Trace Lysette

Trace Lysette is an American actress best known for her roles as Shea on the Amazon Video web television series "Transparent" and Tracey in the crime drama "Hustlers." Lysette is one of the first trans people to appear as a non-transgender person on prime time television in a speaking role.

Lysette’s television debut was a guest appearance in an episode of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" where she appeared as the first trans person in a non-trans speaking role on primetime television. She has also appeared in guest roles in shows such as "Blunt Talk," "Drunk History," and the documentary series "I Am Cait." Her television credits have expanded to include appearances in "Quantum Leap," "Pose," "David Makes Man," and "Midnight, Texas."

After working in non-transgender roles, Lysette chose to come out during her audition for the Amazon series "Transparent." Her role, a transgender yoga teacher named Shea, was written specifically for her by "Transparent" creator Jill Soloway. The third season contains a storyline in which Shea has a romantic relationship with a cisgender heterosexual man, which has been called "a groundbreaking TV moment for a trans character." Most recently, Lysette appeared in "Hustlers," a crime saga starring Jennifer Lopez, released in September 2019, where her past as an exotic dancer informed her role in the film.

In addition to her acting career, Lysette has taken on the role of executive producer for "Trans in Trumpland." She stars in the critically acclaimed film "Monica" opposite Patricia Clarkson, directed by Andrea Pallaoro, for which she received an eleven-minute standing ovation at the Venice International Film Festival. She also starred in the independent film "Venus As a Boy," directed by Ty Hodges. Beyond the screen, Lysette is a vocal advocate for transgender rights and representation, using her platform to promote inclusivity and acceptance. Her activism in the LGBTQ+ community has inspired positive change within the industry and society.