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Trace  Lysette

Trace Lysette

Executive Producer, Trans in Trumpland, Actress, Transparent & LGBTQ+ Advocate

Trace Lysette

Executive Producer, Trans in Trumpland, Actress, Transparent & LGBTQ+ Advocate

Biography

Trace Lysette is a dynamic and talented actress known for her remarkable contributions to the entertainment industry and has emerged as a powerful voice and a beacon of representation for transgender individuals in Hollywood.

Trace stars in the critically acclaimed film Monica opposite Patricia Clarkson and directed by Andrea Pallaoro. Trace plays the title character, a transgender woman who reunites and uneasily reconciles with her estranged family as they care for their ailing mother (Clarkson), who doesn’t recognize her daughter at first. The film has garnered rave reviews after receiving over an eleven-minute standing ovation at the Venice International Film Festival last year. 

With an unwavering passion for performing arts from an early age, Trace embarked on a journey to pursue her dreams in the entertainment industry. After completing her education, she moved to New York City, where she honed her acting skills and began making waves in the ballroom scene.

Trace's breakthrough came when she was cast in the groundbreaking Amazon series Transparent. In the show Trace portrayed the role of “Shea,” a vibrant and resilient trans woman navigating the complexities of her identity within a family undergoing their own transformative experiences. Trace's exceptional portrayal of “Shea” earned her critical acclaim and marked a pivotal moment for transgender representation in mainstream media.

Following her success on Transparent, Trace’s career continued to soar. She showcased her versatility and range in various television shows, including appearances on Quantum Leap, Pose, David Makes Man, Blunt Talk, Drunk History, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Midnight, Texas. Her magnetic presence and ability to bring depth to her characters quickly made her a sought-after actress in the industry.
In addition to her television work, Trace has also made an impact on the big screen. She starred alongside Jennifer Lopez in the film Hustler, directed by Lorene Scafaria. Trace also starred in the independent film Venus As a Boy, directed by Ty Hodges. Her performances consistently captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression.

Beyond her acting accomplishments, Trace has become an influential advocate for trans rights and representation. She fearlessly uses her platform to raise awareness about the issues faced by the transgender community and promotes inclusivity and acceptance. Her activism has made a significant impact, inspiring positive change within the industry and society as a whole.

With her undeniable talent, fierce determination and unwavering authenticity, Trace Lysette has become a trailblazer and role model for aspiring actors and transgender individuals around the world. Her contributions to both the screen and the larger cultural conversation have cemented her as an influential figure, and her continued success promises an exciting future filled with groundbreaking performances and inspiring advocacy.

Speaker Videos

Journey to "Transparent"

Finding a Purpose in Life

Call to Action at the GLAAD Media Awards

Speech Topics

A Conversation with Trace Lysette