From Past to Present: Transgender Icons That Have Shaped History

2. April Ashley

April Ashley was a true pioneer who, during the ’60s, gave a real face to the trans community in Britain. Born George Jamieson, the trans star was a model and actress, mostly active in Paris. Ashley suffered for many years from frail health but joined the Merchant Navy at 16, presumably as an attempt to follow in her father’s footsteps.

After her stint in the military, she moved to Paris and entered the entertainment industry. There she performed as a model and actress and even once again saved up enough money to have gender reassignment surgery. Ashely’s story was outed against her will in an article in the British magazine “Sunday People.” Though initially damaging, she unknowingly contributed to a more accepting world.