Premium Content:

Actor Tommy Dorfman announces she's transgender

Actor Tommy Dorfman has announced that she’s affirmed her gender and will no longer be taking on male roles.

- Advertisement -

“Thrilled to reintroduce myself as the woman I am today. My pronouns are she/her.” Dorfman shared in an Instagram post this week.

The actor is best known for the television series 13 Reasons Why where she played Ryan Shaver. Dorfman has also appeared on Jane the Virgin, American Princess, and Love, Victor. 

“I’m especially grateful to every single trans person who walked this path, broke down barriers, and risked their lives to live authentically and radically as themselves before me. thank you to all the trans woman that showed me who I am, how to live, celebrate myself, and take up space in this world.” Dorfman said on Instagram.

Speaking to TIME magazine the actor said they would not be changing their name.

“I’m named after my mom’s brother who passed a month after I was born, and I feel very connected to that name, to an uncle who held me as he was dying,” Dorfman added. “This is an evolution of Tommy. I’m becoming more Tommy.”

The actor is taking on their first female role in Lena Dunham’s upcoming film Sharp Stick. 

Dorfman also shared that transitioning had affected her relationship with husband Peter Zurkuhlen.

“I was in a nine-year relationship in which I was thought of as a more male-bodied person, with a gay man. I love him so much, but we’ve been learning that as a trans woman, what I’m interested in is not necessarily reflected in a gay man. So we’ve had incredible conversations to redefine our relationship as friends.” Dorfman said.

Zurkuhlen showed his support for Dorfman’s announcement, posting to Instagram; “So much love. You are gorgeous and you are fully you.”

OIP Staff


Do you need some support?

If you are struggling with anxiety or depression, support and counselling are available from:

QLife: 1800 184 527 / qlife.org.au (Webchat 3pm – midnight)
QLife are a counselling and referral service for LGBTQIA+ people.

DISCHARGED: 9364 6909 / waamh.org.au / wearedischarged@gmail.com
Discharged is a trans-led support service with peer support groups for trans and gender diverse folks.

Lifeline: 13 11 14 / lifeline.org.au

Beyondblue: 1300 22 4636 / www.beyondblue.org.au


You can support our work by subscribing to our Patreon
or contributing to our GoFundMe campaign.

Latest

Fundraising campaign lauched to get the Spectres to the 2026 Gay Games

See what you can do to help them achieve their dream.

Jesse Matheson appointed CEO of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

Matheson has been part of Mardi Gras’ leadership for several years filling many different roles.

On This Gay Day | Raconteur, actor and writer, Quentin Crisp died

Sting wrote a song about him, a film about his life made John Hurt a star, and he had a memorable turn opposite Tilda Swinton in Orlando.

Calls for Moira Deeming to be promoted to Shadow Minister for Women in Victoria

New Liberal leader Jess Wilson is being urged to promote Deeming to the front bench.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Fundraising campaign lauched to get the Spectres to the 2026 Gay Games

See what you can do to help them achieve their dream.

Jesse Matheson appointed CEO of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

Matheson has been part of Mardi Gras’ leadership for several years filling many different roles.

On This Gay Day | Raconteur, actor and writer, Quentin Crisp died

Sting wrote a song about him, a film about his life made John Hurt a star, and he had a memorable turn opposite Tilda Swinton in Orlando.

Calls for Moira Deeming to be promoted to Shadow Minister for Women in Victoria

New Liberal leader Jess Wilson is being urged to promote Deeming to the front bench.

NSW Liberal leader Mark Speakman steps down

Kellie Sloane is set to become the new leader.

Fundraising campaign lauched to get the Spectres to the 2026 Gay Games

See what you can do to help them achieve their dream.

Jesse Matheson appointed CEO of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

Matheson has been part of Mardi Gras’ leadership for several years filling many different roles.

On This Gay Day | Raconteur, actor and writer, Quentin Crisp died

Sting wrote a song about him, a film about his life made John Hurt a star, and he had a memorable turn opposite Tilda Swinton in Orlando.