Hunter Schafer, an American actress, supermodel, and LGBTQ+ rights activist, has gained significant recognition for her role as Jules Vaughn in HBO's Euphoria. Born on December 31, 1998, in Trenton, New Jersey, Schafer came out as transgender in ninth grade. Her family, including her parents, Reverend Dr. Mac Schafer and Katy Schafer, and her three younger siblings, moved between churches and congregations in New Jersey and Arizona before settling in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Schafer's early life and journey as a trans woman have been well-documented. Her parents registered her gender as male at birth, but she began exhibiting feminine behaviour at a young age. At three, she preferred wearing a pink dress to school, and by seventh grade, she told her parents she was a gay boy. However, it wasn't until ninth grade that she came out as a transgender girl after being diagnosed with gender dysphoria. Schafer has credited the internet, including YouTube and social media, with helping her learn about people's transition journeys.
After her 18th birthday, Schafer underwent a surgical procedure to become female, followed by hormone therapy to make her body appear more feminine. She has used the pronouns she/her since coming out and prefers the title Mx. Schafer, an alternative to gendered honorifics. Schafer's experiences as a trans woman have informed her activism, including her fight against North Carolina's bathroom bill in 2017. As a plaintiff in the ACLU's lawsuit, she argued that the bill put trans people at risk.
Before landing a role in Euphoria, Schafer was already a renowned fashion model, having worked with high-end brands like Dior, Miu Miu, and Marc Jacobs. She has also been in the public eye as an LGBTQ activist, using her platform to raise awareness about trans issues. Schafer made her acting debut as Jules Vaughn in Euphoria, a role that has helped her gain widespread recognition. She has since co-written and co-produced an episode of the show.
Schafer's profile has continued to rise, with roles in films like The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023), where she played Tigris. Her personal life has also been subject to media attention, including her relationships with Dominic Fike and Rosalia. Despite facing challenges, including issues with her passport, Schafer has remained committed to her identity and activism.
Schafer's commitment to her identity and activism has been evident in her response to challenges. In 2025, her replacement passport was issued with a male gender marker, despite her checking "female" on the application. She responded by stating she would "never stop being trans." This incident highlights the ongoing struggles faced by trans individuals and Schafer's determination to advocate for trans rights.
Today, Schafer continues to be a prominent figure in entertainment and activism. Her journey as a trans woman and LGBTQ+ rights activist has inspired many, and her work in film and television has helped raise awareness about trans issues. With her continued advocacy and dedication to her craft, Schafer is sure to remain a respected and influential figure in the years to come.
Key points
- Hunter Schafer is a renowned supermodel, actress, and LGBTQ+ rights activist who has gained significant recognition for her role in HBO's Euphoria.
- Schafer came out as transgender in ninth grade and has since become a prominent voice in the trans community, using her platform to raise awareness about trans issues.
- Schafer has used her experiences as a trans woman to inform her activism, including her fight against North Carolina's bathroom bill and her advocacy for trans rights.
