
James Barry
1789 – 1865
Dr. James Barry was a pioneering military surgeon in the 19th century, known for advancing medical practices and performing one of the first recorded Caesarean sections in which both mother and child survived. Barry, who was assigned female at birth, lived as a man throughout his life, a fact only discovered after his death. As an outspoken advocate for improved sanitation and medical conditions for soldiers and civilians alike, Barry challenged the norm of his era in both medicine and defy gender expectations. His life remains an inspiring testament to the contributions of transgender and gender non-conforming people in the field of medicine and beyond.

William Dorsey Swann
1860 – 1925 No known pictures of Swann. Depicted is a pair of actors, one dressed in drag.
William Dorsey Swann was a pioneering figure in LGBTQ+ history, recognised as the first person to self-identify as a “queen of drag” and to organise drag balls in Washington, D.C. during the late 19th century. Swann created spaces for black, queer individuals to celebrate their identities and build a community despite the dangers posed by the social and political climate of the time. Having been arrested multiple times for the heinous crime of daring to live his life, Swann petitioned President Grover Cleveland for a pardon. President Cleveland ultimately declined, but this stands as one of the earliest recorded legal defences of LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. Born into slavery, Swann’s journey from oppression to fierce activism is a powerful reminder that people of colour have always played a vital and powerful role in fighting for LGBTQ+ visibility and acceptance.

April Ashley
1935 – 2021
April Ashley was a pioneering English model, actress, and one of the first British people to undergo gender affirming-surgery. Born in 1935, she became a successful model in the 1960s, gracing magazine covers and moving in celebrity circles. Her career faced challenges when her identity as a trans woman was exposed by a British tabloid. Despite this, she went on to advocate for trans visibility and acceptance, using her fame and platform to bring the conversation of trans rights to the public eye. This work has secured her place as one of the earliest trailblazers to fight for legal recognition of trans individuals in the UK, making her a powerful symbol of resilience in the UK trans rights movement.

Sasha Colby
1984 – Present
Sasha Colby, a celebrated Hawaiian American drag performer and trans woman, has made waves in the world of drag with her talent and advocacy for trans rights. She won the prestigious Miss Continental pageant in 2012 and later went on to win RuPauls Drag Race season 15 in 2023. Sasha has used her platform to share her experiences as a trans woman to champion the visibility of trans people, especially trans women of colour. With her Hawaiian heritage woven into her performances, along with her dance artistry and authenticity, Sasha embodies her philosophy: 'This is not a dress rehearsal, honey, this is life. Her impact extends beyond performances, as she continues to inspire other by advocating for self-love and acceptance within the LGBTQ+ community.