Octavia St. Laurent | Transgender Woman

Octavia St. Laurent was among the most prominent transgender personalities within the Black and Latino communities in New York. She began her career in 1982, working in New York’s ballroom scene. She gained prominence in 1990 when she became the central figure in the documentary Paris Is Burning, detailing New York’s ball culture. Banking on this success, she appeared in a minor role in The Saint of Fort Washington in 1993. On another note, she was featured again in two documentaries in 1993 and 2006. She also starred in films such as How Do I Look and Disclosure.

Aside from acting, she used her newfound fame to raise awareness about LGBT rights. She has poured out big loads of investments into her advocacies. She is one of the icons who championed equal rights for numerous members of the community. Throughout the years, her legacy in both entertainment and philanthropy continues to live on.