7 TV Shows with Trans Masc/Trans Male characters to Watch Right Now

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Seeing yourself on screen matters. For trans people, it's been a long wait. For decades, we've barely shown up in pop culture, and when we did, it was often wrong. So when you spot someone like you on TV, it hits. It's affirming, and it gives the whole community role models we can actually point to.

Things have gotten better in the last few years, but trans representation still has a long way to go. Trans men, Trans-masc and Non-binary folks are still pretty much invisible on TV. Other than maybe Elliott Page, most Trans male and Trans masc actors aren't household names. And trans characters still get flattened into stereotypes or tossed in as tokens. They rarely get the room to grow into full, three-dimensional people. That's why we want to shout out the few shows that are getting it right.

So here are seven TV shows with major Trans Male, Trans masc or Non-Binary characters. These shows let their Trans characters be complicated, messy, and real. They also give trans actors and creators some much-needed screen time. When we watch and support these shows, we help make room for more trans stories on TV, and we make sure our community gets a say in pop culture.

 

1. Paul Strickland - 9-1-1: Lonestar

"9-1-1: Lone Star" is a Fox show about a team of first responders in Austin, Texas. The show follows the lives of police officers, firefighters, and paramedics as they tackle emergencies, both big and small. One of the main characters is Brian Michael Smith's character, Paul Strickland. Paul is a transgender man and a firefighter with the Austin Fire Department.

Brian Michael Smith plays Paul with a lot of care, and he brings something fresh to the show. Paul is a strong, skilled firefighter. He also deals with the pushback and discrimination that come with being a trans man in a job that's long been run by cis guys. Even so, Paul is set on proving himself and pulling his weight on the team. He is also a supportive and caring friend to his fellow firefighters, and his relationships with the other characters are a highlight of the show.

All in all, "9-1-1: Lone Star" is a heart-pounding drama with strong acting and storylines that keep you hooked. Brian Michael Smith makes Paul feel real, and Paul stands out in a cast full of talent.

 

2. Viktor Hargreeves - Umbrella Academy

"The Umbrella Academy" is a 2019 Netflix series based on the comic book series by Gerard Way. It follows seven superpowered children, born on the same day to mothers who showed no signs of pregnancy. These “siblings” were all adopted by and trained by billionaire Sir Reginald Hargreeves to use their abilities for good. 

After Hargreeves' death, the estranged siblings are brought together by their brother, Number Five, who travels through time and warns them of an impending apocalypse. Viktor Hargreeves, played by Elliot Page, is the eldest sibling and leader of the group. He is known as "Number Seven" or "The White Violin." With his violin, he can turn sound into a huge blast of force. It's strong enough to kill people and knock down whole buildings. In the third season, Viktor comes out as a transgender man. This change corresponds with Page's own transition in real life. 

As the siblings work together to prevent the end of the world, they also deal with personal conflicts that drove them apart. 

 

3. Theo Putnam - Chilling Adventures of Sabrina

"Chilling Adventures of Sabrina" is a Netflix show that follows the life of Sabrina Spellman, a half-human, half-witch teenager who has to handle life in the mortal world while she learns to use her powers. It's billed as a supernatural horror-drama, so it can get pretty scary, with plenty of witchcraft and the occult. Still, there's enough comedy and romance in there to win over folks who don't usually do horror.

One of the characters on the show is Theo Putnam, who is a Trans guy. Theo is also a part of Baxter High's WICCA club and is one of Sabrina's best friends. He is a kind and supportive friend to Sabrina and the other characters. The show is a fun, tense mix of magic and growing-up drama, and Theo is a well-written, important part of the cast.

 

4. Micah Lee - L Word: Generation Q

"The L Word: Generation Q" is the sequel to the original "The L Word" series. It follows a new generation of LGBTQ+ characters in Los Angeles as they figure out love, friendships, and their careers. The show features returning characters from the original series, including Bette Porter, Alice Pieszecki, and Shane McCutcheon, as well as new characters like Dani Nùñez and Micah Lee. Micah Lee is the show’s primary trans character. He is an educator and therapist who's working through his identity and relationships while trying to make the world a little better.

The show explores themes of identity, intersectionality, and social justice and includes storylines involving activism, the LGBTQ+ community, and how the entertainment industry is changing. Michah's role is played by actor Leo Sheng.

 

5. Buck Vu - The OA

The OA is a television series about a woman named Prairie Johnson, "the OA" who reappears after being missing for seven years. Upon her return, she enlists the help of five people from her hometown on a mission to save other missing people. The show explores themes of identity, trauma, and the power of belief as Prairie tells the story of her past and her search to find and rescue others.

Buck Vu is a high school student and is one of the five people chosen by Prairie Johnson to help her on her mission. Buck is trans and struggles with his identity, as his peers often bully him. Despite this, he is a kind and compassionate person who can see the good in others.

Buck is initially skeptical of Johnson’s claims and her mission but becomes a loyal and supportive ally as he learns more about her past and her powers. He also becomes close friends with the other group members and plays a key role in helping them carry out The OA's plan. In the show, the character Buck Vu is portrayed by Ian Alexander, who also identifies as trans and nonbinary. 

 

6. James Sullivan - The Politician

"The Politician" is a Netflix show that follows the ambitious and scheming Payton Hobart (played by Ben Platt) as he claws his way through cutthroat politics. One of the standout characters on the show is Theo Germaine's character, James Sullivan. James is Payton's campaign manager and is often by his side as they strategize and scheme their way to the top. James is a trans man, and Theo Germaine gives him real depth. He is smart, driven, and fiercely loyal to Payton, but he also has his own goals and motivations.

Overall, "The Politician" is a fast-paced and entertaining show, and Theo Germaine's portrayal of James is a highlight. If you're a fan of political drama, this show is definitely worth checking out.

 

7. Matthew - Party of Five (2020)

"Party of Five" is a 2020 TV show that follows the lives of the Acosta family, who are trying to hold it together after their parents are deported to Mexico. The show is a modern take on the 1990s series of the same name and deals with themes of immigration, family, and the American Dream. The show stars Brandon Larracuente as Emilio, the eldest brother who must now step up and become the head of the household. Emilio’s best friend, Matthew, an undocumented trans man, is a recurring character who is also figuring out his own life and identity. He is a charming and ambitious young man who wants to help the Acosta family but also has his own personal struggles. The actor who plays Matthew, Garcia, identifies as non-binary and has been praised for their performance on the show.

This is definitely a show that deals with some heavy themes, but it also has its fair share of humor and lighthearted moments. The dynamic between the Acosta siblings and their friends, like Matthew, adds depth and humor to the show. Plus, including characters like Matthew, who is both undocumented and trans, brings important perspectives and representation to the screen. It's definitely worth a watch!

 

We're finally starting to see more trans people on screen. These seven shows run from comedy to drama. They're fun to watch, and they also put trans guy stories out there. Representation matters. People who rarely see themselves on TV deserve to. It feels good to see more trans men on screen. It gives our communities a voice, and it can chip away at stereotypes and bad ideas about us. It's a reminder that trans people exist, and that we have hopes, fears, and dreams like anyone else. Real representation and visibility are long overdue.

 

 

 

 

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