in Hollywood.

Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera

Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera were two important figures in LGBTQ+ history. They played a big role in the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, which helped start the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. After that, they co-founded STAR House, the first shelter for homeless transgender youth. Their activism still inspires people today, as they fought for LGBTQ+ rights and stood up for the most marginalized, especially transgender people of color.

Prithika Yashini

Prithika Yashini overcame significant odds to become India’s first transgender police officer. Despite facing an initial setback when she failed a physical exam by a single mark, Yashini fought for a re-evaluation, ultimately passing the exam with exceptional results. Her persistence in pursuing this career against all odds is a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience, especially in professions where transgender individuals are rarely seen.

Courtesy: Times of India

Note: This news is originally published on https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights.