Let’s be honest: pop culture is one of the most powerful tools for changing hearts, minds, and even laws. Whether it’s Will & Grace helping normalize gay relationships or Modern Family quietly planting the seed for marriage equality, TV shows and movies have proven time and again that they can shift the cultural needle in ways protests and politics sometimes can’t.

But that progress didn’t come easy—especially when you consider the fucking disaster that was the Hays Hollywood Production Code of 1930. Before we dive into how TV and movies are laying the groundwork for trans acceptance today, let’s rewind and talk about the Hays Code, why it was both important and straight-up damaging, and how its impact lingers like a bad hangover.

The Hays Hollywood Production Code, enforced from 1934 to 1968, was basically the fun police for American movies. This set of moral guidelines dictated what could and couldn’t be shown on screen, and spoiler alert: anything remotely queer or trans got fucking nuked. The code outlawed "sex perversion," which was the code's oh-so-classy way of saying, "no LGBTQ+ characters, relationships, or even hints of queerness allowed."

In a weird, twisted way, the Hays Code showed how powerful media really is. The people in charge—religious groups, politicians, and general busybodies—were terrified of movies corrupting America’s moral fabric. They knew pop culture could shape how people thought about sex, gender, and relationships, so they clamped down hard to keep things “pure.”

The Hays Code didn’t just silence LGBTQ+ voices—it erased them. Queer characters disappeared from mainstream media entirely or were reduced to villains, comic relief, or tragic figures. If a character’s queerness was hinted at, they usually met a bad end (looking at you, Rebecca). This sh*t sent a loud and clear message: queerness is dangerous, immoral, and not worthy of a happy ending.

The code created a cultural vacuum that reinforced bigotry for decades. Even after it was officially scrapped, its influence stuck around like gum on a fucking shoe, shaping Hollywood’s reluctance to fully embrace LGBTQ+ representation.

Fast forward to today, and it’s clear we’ve come a long way since the Hays Code-era bullshit. But make no mistake—this didn’t happen by accident. Queer and trans creators had to claw their way back into the spotlight, fighting a system that was rigged against them from the start.

The rise of independent cinema, cable TV, and streaming platforms cracked Hollywood’s stranglehold on representation. Suddenly, stories that were too “controversial” for mainstream studios had a chance to shine. And guess what? Audiences ate that sh*t up.

Before we dive into the current landscape for trans representation, let’s give credit where it’s due: Will & Grace and Modern Family were cultural game-changers. These shows took the taboo topic of gay relationships and made them funny, relatable, and downright lovable.

Both shows had broad appeal, thanks to their humor and well-written characters. They didn’t preach—they entertained. But in doing so, they sneaked in messages of acceptance, love, and normalcy. For millions of viewers, these weren’t just TV characters—they were friends, family members, and co-workers. That’s the magic of representation: it takes the “other” and makes it feel familiar.

It’s no coincidence that the legalization of gay marriage aligned with the peak popularity of shows like Modern Family. Pop culture doesn’t just reflect society—it shapes it. These shows laid the groundwork for broader acceptance, proving that representation isn’t just nice to have—it’s fucking necessary.

So, what about trans representation? Who’s picking up the torch and building the overstory for trans acceptance? While the progress is slower, it’s happening. And like the trailblazers before them, today’s creators are using TV and movies to fuck with the status quo.

If there’s a Will & Grace for trans people, it’s Pose. This groundbreaking series didn’t just include trans characters—it centered them, showing their struggles, triumphs, and unparalleled resilience in the 1980s and ’90s ball culture. MJ Rodriguez, Dominique Jackson, and Indya Moore gave us unforgettable performances, proving that trans actors can and should lead major productions.

Hunter Schafer’s Jules is one of the most complex, layered trans characters we’ve seen in years. Euphoria doesn’t treat her trans identity as her entire story—it’s just one part of a beautifully chaotic, glitter-covered teenage existence.

Disclosure (Netflix) unpacks Hollywood’s history of sh*tting on trans people while showcasing the incredible strides trans creators are making today. It’s a must-watch if you want to understand why representation is so fucking important.

While TV is leading the charge, films are also stepping up to the plate. Here are some standouts:

While it’s flawed (seriously, could we cast an actual trans actor next time?), this movie put the story of Lili Elbe, one of the first recipients of gender-affirming surgery, into the mainstream spotlight.

Starring Daniela Vega, this Oscar-winning film is a stunning portrayal of a trans woman navigating grief and transphobia. It’s raw, emotional, and utterly unforgettable.

Shot on an iPhone, Tangerine is a gritty, hilarious look at the lives of two trans sex workers. It’s real, unpolished, and unapologetically authentic.

The Hays Code may be long gone, but its shadow still looms. Hollywood is still hesitant to fully embrace trans stories, and transphobia is alive and well in both the industry and society at large. But the tide is turning, and here’s what we need to see next:

TV and movies have always been at the forefront of cultural change, from breaking the Hays Code’s stranglehold on queer representation to normalizing gay relationships through Will & Grace and Modern Family. Now, it’s trans people’s turn to take the spotlight—and pop culture is already paving the way.

Whether it’s Pose, Euphoria, or indie gems like Tangerine, these stories are laying the groundwork for a future where trans acceptance isn’t just a dream—it’s reality. So, let’s demand more. More representation, more diversity, and more stories that fucking matter. Because when pop culture shifts, the world follows. Every. Damn. Time.