With the advocacy of self-confidence and importance of people remaining true to themselves prevailing throughout the media, celebrities have publically highlighted their transition to becoming transgender.

An individual who is transgender is defined as a person whose biological sex does not equal the gender identity that he or she associates with. To fix this, individuals undergo a gender-change so they can feel like they are being true to whom they really are.

Notorious reality star and former Olympic gold medalist, Bruce Jenner, recently entered the limelight as rumors of his desire to become a woman have spread rampantly. Jenner’s mother, Esther, confirmed these rumors to be true, asserting she is “more proud of him now than when he stood up on that podium and put the gold medal around his neck,” according to an interview with Radaronline. She goes on to verify that his transition will be broadcasted and hopes her son’s bravery will be an inspiration to others.

Jenner is not the first celebrity to be publicized undergoing the transition to becoming transgender. In fact, stars such as Laverne Cox (Orange is the New Black), Ian Harvie (Amazon Primes, Transparent), and Alexis Arquette (The Wedding Singer) are all openly transgender and examples for those uncomfortable in their own skin. Sophomore Samantha Kublin conveys, “It is truly inspiring for these actors to be able to be themselves, especially in a day and age where everyone is quick to judge people.”

Furthermore, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are fully supportive of their eight-year-old daughter, Shiloh, electing to wear suits to red carpet events and her wish to be addressed by the name John. In a 2010 interview with Vanity Fair, Jolie opens up about her daughter’s intention to self-identify: “She wants to be a boy, so we cut her hair. She likes to wear boys’ everything. She thinks she’s one of the brothers.”

Additionally, various models established for their beauty are forthrightly transgender. These include America’s Next Top Model competitor, Isis King, as well as Canadian model and Miss Universe contestant, Jenna Talackova.

Typically, the infamous celebrity known for his decision to become a transgender man is Sonny and Cher Bono’s son, Chaz. Throughout 2008 and 2010, Bono underwent his transformation to becoming a man and has been in the spotlight ever since. When asked about his decision, Bono responded saying “I felt like my body was betraying me, because I went from a very athletic, straight-up-and-down little kid to a curvaceous woman, and it was just horrifying to me.”

Fox’s hit TV show, Glee, acknowledged for embracing and encouraging diversity as well as one’s genuine self, has recently tackled this ambiguous topic of transgender. A well-liked and respected character, Shannon Beiste, continuously uncomfortable and off put by herself, underwent procedural actions to transform into a man. Beiste encountered unconditional support as well as heinous ridicule. The show brought in 300 transgender people in order to show Beiste she was not alone and to hopefully deliver the same message to those watching at home.

As acceptance of gay and lesbian relationships evolves, many wish to see the same with transgender men and women. In a society that prides itself on progress, this conformity seems nearly inevitable.